Michael,
I'm in the last (one hopes) stages of revising Manning's Quick Python
Book for a Python 3 specific second edition. Obviously, doing a revision
is less work than writing a new book from scratch, but I would second
all of your observations about both the process in general and working
with Manning in particular. (I also worked on a project with O'Reilly
that was ultimately canceled, and I've found the process with Manning to
be better, although sometimes still exasperating.)
One thing that I would add to your advice on contracts is, "Get an agent."
Sure, an agent will skim off 15% of your hard earned royalties, but in
my case, having an knowledgeable agent increased my advances by over
25%. And they know all of the pitfalls of the publishing biz that most
of us have never dreamed of. Just as tech book publishers have more book
ideas than authors, agents also see more opportunities than they have
clients, and are always on the lookout for authors to represent, so ask
around and get good representation. JMHO.
Cheers,
Vern Ceder
Michael Foord wrote:
Hello all,
I've written up my experiences of writing a technical book for Manning.
Despite it all I still recommend Manning if you really *have* to write a
book...
Includes the process, what I learned and some advice on contracts (which
I didn't follow myself but wish I had):
http://www.voidspace.org.uk/python/articles/technical-writing.shtml
All the best,
Michael Foord
--
This time for sure!
-Bullwinkle J. Moose
-----------------------------
Vern Ceder, Director of Technology
Canterbury School, 3210 Smith Road, Ft Wayne, IN 46804
[email protected]; 260-436-0746; FAX: 260-436-5137
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