PRAISE

 
 

“A lot of people understand my stories and they get the intent, but the wording of it is such a skill. It was a soul-searching trip that we went on together. I can’t imagine that anyone but Chandika could be able to put into words what I have lived. When she reads the chapters back to me, I’m saying, ‘Yes, yes, yes.’” - Dr. Gladys McGarey, author of The Well-Lived Life: A Centenarian Physicians Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Any Age (Atria Books, 2023) — currently translated into 11 languages and counting!

 

“When I initially approached Chandika with the idea for Mother Hunger, I knew I had something important to say, but needed help getting my ideas into a book proposal. Her developmental support helped me refine my proposal for submission, and I ended up with a book deal with a publisher I respect. Now my book is out in the world helping the people who need it. I highly recommend working with Chandika!” – Kelly McDaniel, author of Mother Hunger: How Adult Daughters Can Understand and Heal from Lost Nurturance, Protection and Guidance (Hay House, 2021)

 

“Writing my story of (epic) loss has been both exhilarating and harrowing, to put it mildly. Even the thought of having someone read it—stranger or not—made me queasy at first. So it was with delightful relief to find Chandika as an editor to my manuscript. I felt like I was putting my story in the hands of a warm friend who could handle it with sensitivity and care while also giving me constructive feedback in a skillful way. If the process of writing a memoir is to be cathartic and healing, having an editorial companion to tenderly midwife it into shape is invaluable. It’s been a pleasure to work with Chandika and I recommend her without hesitation.” - Teri Dillion, author of No Pressure, No Diamonds: Mining for Gifts in Illness and Loss (Pomegranate Press, 2020)

 

"Chandika is a wonderful, experienced editor! I first worked with her on my memoir and its proposal, then turned to her again for the proposal for a second book. She got the many dimensions and layers of my memoir right away and with such resonance that I knew I was in the right hands. It is important to me to work with an editor who is not only comfortable with deep spiritual topics but also experienced in those realms, which Chandika most certainly is! She has the gift of seeing a book or proposal for what it wants to be and guides you to envision and create your best work. She is empathic, encouraging, and professional. She approached the delicate aspects of my work with great sensitivity and care. I learned a lot about writing a proposal from her. Her insightful questions, excellent editing skill, and knowledge of the publishing industry are invaluable. I highly recommend Chandika! - Mytrae Meliana, author of Brown Skin Girl: An Indian-American Woman’s Magical Journey from Broken to Beautiful (Blue Leopard Media, 2020)

 

"I had decided after years of debate to embark upon the dream of a lifetime—one of the wildest sorts. I set out to sea with the goal of being published, traditionally. To pull my dirty hull up alongside the shiniest yachts of the world and catch some of that wind.

Enter stern-side a first-rate first mate, Chandika. An editor so wise, so well-wrapped in the world of words, so, so...good, she was able to right my slightly listing vessel. Clarity. Experience. Patience. Just the right amount of push.

What followed was my pick of stellar agents and being published by my first choice publisher. Dreams do come true. Land ahoy!"

-Jorjeana Marie, Actor, Comedian, Writer, and Author of Improv for Writers: 10 Secrets to Help Novelists and Screenwriters Bypass Writer’s Block and Generate Infinite Ideas (Ten Speed Press, 2019)

 


“Chandika pushed and challenged me in all the right ways. She was supportive and encouraging, offered solid advice, and took all of my questions seriously. She also listened to what I wanted in an editor, which was to tell me the truth about my writing/proposal so that I could improve and grow. I wasn't interested in being patted on the head and told how great I am. I wanted my book proposal to have the very best chance of being picked up by the publisher and I am confident that win or lose, my proposal is strong.

I learned so much from Chandika and look forward to working with her in the future.This was a very positive experience from start to finish!

