Free E-zine
For Freelance Writers
SUBSCRIBE
Your info is kept private.
|
eBooks For Writers
Freelance Tips.
Realistic Advice.
Samples & Forms.
Click Here
|
Ad Disclaimer
We Recommend
|
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!
Get a free e-book, Query Letters & Published Samples, and...
Get more articles like this in your inbox. Subscribe Today
Recommended Writing Books:
eBooks: Make Money From Writing
| Print Books: Grow Your Writing Skills
Share this Freelance Book Doctor article with a friend.
Don't forget to Bookmark Us.
About The Author:
Tina L. Miller is a freelance writer, the author of When a Woman Prays,
and the Editor-in-Chief of Obadiah, a Christian publishing
house. She may be reached via email at tina@tinalmiller.com or
http://tinalmiller.com
* This article is available for your publication, for a F-E-E.
This article may NOT be reprinted without monetary compensation and written permission from the author.
For reprint rights or comments/questions about this article, please contact the author.
|
