tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31033821.post337895727493442593..comments2023-10-26T11:34:38.322-04:00Comments on Ask Allison: Getting a Second OpinionAllison Winn Scotchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820208316115681320noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31033821.post-12941068349032972582008-09-08T19:02:00.000-04:002008-09-08T19:02:00.000-04:00I hired an editor (with strong creds) to take a lo...I hired an editor (with strong creds) to take a look at my manuscript after I'd finished the first half of my novel. I'd written non-fiction for over a decade, but I really didn't have a clue whether I had any knack at all for writing fiction. She gave me great guidance on where I needed to shore up the story and, more importantly, gave me confidence that I had what it took to take it there. It was worth every penny I spent. And a total bonus . . . she's become, in the three years since, one of my dearest friends!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31033821.post-21623534970536243952008-06-27T02:25:00.000-04:002008-06-27T02:25:00.000-04:00I haven't used one. However, I know two people who...I haven't used one. However, I know two people who have and did get published. One of them had several unpubbed books under her bed before going the editor route. So, it seems like it was a good decision. I think the trick is to really do your homework and make sure you've hired someone who can help.Barriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04678698296265168217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31033821.post-60866688919947062542008-06-17T10:49:00.000-04:002008-06-17T10:49:00.000-04:00I've never used a book doctor, but I a friend with...I've never used a book doctor, but I a friend with a masters degree in creative writing looked at my chapters, along with another friend who reads a ton of books and knows how to articulate what works and what doesn't. <BR/><BR/>I'm a huge believer in getting extra eyes on your writing before sending it out. Not all the feedback is helpful, but when I can check my ego at the door long enough to hear what they're saying, the end result is SO much better.Trish Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18038324441006141430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31033821.post-89918646120972969892008-06-16T12:59:00.000-04:002008-06-16T12:59:00.000-04:00I haven't done book doctoring, but I have looked o...I haven't done book doctoring, but I have looked over manuscripts for a very few select friends based on my experience as a book reviewer. <BR/><BR/>But when I say very few, I mean less than a handful and one was my brother. Not sure if that helps, but that's my experience.Jen A. Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03972184369212889517noreply@blogger.com