Does your book need a doctor? When your manuscript needs a little extra help, what should you look for in a professional editing service?

You’ve read all the craft of writing books you can find and have written the best novel you know how. Maybe you’ve sent it out a few times, only to get promising rejection slips. Slips that say “Almost there. Good attempt. Don’t quit writing.”

The agent or editor obviously saw some merit to your work. So why didn’t they buy your book? Deep inside you know there’s something a little wrong. But it’s not anything you are able to repair without some help from an expert.

Years ago an editor might have spent time working with a new author to get a hopeful manuscript up to par. These days, editors expect a book that is almost ready to publish, with only minor editing. If there are plot flaws or if extensive revision is required, even a very promising manuscript may get rejected.

What are Book Doctors?

Book doctors consist of independent editors or professional groups usually comprised of people who have spent years in the publishing business. Editors, agents, and authors may offer their services to critique and offer advice to help a writer make a book more marketable. These services may include help with the mechanics of writing such as grammar and sentence structure or suggestions to improve plotting or character development.

Can Book Doctors Help?

Book doctors are not miracle workers. They can also be very expensive and there is absolutely no guarantee that your book will sell after the suggested revisions are made. Before going to the expense of hiring a book doctor, it may be wise to try other alternatives first. A good critique group can often offer suggestions for manuscript improvement for free. Such groups can be found locally or on the Internet.

What to Look for in a Book Doctor

Professional book doctors may be former editors, agents or other authors. Agents and editors have been on the business end of writing and may be able to provide suggestions to make your book more marketable. Other authors who have successfully published in your field may also be able to pinpoint what your manuscript needs.

Beware of Scams

Years ago there was a scam that took in many unsuspecting authors. A series of advertisements for bogus publishers were placed in prominent magazines. When the author sent in a submission they were “strongly recommended" to contact a specific editing service.

It was insinuated that if they went through this editing service their book would be accepted for publication by the recommending publisher. However, absolutely no guarantees of publication were actually made. The author then received a letter from the editing service suggesting that for $1,200 or such sum their book could be made suitable for publication by the phony publishing house where they had initially submitted the manuscript.

The unsuspecting author paid the fee and went through the editing process only to have the book turned down by a crook posing as a legitimate publisher. Even though this group was caught and prosecuted, many authors lost their money. It taught us all a valuable lesson—it pays for writers to be wary!

Scammers often ask for unusually high fees. If an editing service charges $2,000 or more for a reading fee, you can be pretty certain they are making their money on this fee alone. A direct referral from an agent or publisher to an editorial service may mean they are getting a fee for every customer they refer, or that they own the editing service and their main area of business is not publishing but editing. A direct referral from an agent or publisher to a specific editorial service should be considered with caution.

Any direct, unsolicited, or aggressive advertising, especially by email, almost always means trouble.

If you decide to hire the services of a book doctor, it is essential to check into their background. Look them up on Predators an Editors. Request a resume and get references and samples of their work.

Points to Remember

• Try to find an alternative to getting the critiquing you need
• Check references carefully
• Be wary of unrealistic promises and high fees

The best way to find a good book doctor is by word of mouth. If possible, find other authors who have used the service and would recommend them. Go with long-established services that have a good reputation.

For more writing tips see 3 Ways to Build a Story and Joining Short Story Contests