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Help! I Want To Be A Book Doctor
Author: Tina L. Scott
Ever considered a career as a book doctor? If you have experience as a writer or editor and possess a genuine desire to help other writers strengthen and develop their writing for publication, this might be the career for you.
A book doctor is essentially an independent editor who works for individual writers to help develop a writer’s manuscript to its maximum potential prior to publication—and in some cases prior to submitting it to a traditional publishing house for consideration. A writer who hires a book doctor wants someone who can help polish his or her work to increase their chance of getting published with a recognizable publishing house or to prepare it to compete with the thousands of other books that hit the shelves each year if they decide to self-publish.
Many book doctors make their first foray into the field quite by accident when a writer asks them to take a look at a manuscript and offer pointers or suggestions to make their work better or more marketable, often after it has been rejected by several publishing houses. But you can also develop a deliberate career in this field.
If you have a natural affinity for writing and editing, here are some tips to help establish yourself in this profession.
Hone Your Skills
A solid background in English, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and word usage is an absolute must. Basic copyediting skills are a requirement. But being a book doctor takes it several steps further. You must also have a good understanding of plot, character development, dialogue, structure, and flow. Taking writing classes that focus on plot development, how to write convincing dialogue, proper punctuation and grammar usage, or any other writing or editing related skill will always prove beneficial. Study the style manuals. And never quit learning.Get Your Work In Print
Writers who pay a book doctor to help them get their work ready for publication want to feel confident that you have what it takes to help them achieve their publication goals. Show clients you know what editors are looking for—by getting your own work published regularly. Think about it from the writer’s perspective: Why would I hire you to help me get my work published if you can’t even get your own work published? Prove you have the skills to help others succeed by continually submitting your own writing and getting published. Many book doctors get started helping other writers after writing one or more successful books of their own.Get Experience/Generate Editorial Credits
Your list of credits as an editor is every bit as important as your writing credits. Why would a writer hire you to “tweak” or edit their manuscript if you don’t have a level of expertise that exceeded his or her own? Writers want to work with an “expert” who can improve their chance of publication. They want to see a return on their investment. They will only invest their money in working with a book doctor who has a proven track record. If you don’t have prior editing experience, consider helping edit a magazine, newspaper, or even a newsletter for your church, school, social club, or favorite non-profit foundation, even if you have to volunteer, to get valuable firsthand editing experience.Mentor Other Writers
When you’re first starting out, one way to get some book editing credits or just develop a knack for working with developing writers is to mentor other writers, either online or at your local writer’s group. At this stage in the game, you won’t get paid for your efforts in cold, hard cash, but you can gain valuable credentials and accumulate testimonials that will help you land paying projects in the future. Provide editing input, critiques, and opinion on marketability of manuscripts and ideas. Think of it as “on the job training.”Develop Your Image As An Expert
To become recognized as an expert, all you really need to do is share your knowledge freely. Write articles for writing magazines and e-zines offering free tips and advice on any aspect of the writing process, speak at writers conferences, give seminars and presentations, offer mini workshops, and join online groups and share your insight when newer writers post questions without making a blatant sales pitch. (Your signature line should contain a brief reference to your being a book doctor and a link to your website.) You’ll become “known” for your sound knowledge and good advice, and your name will become familiar, drawing business to you from the list and word-of-mouth referrals.Stay Current With What Is Happening In The Industry
Read trade publications, follow online group discussions, watch the bestseller lists, and read, read, read! Stay abreast of the kinds of books publishers are buying, trends in writing style or publishing, and changes in what consumers are buying.Specialize
Focus on a niche. Consider what you enjoy reading and writing about and focus on a particular genre or topic area you do well. It’s easier to be a big fish in a little pond than a little fish in a big pond. In other words, you can become recognized as an “expert” and provide your clients with greater expertise when you narrow your focus rather than trying to be all things to all people. Perhaps romance is your thing, or westerns, or true crime. Whatever your pleasure, market yourself as an expert in that area, and you’ll draw writers to you like flies to honey.Create A Comprehensive Website
Your book doctor website should include your writing and editorial credits and experience and showcase testimonials from other writers you have helped develop, even if you didn’t get paid for your expertise (no one has to know that but you). Include free articles, tips and techniques, pointers, and information that clearly demonstrate your expertise. Be up front about the services you offer and the cost for your services. Make it clear that you are an independent contractor not affiliated with a specific publisher or agent, and include a disclaimer that clearly states that while you can assist with the development of a manuscript, you cannot guarantee publication, nor are you offering a publishing contract of any kind.Print Business Cards And Network
Have professional business cards printed, and carry them with you—especially when you travel to writers conferences, writers group meetings, libraries, and other places were you are bound to run into writers. Hand the person your business card when you introduce yourself, but keep the focus on them by asking, “What kind of writing do you do?”Give It Time
They say the average consumer needs to see an advertisement, product, or service an average of seven times before they remember it or are apt to purchase it. That means you need to get your name out in front of prospective writers who might want to hire a book doctor at least seven times before they will consider coming to you for a consultation or even entertain the idea of working with a book doctor.
I have to admit that every time I help another writer realize their dream, I get a natural “high” from the process, too. I’m almost as proud of their accomplishment as they are!
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