The 10 biggest mistakes physician authors make

These 10 mistakes are based on our experiences helping physician authors achieve publishing success since we opened Griffith Publishing in 1988.

Mistake 1: Long sentences
Long, complicated sentences slow down reading and can confuse the reader. Even academic writing should contain relatively short sentences now and then. In text written for the general public, sentences should seldom exceed 25 words.

Mistake 2: Extensive bibliography
The non-medical reader doesn't have access to your resources but will be impressed by seeing a few. Don't load hundreds of references into a plain English book that is intended for a non-technical audience.

Mistake 3: Footnotes
In general, there should be no footnotes in books prepared for the general public. If you need footnotes, you're probably writing (intentionally or not) for an academic market. Incorporate the source of your information into the text itself. If the source is a notable authority, write a complete sentence about him or her before including the quote.

Mistake 4: Too much punctuation
Write in short, direct sentences. Long lists should be provided as bulleted items or lists. Introductory or explanatory phrases should be minimized. The rule about commas is simple: "when in doubt, leave it out." You can get in trouble following that rule, but most physician authors get in more trouble sprinkling their text with too many commas than the other way around.

Mistake 5: Not enough stories
People love stories. They are far more likely to remember a key point you're making if it's illustrated with a story than if it's given as a factual statement. Stories can be as short as one or two sentences or take up a paragraph or even more. They should be written "in disguise" so as not to risk embarrassing someone, and that should be indicated in the text, not a footnote. Just say, "Mary Jones (not her real name)" and go on with your illustration or include a general disclaimer if you'll be disguising names throughout the book. Your publishing consultant should be able to help you disguise identifying information for your story illustrations.

Mistake 6: No dialog
When you're telling a story or describing a hypothetical situation, try putting actual words in the mouths of people in your story. A little conversational text does wonders to lighten your book and make it more interesting. The words that follow or precede spoken text aren't necessary if it's a dialog going back and forth between two people. Identify the key speakers and proceed with each speaker's words in a separate paragraph.

Mistake 7. Designing the cover yourself
Suggestions are wonderful, but don't take your valuable time pretending you're a whiz at cover design.

Mistake 8. Forgetting the ISBN
You need an International Standard Business Number before the book is printed. A bookstore won't accept your book (whether it's online or a brick-and-mortar) without this number and code on the back cover of your book. It can take weeks for your number to arrive, although a rush order with a higher fee can be arranged.

Mistake 9. Not presenting yourself as a publisher
You are not a self-publishing author. You are an independent publisher. Choose a good publishing name for your business as a publisher. Invite others to participate in publishing ventures with you. It will be easier to make appointments for talk shows, newspaper reporters, professional associations and nonprofit organizations if you identify yourself, for example, something like this: "I'm a primary care physician as well as an independent publisher. I believe publishing is a great way to share important medical information with the public." 

Mistake 10. Writing fiction
We have two wonderful novels written by physician authors that have not received 1 percent of the publicity and visibility they deserve. The reality is that fiction by anyone is hard to sell. Physician authors have an almost insignificant advantage. However, if you have the time and resources to dedicate to promoting your book, you may do well--if you're also lucky!

For more information about physician publishing, choose a topic from the list on the left. When you're ready to talk about your publishing project, call us. Or send us email at hodi@mindspring.com