The new editor said he thought it was a potential masterpiece but he wasn’t going to publish it because it was too controversial. I was disappointed and angry, but after talking to some other writers, self publishing seemed like a good way to go.

Martin Preib – 9 September 2014

The Back Flap

Chicago cop and award-winning writer Martin Preib, author of The Wagon and Other Stories From the City, takes on the wrongful conviction movement by re-investigating several key cases. Crooked City culminates in a review of the Anthony Porter exoneration for a double homicide and concludes the most influential wrongful conviction case was a fraud.

Based on dozens of interviews with Chicago detectives, Preib strives for the highest language as he wanders a macabre world in which killers are set free and the lives of honest cops are ruined.

About the book

What is the book about?

The book is about several murder cases from 1982, culminating in the Anthony Porter double homicide, a pivotal case in Chicago because it compelled the governor to end the death penalty. In it, I argue that Porter was the killer and should not have been released from prison. In a larger sense, the book is my attempt to give a literary voice to Chicago’s corruption.

When did you start writing the book?

In 2006 as I was working on my first book, I saw an article about a man named James Ealy who had been arrested for murder. When they looked at his rap sheet, they saw he had been convicted of a quadruple homicide in 1982 but got off on appeal.

How long did it take you to write it?

Five years.

Where did you get the idea from?

A newspaper article.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Every word. It was an extremely difficult book to write and I don’t think I could do it again.

What came easily?

For me, telling stories is always the easier aspect, but it’s still hard.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

Very real world.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

The poet Walt Whitman and the novelist William Kennedy. The Magical Realist writers in general influenced me, and this book, a great deal.

Do you have a target reader?

No, I hoped the book would have brook appeal. Cops, lawyers I think would like it.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I write every morning for at least three hours.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

Never, I just plod along until something works.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

Wait til I’m finished, but I’m trying to switch that up.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Yes.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

No.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

Yes, I had a few agents interested, but their process takes a long time, and it was important that I get this book out quickly, so I decided to self publish.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I had a contract for this book with the same publisher as my first book, The Wagon and Other Stories From the City. The editor there assured me they would publish it despite the fact that it is a highly controversial book. Then, halfway through, he left for another job. The new editor said he thought it was a potential masterpiece but he wasn’t going to publish it because it was too controversial. I was disappointed and angry, but after talking to some other writers, self publishing seemed like a good way to go.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I hired someone.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

Wing it. I knew cops would like it and they have.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

I would get your first book published with a traditional publisher because it gives you some credibility and teaches you what’s required to put a book together. Also, you get a kind of following, so people are willing to check out your indie book.

About You

Where did you grow up?

Outside Detroit, Michigan.

Where do you live now?

Chicago, north side.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I work every hard at my craft and put everything into it.

What are you working on now?

A second book in what I am coming to see is a trilogy, starting with Crooked City. I’m writing about an arson in which seven people were killed. The offender was convicted and sent to death row. He got out, claiming police torture and was given $6 million. I will argue that he is guilty.

End of Interview:

For more, visit Martin’s website or follow him on Twitter.

Get your copy of Crooked City from Amazon US (paper or ebook) or Amazon UK (paper or ebook)