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Discover the Editor in You: Copyediting as a career

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About the Book

Discover the Editor in You answers a number of critical questions related to copyediting as a

What makes for a great copyeditor?
What does the work entail and how does one start?
What keeps copyeditors motivated?
What kind of professional and personal qualities do you need to succeed at
copyediting?
What are the future possibilities in this line of work?

The book consists of first-hand accounts by individuals with decades of experience in the field. It will help you understand how copyediting could be a fulfilling career for you if you
• on the verge of taking up copyediting as a career and need information from authentic sources,
• an individual interested in making a career switch to copyediting and need to know what it really involves today, or
• a budding writer and want to figure out whether you need an editor.

About Indian Copyeditors Forum (ICF)

ICF is an informal Facebook group for Indian editors and its aim is to share knowledge, ideas, thoughts, and resources. Formed on June 28, 2015, the group is managed by Vivek Kumar ( and has 2866 members as of June 18, 2023. ICF has a website ( and is also on LinkedIn ( and Twitter.

ICF encourages freelance and full-time editors (necessarily Indian although exceptions can be made in rare cases) to engage in active networking and hopes to create a culture of meaningful and sustained interaction. The Forum invites editors to share successes and pitfalls of freelancing, provide leads, give warnings (always discreetly), ask questions, and discuss oddly written sentences, other editorial bugbears, and any other professional concerns. In addition to editors, abstractors, designers, indexers, manuscript evaluators, project managers, proofreaders, translators, typesetters, and writers are welcome to join.

282 pages, Paperback

Published June 20, 2023

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About the author

Vivek Kumar

312 books6 followers

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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Profile Image for Nidhi Paralikar.
Author 4 books4 followers
September 3, 2023
This book is an exquisite amalgamation of scholarly insights, practical experiences, and invaluable guidelines on the art of copyediting. Its chapters, authored by industry experts, offer a comprehensive view of the multifaceted nature of copyediting, spanning academic, newspaper, fiction, and more. Vivek Kumar and his team have meticulously curated a treasure trove of wisdom, making this book a compelling resource for both budding and seasoned editors.

One cannot help but hope that this book is just the beginning of a series showcasing the voices of industry experts in India. It fills a void in the literary world, shedding light on the often-underappreciated craft of copyediting.

For those contemplating a career in this field or doubting the need for an editor when they can "correct their own grammar," I wholeheartedly recommend immersing yourself in the pages of this book. It not only underscores the importance of skilled editing but also provides invaluable guidance for those aspiring to excel in this profession.

I eagerly anticipate seeing this book on the shelves of fellow editors, university libraries, and the personal collections of language enthusiasts. "Discover the Editor in You" is a masterpiece that champions the art of refining language, making it a must-read for anyone who wishes to embark on the fascinating journey of becoming an editor.
Profile Image for Sucharita Parija.
240 reviews7 followers
May 30, 2024
Book- Discover The Editor In You:
Copyediting as a Career
Curator- Vivek Kumar

An editor's role is pivotal in shaping a writer's success. A dedicated and skilled editor can guide a writer towards their goals, while a negligent one can hinder their progress. The relationship between an author and a copyeditor is akin to that of a student and a teacher, with the copyeditor playing a crucial role in the writer's journey.

The book is a captivating display of diverse topics related to the editing process by different authors. Each strives to make their write-up a tempting read for the audience. These articles are designed to engage and enlighten readers about editing and its various stages.

The book cover's simple look and title reflect each author's commitment. It carries the author's year-long experience and research on the multifaceted nature of copyediting and the duty of an editor. In addition, this book is a guide for anyone inquisitive in editing to choose a copyeditor's career as an alternate option. The chapter titled "A Brief Guide To Logical and Clear Writing" captivated me greatly as a reader and a writer.
Profile Image for Karin.
Author 6 books162 followers
October 24, 2024
Okay, the title of this book is misleading because you have to read the author/curator's name to really understand what it's about:

Curated by Vivek Kumar ... for Indian Copyeditors Forum (ICF)

Yes, this book is specifically written for people in India who want to get into copyediting. I am NOT in India, but I bought the book so I read the book, and there's still a lot of good information in there! (There's also a lot of information I'll never need or use, so I did skip a few chapters.)

If you're interested in becoming a professional editor, there's a lot of helpful info here. A variety of editors contributed, and they discuss everything from explaining the difference between fiction and nonfiction editing to house style guides to editing for newspapers and even grammar basics. I'm not sure I'd recommend this book to experienced editors, but it's a fabulous resource for new editors who need to understand the industry.

Profile Image for Alka Joshi.
17 reviews3 followers
September 14, 2024
It is a perfect book for aspiring copy editors which will put the first brick in the foundation to grow in this area.

The book navigates from the early days of publishing to the landscape influenced by Artificial Intelligence. Being a multi-author book, the individual author’s useful insights, extensive experience, and hands-on knowledge have covered each dimension of copyediting. Curated information about the publishing domain, industry technicalities, forums and communities, growth opportunities, skill acquisition, and professional certifications are presented in a well-structured way. It makes the book a resourceful read.

Basic knowledge of editing terminology and English grammar is recommended for aspirants from non-literature backgrounds. A common aspect has been emphasized in each chapter that every niche of this skill is acquired over time and dedication towards the craft is required. Detailed explanations such as the fine line between editing and proofreading or the importance of Indexing which is often undermined, showcase the in-depth knowledge of authors.

As a whole sum, the book is thorough and clear in its scope and vision. It will help the readers to get a foothold in this industry and decide on their future specialization. Kudos to the creator to present the book from an aspirant’s perspective.

Looking forward to its upcoming editions in the book series!
Profile Image for Joanne Taylor.
24 reviews1 follower
February 11, 2024
"Discover the Editor in You: Copyediting as a Career" is a must-read for anyone intrigued by the world of editing. It's equally valuable for newcomers eager to explore the opportunities in this diverse field and those considering branching out and acquiring new skills. The book meticulously covers various aspects of editing including how to train, various editorial niches, technique and craft, and allied services like indexing. As a fiction editor, I found the chapter on fiction editing particularly enjoyable – it offers valuable insights into an area that requires both creativity and precision. A great collaborative book blending breadth and depth!
2 reviews
May 26, 2024
I am so glad I picked up this book. This book is very insightful and practical. Not just for editors, it is very useful for authors as well. The best thing about this book is that it has encapsulated the knowledge and experience of not just one but many successful editors. The authors have provided valuable tips, strategies and techniques. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is an editor or a author, or aspiring to be an editor or author. Not to be missed
Profile Image for Shanu Shah.
17 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2024
Very informative information available

I believe everyone interested in pursuing their career in Editing must read this book. It not only gives information about Editing guidelines but also talks about placement opportunities and shares information where editors can get job freelance or full-time. Language is lucid and easy to understand.
Profile Image for Ankit Agrawal.
Author 8 books1 follower
March 6, 2024
Discover the Editor in You is an invaluable resource for anyone considering a career in copyediting. Through insightful firsthand accounts from seasoned professionals, the book addresses key questions about the role, motivations, and future prospects in the field. Whether you're contemplating a career switch or seeking clarity as a budding writer, this book offers authentic guidance and inspiration. Backed by the Indian Copyeditors Forum, it's a must-read for those looking to embark on a fulfilling journey in the world of editing.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews