Re: [xml-dev] Getting a Technical Publisher

[Jim Melton <jim.melton@acm.org>]

Len,

Some years ago (1990?), I faced the same question.  I found that, at
that time, the "best" way to find a publisher for a technical
book was to identify the half-dozen or so publishers that have recently
published books in the same general area of technology (in my case, that
"general area" was databases) and start looking at the books
they published.  Look for quality of material as well as quality of
publication.  Then contact the publishers directly, saying that you
have a book that might fit in well with their publication plans that you
would like to discuss with them.  I found that it helped to take the
position that I might be able to help them rather than "please help
me get my book published". 

You will get no response at all from some, polite "sorry, we're not
interested at this time" from some, and a response asking for
additional information from some.  Be prepared to send them an
outline and a sample of your writing (preferably a chapter of the book,
but perhaps papers that you have had published).  If they like what
they see, you will probably be invited to an in-person interview (after a
phone interview, no doubt). 

Suggestion: Do not sign a contract on the spot; always say that you like
what you see, but you must have your lawyer review it before you can sign
it. 

Hope this helps,
   Jim

At 4/23/2007 11:50 AM, Len Bullard wrote:
> An offtopic
> question for anyone who knows:  how does one get a publisher for a
> technical book?  I'm preparing a lot of tutorial material so maybe
> it would be good to publish it in print?  I realize that is off
> topic here, but I have books from authors that hang out here.  
>  
> The Wrox Professional Web 2.0 Programming book from van Der List, Ayers,
> Bruchez, Fawcett, Vernet is in my lap right now.  Nice work, guys,
> and thank you!)
>  
> TIA,
>  
> len
>

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Jim Melton --- Editor of ISO/IEC 9075-* (SQL)     Phone: +1.801.942.0144
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