Editor Explains Yamini Kaul #WritingResourcesByIndy @YaminiKaul

This editor explains series and pretty much everything on the blog has been in limbo.

A swollen knuckle, repeat tennis elbow, probably carpal tunnel and an eye bleed all within one year. Yes, it wasn’t a pretty picture of the eye, but it looked worse than it was.

This has always been a place for books, writers and authors, but this year books, writing and editing have been absent.

I must be quite dumb to not take these as signals from the universe to slow down. I took it easy, hence the delay in this editing series interview that has been in the works since 2023! Sigh! But I’ve recovered as much as I can at my age, or rather my middle age.

I’m continuing the editing series and the author series for the tremendously supportive authors and writers and the ICF community.

I am going to share my book reviews as well and not just the snippets on Instagram. In case you didn’t, do follow me on Instagram for the latest on my Tsundoku.

Today I feature a sweet, witty, talented editor, Yamini Kaul. We’ve met a few times during the ICF meetings and I am impressed with her talent and insights each time.

Welcome to the blog, Yamini and thank you for sharing your editing insights.

Q1. What pulled you into the field of editing?
Ans—I have been a voracious reader for as long as I can remember. During my school years, I took to languages, Hindi & English, as fish to water. Beyond these two being the subjects we were taught in school, I enjoyed reading literature in both languages and with time, developed a discerning eye regarding what I was reading. Though my professional journey began as a content writer, the expertise that I’ve developed over the years, thanks to my reading habit, made it easy for me to transform into an editor.

Q2. What levels of editing do you offer? What are your favourite genres to work with?
Ans—My editing services include structural editing, line-editing, copy-editing and proofreading. Although I enjoy working across the spectrum, two of my favourite genres for editing are non-fiction and memoirs.

Q3. Tell us about your typical workday.
Ans—My day usually begins at 5 am and after everything else, I sit down for the first lot of work at around 10 am. First thing I do is prepare my to-do list for the day, which includes anything pending from the previous day. I set about working, which could be either writing or editing, straightaway for the next 3 hours, with a 15-minute break around 11.40 am. After lunch, I sit down for a second bout of work from 3 to 6 pm, after which I spend time catching up with my son’s day’s activities, including his school work. I avoid working late into the night but, more often than not, there is some emergency task that needs my attention before I call it a day at 11.30 pm.

Q4. Editors are usually voracious readers and book lovers. Are you a one or multi-book reader? What are you reading right now?
Ans— Couldn’t agree more with that statement! I like to read one book at a time. Right now, I am reading a book called “The Betrayal of Anne Frank: A Cold Case Investigation” by the Canadian poet/biographer/anthologist Rosemary Sullivan. I love reading history (both fiction/non-fiction), especially centred around World War II.

Q5. How do you sustain interest in even the most mundane aspects of editing—proofreading, fact-checking, source-checking, etc?
Ans—I take short breaks in between my 3-hour work schedule. Even if it is getting up from my chair and walking around the house for 5 minutes, the break helps me get over the feeling of monotony. Moreover, I like listening to music in the background, while doing my editing work, which keeps me energised. But, most of all, what keeps me glued to my work, is the fact that I genuinely want to learn more about the task at hand. For instance, if I am writing or editing an article on money laundering, I would like to clarify my doubts regarding the content hand-to-hand. This involves reading more about the topic, consulting references, and gaining a fresh outlook on it.

Q6. Share about your most confounding editing assignment to date. How has it affected you as an editor?
Ans—For me, every workday is a learning experience, which I always take into my stride because it teaches me how to be better at my job. As for the most confounding assignment, it would have to be the time when I was asked to edit a long article written by one of the senior officials in government during my time as a Consultant. I had to edit the article without making it evident to the concerned official. It was a Herculean task, no doubt, but I managed somehow. Phew!!

Q7. Please share one pro tip for your writers. OR What advice would you give writers trying to pitch stories for publications?
Ans—It starts with reading. Read as much as you can and don’t compartmentalize your reading choices. Read everything that you can get your hands on. Whether it is a daily newspaper, a magazine, a journal, or a book, read it up. Because you would end up learning more, irrespective of the fact whether the reading material is good or bad. Also, don’t shy away from consulting references online. With time, you will learn which websites/sources to trust.

Q8. Where can writers reach you for editing queries?
Ans—I can be reached on my email—[email protected]

Thank you for the interview, Yamini. It is always a pleasure to meet and chat with you. I wish you brilliant success in your work and life. Let’s plan to meet soon during the next ICF meeting.

If an author or editor wishes to be featured in the #EditorExplains Series as an editor or #AuthorAnswers Series on the blog, DM me and I’ll make it happen.

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