Ask the Book Doctor

by Bobbie Christmas Q: I have a couple of questions about ebooks, as I’ve had two responses to queries from ebook publishers. 1. Should my manuscript be copyrighted before I…

by Bobbie Christmas Q: I tried writing novels, but I found I was better at writing shorter things. I wrote some short stories, but they all come out as if…

by Bobbie Christmas Q: I’m having a problem with adverbs in short stories. (He said, shyly.) I want to enter some of my stories in contests, but they are usually…

by Bobbie Christmas Q: I have considered starting a book for a long time and I have come up with ideas on the plot, the development of characters, and so…

by Bobbie Christmas Q: I received two more instant rejections from agents today. One said, “We’ve read your material, and I’m sorry to say we don’t think it is right…

By Bobbie Christmas Q: A friend read my nonfiction manuscript and said it lacks conviction, as if I’m not an expert on my subject matter. I have advanced degrees that…

by Bobbie Christmas Q: My publisher closed the imprint under which my book was published. What should I do now? A: You have several options, but first and foremost, you…

by Bobbie Christmas Q: I have strong political opinions, especially in light of the recent presidential election in America. I’m not one to write a letter to the editor or…

by Bobbie Christmas Q: I liked the way you addressed commas in a prior column. Have you addressed colons and semicolons in depth, as well? A: I haven’t addressed colons…

by Bobbie Christmas Q: Do I need a comma in dialogue after “Oh” here: “Oh no, I can’t do that.” “Oh my, that’s a good question.” A: No comma is…