Textbooks 101

IEEE Computing in Science & Engineering published a small primer on writing your first book (portion from a conference paper of the same title) by Steven Barrett and Daniel Pack, who have now written 6+ books. The article outlines the overall process in writing textbooks, including:

1. considering coauthors;

2. selecting a topic;

3. preparing prospectus (including the books' philosophy, overview, and outline);

4. time commitment;

5. finding a publisher;

6. book contract; and

7. writing the book.

(Some of the questions from the acquisition editor are also good.)

It's a good read if you intend to write a book.

Full article here:http://www.computer.org/portal/web/computingnow/0410/whatsnew/cise