Sandra Kasturi

Sandra Kasturi – Editor

I am an award-winning editor and writer with over 25 years of experience, specializing in SF, fantasy, horror, and mysteries/thrillers.

Overview

I love books like I love breathing! I was co-publisher of a small genre press specializing in SF, fantasy and horror for over a decade, and am an award-winning editor, poet*, and writer, with over twenty-five years of freelance editing experience. My own writing has been published in various places, including The New Quarterly, Rattle, CNQ, Prairie Fire, ARC Magazine, Taddle Creek, and 80! Memories & Reflections on Ursula K. Le Guin. My two poetry collections are: The Animal Bridegroom (with an introduction by Neil Gaiman!!) and Come Late to the Love of Birds.

I've won awards for both writing and editing, including the World Fantasy Award, British Fantasy Award, Sunburst Award, and ARC Magazine's Poem of the Year Award. Books I've worked on have gone on to win or be nominated for: the Nebula, Scotiabank Giller, Amazon Canada First Novel, World Fantasy, Sunburst, Toronto Book, Shirley Jackson, Theodore Sturgeon, Bram Stoker, and Million Writers Awards. I've also written for television and consulted on film scripts.

I came to writing and editing through my own love of reading—I still read anywhere from 100–200 books per year (my husband gets aggravated at the speed at which I turn the pages when we're reading in bed together!), and I know my favourite genres well. For editing purposes, I use Microsoft Word and its Track Changes feature. As a writer, I also understand the other side of the editorial process, and believe in constructive criticism. Together, let's whip your project into the best shape possible, so you can send it out to a publisher or agent, or get it in top form to self-publish.

Communication between author and editor in a timely fashion during the editorial process is the most important thing, and I make sure to always be available for my clients' needs. Let's make beautiful books together!

Services
Fiction
Horror LGBTQ Fiction Magical Realism Mystery & Crime Science Fiction Short Story Urban Fantasy Young Adult Fantasy
Languages
English (CAN)
Awards
  • World Fantasy Award
  • Bram Stoker Award
  • Aurora Award
  • Sunburst Award
  • ARC Poem of the Year Award
  • British Fantasy Award
  • Kingfisher Poetry Prize
Certifications
  • BA, English Literature, University of Toronto

Work experience

Self-employed

May, 1997 — Present
• editing, copy-editing and proofreading manuscripts for publication • writing and editing in a variety of genres, including: short stories, poetry, screenplays (animated and live action), book reviews, comedy sketches • freelance editing and proofreading for various clients • teaching poetry and fiction workshops • published and award-winning writer and poet • management of writing award/prize

ChiZine Publications

Feb, 2008 — Dec, 2019 (almost 12 years)
• creation of new traditional publishing house focusing on literary science fiction, fantasy and horror • editing, copy editing and proofreading manuscripts for publication • acquisition of manuscripts, building of author careers • contract negotiations (manuscripts, foreign rights, audiobook rights, TV/film options)

ChiZine.com

Jan, 2000 — Jan, 2012 (about 12 years)
• preparing submission guidelines, reading and selecting poetry for each quarterly issue • management of poetry content • poetry editing • fiction editing/slush pile reading • reviews of novels, magazines, poetry collections

Portfolio

Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
The Acolyte

Cutter, Nick

Copy Editing Proofreading
The Oppenheimer Alternative

Sawyer, Robert J.

SFWRITER.COM Inc.

Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Fearful Symmetries

Datlow, Ellen

Open Road Media Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
The Bone Mother

Demchuk, David

Proving Ground Press

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Experimental Film

Files, Gemma

Open Road Media

Copy Editing Proofreading
Enter, Night: A Novel

Rowe, Michael

Open Road Media

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
A Cold Glow

Sealy, Jason

Sitka, LLC

Developmental Editing
Island of Light: The Rise of Oceania

Johnston, Timothy S.

Fitzhenry and Whiteside

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
The Shadow of War: The Rise of Oceania

Johnston, Timothy S.

Fitzhenry and Whiteside

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Katja from the Punk Band (The Katja Series)

Logan, Simon

ChiZine Publications

Copy Editing Proofreading
As Close to the Edge Without Going Over

Silverberg, David

Kelp Queen Press

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Casting Shadows

Troy Harkin

ChiZine Publications

Casting Shadows collects for the first time the twisted poetry of Troy Harkin, wherein you will find yourself among scalpers, neck bags, and nocturnal sheep that hate you. Clive Thompson (Smar... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Lightning Wears a Red Cape

Nunnally, Errick

ChiZine Publications

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Armed in Her Fashion

Heartfield, Kate

ChiZine Publications

Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Wild Fell: A Ghost Story

Rowe, Michael

Open Road Media

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
In the Mean Time

Tremblay, Paul

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Cold Hillside

Baker, Nancy

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Dead Girls Don't

Storey, Mags

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
The Role of Lightning in Evolution

Clink, David Livingstone

Copy Editing

Sandra has 21 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Brian C.

Brian C.

May, 2026

I cannot say enough good things about Sandra. Her professionalism, skill, and, most of all, patience were outstanding. She matched my energy throughout our correspondence, which allowed me to charge ahead with ideas. Sandra was able to see my vision for the piece, and her edits and advice were ex...
Read more
Sandra K.
Thanks so much, Brian! Happy to work with you any time!
Cody C.

Cody C.

May, 2026

It’s always a pleasure working with Sandra. I selfishly hate rating her so high because I want to keep her to myself.
Sandra K.
Lol! Thanks so much, Cody!! Delighted to work with you any time!
Justin G.

Justin G.

May, 2026

I learned quite a bit from my collaboration with Sandra. Her feedback was constructive and actionable and will allow me to turn my work into something that (I hope) will be better than what I originally thought possible.
Sandra K.
Thanks so much, Justin! Was great working with you!
Carrie S.

Carrie S.

Apr, 2026

Sandra helped me improve my story immensely. Her feedback sparked new ideas.
Sandra K.
Thanks so much, Carrie! Happy to work with you again, any time!
RL C.

RL C.

Apr, 2026

Sometimes things happen. Like live in general. It's similar to electronics as in a PC; you never know what it will do. My editor has had a series of unfortunate circumstances beyond her control. I'm empathetic and patient.
Sandra K.
Thanks very much, RL! Really appreciate it.

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