Editing, Craft, Book Reviewing & AI: Ekta Garg on Writing and Publishing
About this episode
Ekta Garg discusses the writing and publishing journey, focusing on editing stages, manuscript assessments, and the impact of AI on creative work.
Host Edith welcomes returning guest Ekta Garg—author, editor, and book reviewer—to discuss the writing and publishing journey. Ekta explains editing stages (developmental editing, line/copy editing, proofreading) and shares that she now offers manuscript assessments focused on character, dialogue, plot, tension, and conflict. She advises writers to finish a draft, step away for at least a month, revise multiple times, and clarify themes and a short pitch before paying for professional editing. Ekta recommends reading widely, informally reviewing books to train craft awareness, and writing consistently while letting author voice develop over time; she also encourages experimenting with flash fiction, short forms, and poetry to build precision. The conversation addresses concerns about AI in creative work, its environmental impact, and the value of human community. Ekta also describes how she selects and schedules reviews using NetGalley ARCs and emphasizes persistence and community as keys to publishing. 00:00 Welcome Back Ekta 01:15 Editing Services Overview 03:57 Types of Editors Explained 05:09 When to Hire an Editor 09:43 Tools and Organization Tips 10:46 Toughest Editing…
More episodes of Book Lover's Companion - The English Version
- Historical Heroines: Behind the Scenes of Feisty Deeds Anthologies
- Inside the Editor's Mind: Literary Thrills with Jennica Dotson
- Crafting Happiness: The Joyful Mission of Kate Hull's Books
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Book Lover's Companion - The English Version podcast page.