Our New Articles
Writing, Doctor, Doctor, Give Me The News
by Scott Lindsay
You may have heard of the term, "Book Doctor" in your writing career. Maybe you've wondered what a Book Doctor does and if it's a good idea to utilize their services.
In essence, a Book Doctor is an individual who promises to assist you in making your manuscript ready for submission to an editor or publisher.
The sad truth is many Book Doctors simply provide minimal editing services and little else.
Many potential authors have sought the services of one of these 'professionals' in an effort to make their manuscripts as complete as possible. The belief most authors in this situation have is that the "Book Doctor", like a real doctor, will provide their manuscript with a thorough check-up and will diagnose problems with the manuscript and provide expert opinion on the best means of getting their manuscripts into the best possible shape for publishing.
It may be more advisable to simply have an editor take a look at your manuscript and fix glaring problems and offer suggestions. It is probable that there are some "Book Doctors" whose services are as good as advertised, but for the most part they simply will not do what you are expecting them to do. This scenario creates mistrust, costs valuable resources and causes a writer to become a bit more jaded if they are duped in this way.
If you have well respected writing friends it may be more advisable to approach one of them to assess their willingness to review your manuscript, offer advice and possible offer some editorial suggestions on the work.
The chances are pretty strong that you will get further by approaching a trusted writer friend than relying on a Book Doctor for your editorial requirements.
To be fair, you will find many qualified editors who can assist you in making your manuscript shine. Perhaps the greatest advise is this: if the services offered seem too good to be true - they probably are.
I am aware of several writer friends that I would turn to in a heartbeat if I wanted a complete review of my work, but this type of arrangement happens in the form of a writing community. When you become involved you begin to learn more about what works and who can help.
If you are a writer and haven't become a part of a writing community be sure to look for one in your region. You are also welcome to participate in the online community of FaithWriters.com.
About The Author: Scott Lindsay is a web developer and entrepreneur. He is the founder of FaithWriters (http://www.faithwriters.com) and many other web projects. Members include writers from all around the world. Please visit the website at: http://www.faithwriters.com
These articles on lifestyle and more
Return to the selection of writing
You may want to try these articles on writing
Writing, The Usefulness Of Outlines For Article Writers by Terry Detty Approximately 819 Words
Writing, Finding A Literary Agent You Can Work With by Ken Snodin Approximately 519 Words
Writing, How To Write Better Business Letters by Brian Konradt Approximately 1014 Words
Writing, Chick Lit: Which Comes First, The Chick Or The Lit? by Laurel Osterkamp Approximately 1097 Words
Writing, Writing With A Bird's Eye View by Pat Marcello Approximately 335 Words
Writing, Writing A Novel On Your Lunch Hour by Corey Fayman Approximately 1099 Words
Writing, Have Pen - Will Write by Scott Lindsay Approximately 414 Words
You may want to try these websites for additional information
http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/writing/
http://www.ancientegypt.co.uk/writing/index.html
http://fans.papervixen.net/writing/
The information provided in this article is the express opinion of the author. Exchangenet is not responsible for the content!
You may have heard of the term, "Book Doctor" in your writing career. Maybe you've wondered what a Book Doctor does and if it's a good idea to utilize their services.
In essence, a Book Doctor is an individual who promises to assist you in making your manuscript ready for submission to an editor or publisher.
The sad truth is many Book Doctors simply provide minimal editing services and little else.
Many potential authors have sought the services of one of these 'professionals' in an effort to make their manuscripts as complete as possible. The belief most authors in this situation have is that the "Book Doctor", like a real doctor, will provide their manuscript with a thorough check-up and will diagnose problems with the manuscript and provide expert opinion on the best means of getting their manuscripts into the best possible shape for publishing.
It may be more advisable to simply have an editor take a look at your manuscript and fix glaring problems and offer suggestions. It is probable that there are some "Book Doctors" whose services are as good as advertised, but for the most part they simply will not do what you are expecting them to do. This scenario creates mistrust, costs valuable resources and causes a writer to become a bit more jaded if they are duped in this way.
If you have well respected writing friends it may be more advisable to approach one of them to assess their willingness to review your manuscript, offer advice and possible offer some editorial suggestions on the work.
The chances are pretty strong that you will get further by approaching a trusted writer friend than relying on a Book Doctor for your editorial requirements.
To be fair, you will find many qualified editors who can assist you in making your manuscript shine. Perhaps the greatest advise is this: if the services offered seem too good to be true - they probably are.
I am aware of several writer friends that I would turn to in a heartbeat if I wanted a complete review of my work, but this type of arrangement happens in the form of a writing community. When you become involved you begin to learn more about what works and who can help.
If you are a writer and haven't become a part of a writing community be sure to look for one in your region. You are also welcome to participate in the online community of FaithWriters.com.
About The Author: Scott Lindsay is a web developer and entrepreneur. He is the founder of FaithWriters (http://www.faithwriters.com) and many other web projects. Members include writers from all around the world. Please visit the website at: http://www.faithwriters.com
These articles on lifestyle and more
Reprint this article free of charge as long as you keep the author's resource box or bio intact and the links active. A copy of the ezine or URL of the page where the article was reprinted emailed to the author would be very much appreciated. writing
Return to the selection of writing
You may want to try these articles on writing
Writing, The Usefulness Of Outlines For Article Writers by Terry Detty Approximately 819 Words
Writing, Finding A Literary Agent You Can Work With by Ken Snodin Approximately 519 Words
Writing, How To Write Better Business Letters by Brian Konradt Approximately 1014 Words
Writing, Chick Lit: Which Comes First, The Chick Or The Lit? by Laurel Osterkamp Approximately 1097 Words
Writing, Writing With A Bird's Eye View by Pat Marcello Approximately 335 Words
Writing, Writing A Novel On Your Lunch Hour by Corey Fayman Approximately 1099 Words
Writing, Have Pen - Will Write by Scott Lindsay Approximately 414 Words
You may want to try these websites for additional information
http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/writing/
http://www.ancientegypt.co.uk/writing/index.html
http://fans.papervixen.net/writing/
The information provided in this article is the express opinion of the author. Exchangenet is not responsible for the content!
