About the Author
Murugaraj Shanmugam is the founder of Tholga Research Consulting and a seasoned professional in the academic publishing industry, with over 20 years of experience. His career spans diverse roles including editor, trainer, publishing consultant, and team leader, all focused on elevating the quality of research communication in academia.
As an Author
Discover đ”đ©đŠ Editor đȘđŻ You
“Who is a copyeditor? Necessary skills and mindset.” In Discover the Editor in You (ed. Vivek Kumar), pp. 3-10. Haryana: AuthorsUpfront.
Discover the Editor in You answers a number of critical questions related to copyediting as a career:
- What makes for a great copyeditor?
What does the work entail and how does one start? - What keeps copyeditors motivated?
- What kind of professional and personal qualities do you need to succeed at copyediting?
- What are the future possibilities in this line of work?
Chapter 1: “Who Is a Copyeditor?”
This chapter invites readers into the unique partnership between author and editor. An editor is more than a proofreaderâthey are the authorâs ideal reader, ensuring that ideas are communicated clearly and resonate with the audience. By wearing both the authorâs hat and the readerâs shoes, the editor bridges intent and understanding, shaping a manuscript into its best form. Along the way, the chapter highlights four essential traits that make a strong copyeditor. Yet, it concludes with a powerful insight: what truly elevates an editor to greatness is a commitment to lifelong learning (L3).Â
COPYEDITING A CLOSER LOOK
“Predominance of American and British English in academic writing” In copyediting: A Closer Look (ed. Vivek Kumar ). Haryana: AuthorsUpfront.
Dive deeper into the promising world of copyediting in this second book of ICFâs Copyediting as a Career series. Understand the nitty-gritty of the process, from using style guides to mastering new-age tech tools, and more. Know the different approaches involved in editing diverse kinds of writingânonfiction, fiction, educational and journalistic content, and even translations. Catch up on new developments in the publishing industry, including generative AI and its impact on the copyediting landscape.  Designed to take forward the insights gained from ICFâs first book,âŻDiscover the Editor in You, this book propels you toward becoming a successful copyeditor.Â
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Predominance of American and British English in Academic Writing
This chapter examines English as the global language of academic publishing and the challenges copyeditors face in navigating its many variants. Focusing on American and British English as the two primary standards, it highlights key differences in spelling, grammar, punctuation, idioms, and style, while also exploring Australian, Canadian, and Indian English. With practical examples and tools, the chapter equips editors to manage these nuances with confidence and consistency.
Economic & Polticial Weekly
“Making Shoshaganga Work” Economic & Political Weekly, Vol 60, Issue 29.” https://www.epw.in/journal/2025/29/letters/ making-shodhganga-work.html
âMaking Shodhganga WorkâÂ
This article responds to EPWâs âShodhganga: Gentle Nudge or Coercive Push?â, engaging with the timely debate on research infrastructure and open access in India. While acknowledging the concerns raised, it offers a counterpoint that calls for more balanced approaches to policy implementation. The piece suggests practical mechanismsâsuch as controlled access and citation-based incentivesâthat can protect intellectual property while still promoting accessibility. By contributing alternative perspectives, the article seeks to enrich the ongoing conversation around research policy, dissemination, and the future of academic culture in India.Â
Demystifying Executive Presence
Demystifying Executive Presence by Kshitij Sharma unravels the essence of leadership, guiding readers through the transformative journey of Sarah, a Senior VP aspiring for a promotion. Facing challenges in her global outlook and Executive Presence, Sarah, under Coach Krishna’s mentorship, discovers a triad of success: skillset, mindset, and a powerful state of being. The book breaks down Executive Presence into tangible facets, offering relatable, practical lessons in communication, charisma, confidence and many more elements.
Strategic HRM
This book explores human resource management (HRM) practices and policies in higher education institutions, highlighting governance and structural challenges. It distinguishes universities from firms in HRM terms by assessing their objectives, parameters, and outcomes. With a focus on Indian HEIs, it examines whether HRM systems motivate employees and enhance teaching, research, and student outcomes.
Credit Derivatives
Credit derivatives covers valuation and pricing of various credit derivative instruments, including their trading, structuring, cash and physical settlement, ISDA documentation, FAS and IFRS accounting treatment, and regulatory guidelines.
Using real-world case studies, the book provides an all-inclusive overview of the global and Indian credit derivative market, their auction, and settlement process in the event of a default.
