Ask HN: I want to write a niche (e)book, but don't know where to start
Hello,
I recently read a thread on here about passive income. One suggestion was to write an ebook on a niche topic. I have experience on a niche topic and would welcome the challenge of condensing the knowledge into an ebook.
Simply put the book would be a practical guide on writing software around the topic. With chapters on background info, fundamentals etc and a bunch of sample code for a variety of languages.
The problem is I don't know where to start. Am I going for a simple ebook that I will host, market and sell myself, like Mark Murphy does with Commonsware for Android development, do I use a publisher like PragProg or go for a traditional publisher?
Apart from researching the content and writing yourself, what other tasks/costs should I be aware of that typically aren't fulfilled by the author. e.g. graphics/cover design.
I recently read a thread on here about passive income. One suggestion was to write an ebook on a niche topic. I have experience on a niche topic and would welcome the challenge of condensing the knowledge into an ebook.
Simply put the book would be a practical guide on writing software around the topic. With chapters on background info, fundamentals etc and a bunch of sample code for a variety of languages.
The problem is I don't know where to start. Am I going for a simple ebook that I will host, market and sell myself, like Mark Murphy does with Commonsware for Android development, do I use a publisher like PragProg or go for a traditional publisher?
Apart from researching the content and writing yourself, what other tasks/costs should I be aware of that typically aren't fulfilled by the author. e.g. graphics/cover design.
Many thanks