Writing: Decisions

Since starting to publish my novels without the help of a traditional publisher, I've learned how many of the decisions regarding a book's publication are up to the author--decisions that he/she often took for granted that the publisher would make.

For instance, the publisher chose an editor for my work. This could be a good or bad thing. Going in, I thought the same editor who accepted my novel would be the one who did the editing. That was before I found out that there's a macro-edit, a line edit, proof-reading, and (depending on how you break it up), perhaps more. It's frankly a gamble when someone else chooses your editor (and I've both won and lost this gamble). And just about the time you get the right person involved, for one reason or another the author is no longer with that publisher...or editor. Now, all that is a decision that must be made by the author. The result can be good or bad, but the decision in this case is mine, and I've settled on a good one.

Likewise, the publisher chose the artist who would craft the cover for a book. I've been fortunate in that I was consulted much of the time, and the covers for my books that were released by traditional publishers have been good. I remember completing rather complex questionnaires prior to a cover that gave the physical descriptions of major characters, as well as suggested scenes that might be used. When the book is indie-published, it's up to the author to find the right artist, give all the appropriate information to them, and make certain the end result is a cover with which you're happy. Again, I've successfully navigated this challenge.

Then there's the question of size of the book, matte or glossy cover, font to be used on the cover and in the body of the text, and on and on it goes. Should it be released in e-book or print or both? When should it be released? Is a pre-order period a good or bad thing?

For good or ill, I'm ready to release my next novel, Guarded Prognosis. It's available for pre-order (at a discount for the Kindle version until the official release date of July 17). I hope you enjoy it.

Oh, and an indie author (actually, all authors), should make all those decisions I've described above as well as writing the next one. I plan to release my novella, Emergency Call, in late November. Keep that in mind when making your Christmas shopping list.

Tweet with a single click. "The indie author soon discovers there are lots of decisions that used to fall to the publisher."

Envy

Ever find yourself comparing your life with someone else's--and wishing yours were different? Writers are especially prone to this. We see a post about another writer's success, and (at least for a moment) some of us turn green.

I used to envy other authors, but the more I got to know some of them, the more I found out they had their own problems--you'd be surprised how many. The same holds true of people in almost every walk of life. The old Indian saying has a lot of truth in it: "Don't judge another until you've walked a mile in their moccasins." (Of course, one of my friends adds, "By then you're a mile away from them and you have their shoes.")

One of the quotations I like best is this one from Steven Furtick, a pastor in North Carolina: "The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else's highlight reel." Think about that the next time you get upset after reading someone's post on social media or receive a Christmas letter that sends you running for the headache remedy.

Don't get frustrated by seeing what someone else has. Maybe you're just seeing their highlight reel.

Let me know in the comments what you think about this. Although Blogger is having some problems, and I don't currently get notified of comments, I'll get around to them eventually.

Tweet with a single click. "Ever envy someone else? This may change your mind."

Writing: My Next Novel

People who have never written a book say, "I wish I could do that." People who have actually done it look at their manuscript and say, "I wish I could get it published." People who hold their first book in their hands say, "I did it." The next noise these people hear is the sound of agents, publishers, and readers saying, "When's the next one?" Add to that the challenges that await the author who decides to go the "indie-route" and you have my current situation.

When I became a hybrid author, one who has been published by a traditional pub house but decides for one reason or another to self-publish, I found a number of surprises waiting. But whether indie- or traditionally-published, one thing is universal among writers--an emotion experienced by first-time authors and someone (like me) who has seen multiple books with their name on the cover: the release date is always accompanied by some nervousness.

I've sent out almost a dozen copies of the e-book format of my next novel, Guarded Prognosis, for review. When I started seeing some nice postings about the book on Goodreads and getting emails directed to me saying they liked it, I breathed a sigh of relief. And now it's time for the general public to chime in.

We've made the Kindle version of the book available for pre-order (at about 40% off until release on July 17, at which time it goes up to the final price). I'm told that Amazon won't put the print version up for pre-order yet. However, on July 17, both the Kindle and print versions will be available via Amazon. And lest you say, "I don't have a Kindle," there are apps available--free of charge on Amazon--that let you download and read these books on Macs. (Currently the Kindle for PC is "unavailable"--don't know why).

One other thing a writer learns to expect is the question, "When's the next one?" I hope to release a novella this winter--Emergency Call--that features a physician who backs out of her snow-covered drive and runs over the corpse of a man her attorney-husband just defended. Watch for it. And meanwhile, I hope you read and enjoy Guarded Prognosis.

Tweet with a single click. "Another medical thriller from Dr. Richard Mabry, Guarded Prognosis."

June is Bustin' Out All Over...

Or, at least that's what the musical says. Somehow, June has sneaked up on us. Our weather here in Texas has apparently decided to go straight to summer, and the temperatures lately have been more typical of August than the end of May.

This is the month school is "finally" out. The sounds you hear are cheers from the children and subdued sobbing from the parents who are frantically planning what they can do to keep their kids occupied until school starts again.

Graduation for many high schools takes place in late May or early June. I had occasion to attend one this past weekend, and couldn't help thinking about the emotions going through the heads of those who are receiving their diplomas. Some are going directly to the workforce, some have committed to our armed forces, many are headed for college. I've been through that, both myself and as a parent, and I can only say to each of them--Godspeed.

This summer, my wife will be doing some grandmothering, I'm getting ready to release my next novel (it hardly seems like this will be my sixteenth), and our extended family is about to head out on various vacations. What does your summer look like?

Writing: Does It Matter Where?

A recent post about J. K. Rowling donating the chair in which she did her writing made me think about writing space and whether it matters where an author composes his/her work.

When I retired from medicine, there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted an "office" in my home. Not only could I write there, but it would also be a place where I paid bills, did correspondence, and "retreated" to avoid bugging my wife. I'll have to admit that I'm not an author who would make James Scott Bell proud, since I don't set a quota for my daily writing. I've gotten a lot from Jim's books and lectures, but that's one of his rules I've never managed to put into practice. Then again, I've never missed a publication deadline or failed to finish a book on time, so my philosophy of "whatever works" seems to be holding up fine.

Some authors make a habit of writing at a neighborhood coffee shop--usually Starbucks. I know a number of them who say they're unable to write without their laptop at their favorite table, while they sip a grande latte made with a double shot of Kenyan blend, soy milk, and sugar in the raw.  Since I rarely drink coffee except what is brewed at our house, I'll probably never know.  I do know that some of my colleagues enjoy writing on laptops, because they prefer to write at their favorite coffee house or in various rooms (often more than one) in their home. Again, I'll simply say, "Whatever works."

Do you think it matters where a writer crafts his/her books? When you try to type the great American novel, do you look around you for inspiration, or do you prefer silence? Let me know. Meanwhile, I suppose I'll stick with my little office. It's so small the mice are hunch-backed, but it works for me.

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NOTE: For those of you who follow my "author page" on Facebook, I'm going to take a "sort of" vacation during the month of June. I'll be cutting down the number of posts there, including no posts on weekends. Enjoy the summer.