Money: A Zero-Sum Game
Money, an indispensable part of our lives, determines our economic well-being. In any economy, money is an asset to âwe the peopleâ who own it and is a liability for the institutions that owe it. While establishing that money, thus, is a zero-sum game â there are no winners in this game without losers â the book explains how the money game is played. Understanding this zero-sum game is crucial as each one of us is a participant in this game.
Click a book to see its description here.
International Presentantation
Understanding the Academic Publishing Workflow
Doing research and publishing results are two sides of the research coin. While researchers get able guidance from their supervisors on the former front, publishing their work still poses a great challenge for them. By gaining an understanding of the academic publishing workflow researchers will see more clearly the various stages their manuscripts pass through and the expectations in each stage.
Analysing an Academic Manuscript
India is a major editorial service provider for academic authors. And there has been an increasing trend towards becoming freelance copyediting professionals. In this background, it is important for copyeditors to understand that quality is a subjective concept and to be able to assess the level of editing required for a manuscript at the negotiation stage in order to derive a fair price for their service.
Interview
Murugaraj in conversation with Yateen
In this engaging conversation, Murugaraj Shanmugam speaks with Dr. Yateendra Joshi, noted scientist and editor, about the evolving landscape of academic writing and publishing. The discussion highlights key challenges faced by researchers, the importance of clarity and precision in scholarly communication, and practical insights into improving the quality of manuscripts.
Surit Das in conversation with Murugaraj Shanmugam
In this insightful conversation, Surit Das, an experienced copyeditor, engages with Murugaraj Shanmugam on the art and practice of editing. Together, they discuss the nuances of academic and professional copyediting, the challenges editors face in ensuring clarity and accuracy, and the evolving expectations of authors and publishers.
Murugaraj Shanmugam with Dr Venkat
In this thoughtful dialogue, Murugaraj Shanmugam engages with Dr. Venkat on the role of language, editing, and academic communication in todayâs publishing ecosystem. The discussion explores how editorial practices shape the clarity and accessibility of scholarly work, the responsibilities of editors in supporting authors, and the evolving standards of research dissemination.
ICF Conversations with Experts
Indian English
Indian Copyeditors Forum presents this panel discussion on Indian English. Tanvi Mehta moderated the event and initiated a discussion on decolonising Indian English. Smriti Chawla spoke about idioms in Indian English. Veena Krishnamurthy shared her perspectives on uncovering attitudes to Indian English based on her surveys on attitudes to Indian English. Murugaraj Shanmugam shared his experience of academic editing by Indian authors.Â
Typset Using MS Word
This practical session from the Indian Copyeditors Forum (ICF) demonstrates how to effectively typeset documents using Microsoft Word. Covering key formatting tools, layout techniques, and tips for professional document presentation, the video helps editors, researchers, and writers enhance the readability and design of their work.
Find and Replace like a pro
Learn how to master the Find and Replace feature in Microsoft Word with this quick tutorial from the Indian Copyeditors Forum (ICF). This session goes beyond the basics, showing professional tips and advanced techniques that help editors, writers, and researchers save time and improve accuracy.
Better Proofing with MS Word by Murugaraj Shanmugam
In this hands-on session, Murugaraj Shanmugam demonstrates how to make the most of Microsoft Wordâs proofing tools to improve the accuracy and readability of documents. From spelling and grammar checks to advanced proofing features, this tutorial equips editors, writers, and researchers with practical techniques for faster and more reliable proofreading.
Training Excellence
Sathyabama Institute for Science and Technology
Go-to trainer: 3-day in-person orientation module of the practical unit of the Research and Publication Ethics (RPE) paper.
Bharathidasan University
Numerous sessions as part of FDPs organized by Bharathidasan University, Trichy, on academic writing and publishing skills.
Madras Institute of Development Studies
Sessions at the Madras Institute of Development Studies, Chennai, on academic writing for researchers and doctoral students.Â
Karpagam Academy of Higher Education
Workshop on academic publishing at Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore. Highlighted journal selection, publication ethics.
Holy Cross College
Five-day FDP on academic writing at Holy Cross College, Trichy. Covered research paper organization, writing techniques, and publishing skills.
STET Womenâs College
One-day workshop on academic writing at STET Womenâs College, Mannargudi.
Focused on research paper structure.
National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research
Delivered an FDP session at the National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research, Chennai, for faculty members.
Saratha Niketan Womenâs College, Karur
Conducted an FDP session at Saratha Niketan Womenâs College, Karur, focusing on enhancing research and academic writing skills.
My Carrer Journey
