Greetings from Sarah Sundin! Today I have the honor of interviewing Dr. Richard Mabry, a multi-published author, an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor), and a veteran of the United States Air Force! I’ve been privileged to chat with Dr. Mabry at writers conferences, and I know you’ll enjoy what he has to share.
Dr. Mabry, how many books do you have published? What are a few of your latest titles?
My first book was non-fiction: The Tender Scar: Life After The Death Of A Spouse, and I’m proud to say that after eight years it’s still in print. Since then I’ve had seven novels of medical suspense published, the most recent of which is Critical Condition.
You were last featured on the CAN blog in 2009. What are the chief lessons you’ve learned about the writing life since then?
Over the past five years, publishing (and the life of a writer) have undergone a significant change. Now, distinct paths to publication are available and writers must choose the one they pursue.
As for my own writing, with each book I’ve learned better ways to craft a story that holds the reader’s attention while carrying a message of hope and ultimate redemption.
What are the chief lessons you’ve learned about promotion since then?
I’ve learned that what I was told was true—even though I didn’t want to believe it when I first started. A traditional publisher helps market a book, but the ultimate responsibility rests on the author. And the best means of promotion is through gaining readers, one by one.
What are the most effective means of book promotion you’ve tried?
I don’t particularly like social media, but I’ve found that people who connect with me by that means become true fans, not only buying my books but encouraging their friends and family to do the same.
What are the least effective promotional activities you’ve tried?
I’ve given up book signings. Store managers (by and large) dislike them. Store employees tolerate them. Some authors feel uncomfortable sitting at a table while the world passes by, others circulate and introduce themselves but are extremely ill at ease while doing it. Eventually I decided my efforts are better spent in other ways.
What’s your favorite way to connect with your readers?
I have a website, two Facebook pages (personal and fan page), a Twitter account, and a blog, but my favorite means to connect is a newsletter that I send out three or four times a year, often with a sample of my next book and an opportunity for recipients to win a signed copy.
What’s the craziest promotional gimmick you tried?
For my first book, I arranged a book launch party at a prestigious bookstore in the area. I invited everyone I knew. I ordered a cake, the store stocked my books, and I spoke for twenty minutes or so. The crowd was so-so, sales were so-so, and I was reminded of the old proverb: The mountain labored and brought forth a mouse.
What’s the funniest thing that happened during a promotional activity?
You mean aside from being asked half a dozen times at book signings where the rest rooms were? I suppose it’s funny now, but not then. A bookstore arranged a signing with four authors published by a particular house. We ended up each buying the books of the others, which turned out to be the only sales for the event.
Did you see God open any doors you never expected in the promotion of your books?
Every door that’s been opened to me had God behind it, whether in my writing life or my personal walk. For me, it was a total blessing to have had two publishers that truly partnered with me in promoting my books. They even synched their efforts so as to boost my backlist sales and promote the release of a new novel at the same time.
What are your top tips for new authors promoting their first book?
Some people call them “street teams,” but I’ve always called them “influencers.” Make a list of the friends, both authors and readers, who will help you promote your debut book. Work with your publisher to see that these people receive advance copies, then stay in contact with the influencers and encourage them to pick one or more of these activities to help you: post a review on a bookseller site and/or Goodreads, mention the book on their blog and/or on social media, recommend it to a book club, donate the book after reading to their church library, pin the cover on Pinterest, and—above all—tell their friends about it.
Thanks for sharing with us!
Readers, to learn more about Dr. Mabry and his books, please visit Dr. Mabry’s website or his blog.
Writing for Him,
Sarah Sundin
Sarah, thanks for this opportunity to be here. I hope I can be around in a few more years to pass on even more of what I've learned. And I hope those who like medical romantic suspense will enjoy Critical Condition.
Posted by: Richard Mabry | April 17, 2014 at 10:34 AM