Many thanks. I read about DynamicModule but it seemed daunting, but now I feel encouraged to get into it.

I found a primitive solution to my problem for the faint of heart: simply pad the b controls with spaces!

I would post the code, but the editor here takes the spaces right back out. Is there a way around that?

Also, how does one post a manipulate output like Nasser did? Or should I start a new question?

Looks great! Many thanks!!

After edit (I added that control b has a caption).

Here is what I mean:

If you run this example:

Manipulate[Graphics[Circle[{a, b}, c]], {a, 1, 10}, "Caption of b", {b, 1, 10}, {c, 1, 10}, ControlPlacement -> {Left, Top, Top, Right}]

a & c will be indeed left & right, and "caption of b" & b on top, but to the left, instead of over the center of the circle..

David, I can't get your suggestion to work.