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 Challenges

13:26 How to Build Writing Craft

17:31 Finding Your Author Voice

20:38 Short Forms to Improve

24:24 AI and Creative Integrity

29:25 AI in Schools and Society

32:27 Staying Informed About AI

33:55 AI Temptation Trap

35:57 Writers Need Humans

37:12 AI Echoes Blind Spots

39:10 Reading Builds Empathy

40:40 Books Scarier Than Film

44:41 Choosing Books To Review

48:13 Reading Formats And Habits

50:43 Getting Into Audiobooks

54:27 Publishing Takes Persistence

58:49 Final Thanks And Signoff

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