Q: A literary agency just returned my manuscript with a note saying I need to read more about creative writing or use a book doctor. My sister-in-law edited my book for me. She teaches high-school English, and I thought she did a great job. After all, she knows all about grammar. Is the agency trying to scam me?

A: Your question requires separate answers. First, let me explain the difference between an editor and a book doctor. As an analogy, let me say that an editor is like an emergency-room doctor, while a book doctor is like a family physician. An editor, like an ER doctor, treats the most immediate, most obvious trauma, whereas a family physician, like a book doctor, takes an overall approach to improving the quality of your life or your book. An editor knows grammar, yes. Editors fix the spelling and punctuation, as well. An editor makes sure your manuscript is technically correct. A book doctor, however, makes recommendations that make it more marketable.

While editors check the surface of a manuscript, book doctors delve into the body and soul of the work, the pace, point of view, characterization, plot, structure, voice, and the like. They even assist with syntax.

Syntax, which refers to word choice and word order, makes all the difference between factual writing and creative writing. A line becomes memorable not merely because of content, but because of syntax.

Almost every adult American remembers Martin Luther King’s famous “I have a dream” speech, part of which goes like this:  “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up, live out the true meaning of its creed: we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” He could have said the same thing this way: “I wish we would all just accept that we’re created equal.” He didn’t, though, and syntax made the difference. Syntax made his speech immortal. His word order gave his speech an inherent rhythm. His word choice, “I have a dream” is much stronger than “I wish.” His choice of “this nation will rise up,” implies much more than “we would just all accept.” Would an editor have known how to improve my weak interpretation of Dr. King’s speech? No, but a good book doctor might have.

I do not mean to imply a book doctor will rewrite your manuscript. Although an amateur book doctor might try, only a ghostwriter should rewrite, and only if you ask. A great book doctor suggests rewrites, but doesn’t make them for you. He or she points out patterns to avoid in your writing style. A book doctor may even recommend specific books that address issues you need to improve or avoid.

As to your question, “Is the company just trying to scam me?” I can’t answer without seeing the company literature. If it insists that you use a specific book doctor, it might be a scam. If it simply suggests that you find a good editor or a good book doctor, but it leaves you free to find the one you want, it’s not a scam; it’s good advice.

Because you wisely worry about scams, be sure to do the following:

·        Choose an editor or book doctor with good credentials.

·        Ask exactly what services you will get for your money.

·        Ask for references from past clients.

·        Check those references. Call the clients and ask if they were satisfied with the work they received.

·        Ask when the manuscript will be returned to you. Warning: Speed works against you. If you demand a fast turnaround, you increase your odds of finding an editor or book doctor who is not in demand, and you may get sloppy work in return. Most thorough editors have a backlog and work slowly and carefully on each project. A good job takes longer than a poor one, but it lasts much longer and goes much further than a fast one.

Bobbie Christmas, author of the valuable resource, Purge Your Prose of Problems, and owner of Zebra Communications in metro Atlanta, edits and doctors books for publishing houses and individuals.

Do you have questions for Book Doctor Bobbie Christmas? E-mail them to Bobbie@zebraeditor.com or check her Web site at www.zebraeditor.com.