fiction

What’s editing anyway? Part 3

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What’s editing anyway? Part 3 How an unsaid hierarchy between reporters and editors created a rift between two friends I remember a conversation I had with a friend when we were studying journalism together. Anjum* was an aspiring reporter who was known for his humility and love for films. I don’t recall the exact conversation but something he said indicated that he viewed editing as inferior to reporting. It was only later I sensed that … Read more What’s editing anyway? Part 3

Will I get published?

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Will I get published? I was recently talking to a writer whose work I really admire. Like most writers, he juggles many roles. Apart from writing novels, he runs a small publishing house with his friend. He also writes screenplays and provides digital marketing services. When the man asked my friendly opinion on where should he submit his manuscript, I said apart from the usual biggies, there were a few upcoming publishers he could consider. … Read more Will I get published?

So you want to publish your book as soon as possible

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So you want to publish your book as soon as possible The best time to publish depends on the needs of the author and the book Many writers I work with have the same concern. When I ask them, when do you want to publish this latest by,  they tell me, ‘I want it out asap.’ However, what they fail to tell me is the reason it should be published as soon as possible. Is … Read more So you want to publish your book as soon as possible

How to be in awe?

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How to be in awe? A few years ago, I met a writer in a city that was new to me. Although usually I ask writers what is their book about, their aims apart from getting published and the like, this conversation was different. The writer wasn’t asking for publishing support and the chat retained a friendly tone. Within 30 minutes, we touched upon our interests. A little bit of this and a little bit … Read more How to be in awe?

What’s editing anyway? Part 2

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What’s editing anyway? Part 2 A few years ago, I was hanging out with a group of six people, including me and my date. I barely knew anyone there apart from my date and was very uncomfortable being in my skin. When deciding what to order, I would wait for others to take a call and say yes to the majority. When we started to eat, I made the face of a child high on … Read more What’s editing anyway? Part 2