Doctor’s book finds bigger audience
Johns Hopkins University Press took an interest in an earlier version of the
children’s health book.
By DAVID WENNER
HARRISBURG PATRIOT-NEWS
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — A self-published paperback by a Pennsylvania doctor now has a prestigious publisher and worldwide distribution prospects.
Dr. Christopher Ryder, an Upper Allen Township-based pediatrician, wrote the first version of the book about four years ago.
Ryder, 60, works at the practice of Ryder, Barnes and Associates and is a former chief of pediatrics at Holy Spirit Hospital.
The original 420-page version of the book included information on childhood illnesses and injuries. It was written for parents traveling with children who did not have quick access to a doctor in foreign countries.
But Ryder also wanted to provide a home reference for parents who must make decisions such as whether a child’s illness needs immediate medical care or can be treated at home.
He used his money to publish the book and take out magazine advertisements. He sold about 5copies.
“It was a tremendous effort to market the book. It was very time-consuming,” Ryder said.
Now, Johns Hopkins University Press will handle all that.
Ryder said Johns Hopkins approached him. A few years ago, he had signed up for a writing conference and was required to submit a book outline. He had to skip the conference, but his outline found its way to an editor at Johns Hopkins.
Seeking such a book
The publisher was looking for a book like the one outlined by Ryder. All he had to do was update the book he had published. He added several chapters, expanding the paperback to 612 pages.
The book, titled “Take Your Pediatrician with You,” is available at several outlets, including Amazon.com, where it sells for $10.88. The cover price is $16.
Johns Hopkins printed 10,000 copies, which went on sale March 29. About 5,000 have been sold, said Tom Lovett, sales director for Johns Hopkins University Press.
Lovett said that pace is “very good” and he expects a second printing. He said Johns Hopkins is distributing the book through several major book wholesalers and chains such as Barnes & Noble and Borders.
It wasn’t on the shelves at two local Barnes & Noble and Borders stores recently, but is available by special order, employees of the stores said.
Ryder said he’ll receive 6 percent of the sales revenue.
He plans to donate income from the book to Chance Children’s Home in Johannesburg, South Africa, an orphanage for children whose parents died of AIDS or who have AIDS or HIV.
Ryder, who attended medical school in South Africa, has long supported the orphanage and donated the profits from the first version of the book.