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Wednesday, June 13, 2018

GUARDED PROGNOSIS, a new book, and the journey from traditional author to indie.

Interviewer: E.E. Kennedy

The very prolific suspense author and physician, Dr. Richard Mabry, used to be the only male among us, a Suspense Brother, if you will. His busy schedule forced him to withdraw from regular contributions to this blog, but he keeps in touch! 

So, Richard, what’s been going on with you since you left Suspense Sisters? 

At that time, my next contract was with Gilead Press. However, publication of my novel, Cardiac Event, was delayed by a hold-up in financing the new publishing house. When the delay stretched out, they were kind enough to allow a reversion of rights back to me of that novel (including the cover), and after considering the options, I decided to indie-publish it. 

Even though I did this through my agent (making it actually agent-assisted publication), there was a lot for me to learn and to do. I now have four indie-published novellas and one (soon to be two) novels that were issued without going through a traditional publishing house. It’s been a long journey. I continue to learn, but there’s more to come. 


What differences have you seen between publication via a traditional house and indie-publication? 

A traditional publishing contract is vindication of a sort, and I think this is important, especially in the early days of a writer’s career. They suggest ways in which the manuscript can be improved, handle the cover design, arrange for line- and copy-editing, market the book, and in general are in charge of things. 

When an author chooses to indie-publish, they bear the ultimate responsibility of manuscript editing (and I can’t stress enough the importance of using a professional’s help here), cover design (again, a situation where using a professional pays off), marketing, and lots of other things that weren’t ever worries when a publisher handled them. 

The main difference, of course, comes in the schedule—a book must be slotted into a publisher’s schedule, while an indie author controls the timing—and in the royalty structure. Publishers pay an advance against royalties, while the indie author gets nothing until the book starts to sell. Actually, he/she has paid to have the book edited and a cover designed. 


So, what’s next? 

My next full-length novel, Guarded Prognosis, releases on July 17. It’s available in Kindle and print format via Amazon.com. It’s actually offered for pre-release starting June 25, with a special price for the Kindle version during that time. Here’s the back cover copy (and, oh yes, the indie author has to write that as well): 


     When Dr. Caden Taggart saw the two men sitting in his waiting room, he didn’t think they were patients. He was right, and when they introduced themselves as agents of the Drug Enforcement Agency, things started to get bad. 

     Then Caden felt as though someone had gut-punched him when his father, Dr. Henry Taggart, told him he probably had carcinoma of the pancreas. When he talked about his son assisting with his suicide, Caden wondered how he could talk him out of that. 


     When he shared his news with his wife, Beth, she tried to assure Caden that God was in control. But as things progressed, he was unsure that was true. At first, he feared for his freedom. Then for his ability to cope. Eventually, he feared for his life. 


You’ve had quite a journey since we last heard from you. As a final word, would you advise indie-publishing for the authors among our readership? 

As I’ve said, a traditional contract is a vindication of sorts, and I think it’s especially important for a previously unpublished author. However, publication is a business, and slots for new authors are getting to be fewer. Many of us who have been previously published by various houses are now exploring the world of indie-publication, becoming “hybrid” authors. 

The best advice is always what I’ve heard from the very beginning. Write the best book possible, keep on learning, and roll with the punches. That should be the mantra of every writer, whether unpublished or multi-published. 

Thanks for letting me talk with your readership. And I look forward to your next one, as well.
________
Please leave a comment below, along with your EMAIL ADDRESS, and your name will be put in the hat to possibly win a copy of Dr. Mabry's newest book! 

39 comments:

  1. I never heard of indie-publishing. Very interesting interview. I have never read any of your books, ,but I'm sure that will change. They sound very interesting. I would love to win a copy of your new one, Guarded Prognosis. Patc50@aol.com

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  2. I love Richard's books! But we warned--when you start one, you won't put it down!

