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Book Doctor/Manuscript Critique:
Writers make the best hypochondriacs, but that’s okay, that’s why there are Book Doctors (Content Editors). Revising and polishing your own novel is like looking through the Physician’s Desk Reference and trying to self-diagnose your illness. That’s not to say that you can’t make several passes through the manuscript making it better each time, but there comes a point when it becomes a good idea to let someone else put fresh eyes on it. Honest eyes. It feels good to let a family member or friend read it, then shower you with praise for having written the most brilliant novel since [pick your favorite title]. When you’re convinced the manuscript is in its best shape, take it in for a check-up. There are so many craft points to look for and improve upon – good book doctors will tell you just as much about what you’re doing right as to what might be improved. This is a step you should not avoid if you are going to seek agent representation and, especially if you’re considering self-publishing. |
Ghost Writing:
You don’t have to be a writer to have an incredible imagination. Ideas can come just from watching a movie, or reading a news article, or seeing a bird flying across the sky. You’re itching to have your idea expressed in the form of a novel so that you can let everyone share your vision and enjoy the story that’s trying to break free from your mind. But when it comes to writing it, you hit a brick wall. Not everyone was born to be a writer. I’ve wanted to play Beethoven on my piano for most of my life, but no matter what, I can’t make my left hand work with my right. That doesn’t mean you can’t have what you so desperately want. That’s where ghost writing comes in. It’s a collaboration between someone with a story and someone with the writing chops to take what you envision and mold it into a book. You get to enjoy the spark of creativity in directing the process and watching something you dreamed of take shape and grow. |
