By N.S. Rajan, Author of GO WEST ODYSSEY
I have always been fond of writing. Back in the early 1950s, during my college days, I began contributing to our college magazine. Over the years, I continued writing short pieces, stories, essays on Hindi film music, and travel reflections. Today, I also write for my blog.
However, through all these years, I nurtured a quiet dream, to become the author of a published book. For a long time, this dream remained distant and unfulfilled.
A Chance Encounter That Changed Everything
Out of the blue, I came across an article on composer Sachin Dev Burman written by Antara Nanda Mondal, Editor-in-Chief of Learning and Creativity and Consulting Editor at Silhouette Magazine.
What caught my attention was not just the article, but also the magazine’s open invitation to writers to contribute their work.
Motivated by this, I submitted my essay on Hindi film composer Sajjad Husain. Not only was it published, but Antara also sent me a thoughtful note of appreciation. That encouragement was truly a turning point; it gave me the confidence to keep writing.
Soon, more of my articles on Hindi film music, travel, musings, and even a short story were published across Silhouette and Learning and Creativity.
From Manuscript to Book: A Dream Revived
As I mentioned earlier, I had long dreamed of writing a book. After a visit to the United States, I had written extensively about my experiences and impressions. However, that manuscript, despite my enthusiasm, was eventually set aside and left untouched for years.
My association with Antara and the continued encouragement through my published writings prompted me to revisit that dream. I shared the idea of turning my manuscript into a book with her.
Her response was immediate and encouraging; she asked me to send the manuscript.
What followed was truly transformative.
The Blue Pencil Publishing Journey
Antara saw the potential in my long narrative and envisioned it as a travel book. With great enthusiasm and dedication, she and her team at Blue Pencil worked closely with me to shape the manuscript into something far more refined and impactful.
For nearly six months, we worked tirelessly. She would reach out at all hours, sometimes at 6 a.m., sometimes late at night, seeking clarifications, refining passages, restructuring chapters, and improving the overall flow. I, too, rewrote sections to enhance clarity and appeal.
What began as a spiral-bound manuscript slowly evolved into something far beyond my expectations.
Crafting a Coffee Table Masterpiece
One of the most remarkable aspects of this journey was the visual transformation of the book.
Antara personally reviewed hundreds of photographs and carefully selected around 200 images to include. This elevated the book significantly. I had initially imagined a simple paperback, but what I received was an elegant, illustrated hardcover coffee table book.
The final result, with its striking blue motif and refined design, truly took my breath away.
A Team That Truly Supports Authors
The entire team at Blue Pencil was exceptional. I had the opportunity to interact closely with Kriti Mishra and Anurag Negi, both of whom provided unwavering support and guidance throughout the process.
From editing to design to post-publishing efforts, the team demonstrated professionalism, dedication, and a genuine commitment to quality.
Why Every Writer Needs a Good Editor
For aspiring authors, the role of a good editor cannot be overstated. Writing a book is not just about storytelling; it is about structure, consistency, and clarity.
Writers often get deeply immersed in their narratives. In doing so, they may unintentionally introduce inconsistencies, overlook details, or allow personal biases to affect character development.
A skilled editor identifies these gaps, smoothens the narrative flow, and ensures that the final manuscript is cohesive and engaging.
I experienced this firsthand. The guidance and meticulous attention provided by Antara significantly enhanced the quality of my book.
A Dream Fulfilled
The final product was everything I had hoped for and more. It fulfilled a dream I had carried for decades.
If I ever decide to write another book, I know I won’t have to look beyond Blue Pencil.
A Note of Gratitude
We sincerely thank N.S. Rajan for sharing such a heartfelt account of his journey with us. It means a great deal to be a part of an author’s dream and to help bring their story to life.
Ready to Turn Your Manuscript into a Book?
If you’ve been holding on to a manuscript, an idea, or a dream of becoming an author, this is your sign to take the next step.
At Blue Pencil, we help you transform your writing into a professionally crafted book.
Send us your manuscript today, and let’s turn your dream into a published reality.