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  3. Great! Love Dr. Mabry's books. Would love to read this newest story. cluedn@embarqmail.com

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  4. Wow, hanks for taking the time to explain all the differences between publishing through a publishing hoise, or doing it all on your own. Exciting stuff. Nancydarby2007@yahoo.com

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  5. Ellen, thanks for having me back on Suspense Sisters. I hope the readers of this site have learned something, and if you choose to have a look at my books, that you enjoy them.

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  6. I find that a great majority of former traditionally published writers have advanced with the digital age. They either put out indie books on the side or are all-out indie authors. There's a learning curve at first, but most love it and wouldn't ever go back. There is so much freedom to do exactly what you want--and there are so many benefits and rewards. But, as you mentioned, you must work with professional editors and graphic artists in order to be successful. And you have to stay in touch with readers. (Of course, the books have to be high quality, which is a given.) All of these things you do well! My mom and I really enjoy your books!

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  7. I have enjoyed the books of yours which I have read! I am definitely looking forward to your next one!

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  8. Sounds like an interesting book. Thank you for the giveaway.
    mindyhoung AT msn DOT com

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  9. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  10. I love the suspense and medical knowledge in all your writing. Can't wait to read Guarded Prognosis!

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  11. Sounds like my kind of book! Thanks for the chance to win.

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  12. Sons like a winner! I am a big fan. Thank you for the opportunity. mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  13. I love your books (but I haven't read the ones you indie-published). Thank you for a chance to win.
    lhanberry1(at)gmail(dot)com

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  14. Thanks for sharing about the Indie process. I have read and enjoyed several of your books and appreciate the chance to win your newest one. dawn dot nicol at gmail (dot)com

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  15. Love your books! Looking forward to the next one!

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  16. Sounds interesting. Thank you for sharing. Blessings

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  17. This is a great explanation of the difference between the two types of publishing. Thank you for making it simple and easy to understand. This sounds like a wonderful book. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.

    debbiewilder (at) comcast (dot) net

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  18. Book sounds great, would love to read it. Thanks for the chance to win.

    faithdcreech at gmail dot com

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  19. Thanks for sharing about the indie process. My daughter is deep in the edits of her first novel, hoping it will get picked up by a publishing house. It is good to know what will be involved if she has to do her own publishing.
    Looking forward to the newest book - I have thoroughly enjoyed all the others! Thanks fir the giveaway. bettimace at gmail dot com

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  20. Thanks for all of you who commented. I appreciate it.

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  21. Great sounding book!
    duellonlysis@aol.com

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  22. Sounds like another great book to read! My husband and I would be very interested in reading it.

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  23. Thanks for the post. It was very informative, and I enjoyed reading about your coming novel. It sounds intriguing.

    whthomas13 at yahoo dot com

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  24. I've seen several authors mention indie publishing but they are established and have many readers. It does sound like much more work for you authors but publishers names aren't what most readers check. We just want good books from our favorite authors!
    Thanks for your giveaway.
    Connie
    cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

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  25. Enjoyed reading the interview. Learned more about publishing that was quite interesting.
    betsylu2@msn.com

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  26. sounds interesting

    bn100candg at hotmail dot com

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  27. I'm excited to read Dr. Mabry's newest release!
    psalm103and138atgmaildotcom

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  28. Very interesting post. There is a lot about the publishing world that the reader isn't aware of. Looking forward to reading "Guarded Prognosis". Added to my TBR list.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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  29. First of all, thank you for this chance! I simply adore your books and once I start them, I cannot stop....they are truly riveting reads. Again, thank you! cheriegravette@sbcglobal.net

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  30. I’m always up for reading a book by Richard Mabry. It is so interesting to peek behind the medical scenes. Thanks!

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  31. Congratulations to Caryl Kane, who will have her choice of format of Dr. Mabry's newest book! Please watch for the release of GUARDED PROGNOSIS July 17!

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  32. Woo Hoo! Thank you, Ellen and Dr. Mabry!

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