-Stacey Dexter, Writer, Musician and Author of the forthcoming EDDIE: One Dog’s Journey from Hobo to a Home

“Working with Chandika has been a dream. I can speak of her natural professionalism, attention to detail and wonderful work ethic, all of which played an intricate part of our lovely time together. However, what moved me most is how beautifully she listened.  She translated my story and the words I gave over to her while remaining completely connected to who I am and how I sound.  The most valuable gift she gave me was that she found my voice, brilliantly helping me to turn my collective ideas into a book.  I look forward to many more projects with this talented writer.” - MaryAnn DiMarco, author of Medium Mentor: 10 Powerful Techniques to Awaken Divine Guidance for Yourself and Others (New World Library, 2022)

 

“Working with Chandika was an incredible experience, not just for the betterment of my book, but for me as well. I've worked with other editors in the past who paled in comparison. The differences were stark. Chandika was able to match my tone, humor, content, and intent, while simultaneously lifting the entire project to a whole new level of writing. With her guidance and input, my proposal won Honorable Mention in a Hay House Publication Contest and attracted the attention of a fabulous literary agent. Now, I’ve signed with a small publisher.”- Amber Trueblood, MBA, LMFT, and author of The Unflustered Mom: Transform the Way You Partner, Parent, Live and Love (Chicago Review Press, 2023) and Stretch Marks: A Self-Development Tool for Mothers Who are Being Stretched in Every Direction (Morgan James, 2019)

 

“Chandika’s work with us—two very head-strong, outspoken experts in our fields—brought 50+ years of combined professional experiences to life. Her enthusiasm and alignment with the subject matter made her a perfect fit for our project. After hours of getting to know us through discussing desired goals and intentions for the book, she created a knock-it-out-of-the-park outline that nailed our voices, thoughts, and opinions. Her expertise in building the book’s organization was incredible, producing 10 chapters that are well designed, consistent, and thought provoking. Our readers have commented on how well-written and easy the information is to put to use. We know Chandika is a master at her craft as she captured our voices to a tee, leading family and friends to suggest they can hear us talking as they read the words on each page. Her unending support carried us through challenging times. Without her, the book would never have come to fruition. What more could we ask for? We commend her amazing talent and know that, if she can work her magic with us, she can do the same for anyone.” - Elizabeth Wood and Dee Hartmann, authors of The Pleasure Prescription: A Surprising Approach to Healing Sexual Pain (Luminaire Press, 2021)

 

"Chandika has been my editor for my first book for over a year. Writing a book is a daunting task, even for the best writer, and I couldn’t have completed it without her. When I needed a gentle nudge, she nudged me. When I needed to sit with my own work alone, she gave me space. She’s reliable, trustworthy, and her quick witted statements will keep you laughing when the journey feels difficult. She’s truly a gifted editor."

-Suzanne Maiden, M.A., LPC, Evidential Medium and Author of Spirit Untethered: A Psychotherapist’s Journey from Terminal Cancer to Seeing the Dead (Balboa Press, 2018)

 

"I was really impressed with the work that Chandika did on my easy reader series, The Adventures of Lil' Sass! When we first started working together, the books were in rough form and I felt I needed an editor and a creative partner, someone who understood my vision and the essence behind the purpose of that vision. Enter Chandika! Not only is she an incredible editor from a technical standpoint, she also really helped me develop the characters and story line to create more consistency, clarity and impact. In addition to that, she's easy to work with, super collaborative, professional and cool! I'm happy to say that the books have become the intended vision."

-Christie Mann, Leadership Coach, Consultant and Author of the Lil' Sass series, Uplevel Productions, 2019, 2023

 

"Working with Chandika is always a pleasure. I have asked for her assistance several times, and she helped with consulting on my own writing and editing my author bios. She's a walking thesaurus and has a wonderful way of putting basic, general concepts into beautiful phrases that say what I am thinking better than I ever could. 

She is great at finding any "muddy" spots and making them clear and concise. She is professional, enthusiastic, funny and personable.  You will love working with Chandika!"

-Kali Lane, LMT, Healer, Owner of Body Integrity Clinics and Contributing Author to The Energy of Magic and Creating This Business Beyond Reality