Re: 2nd-Best Perl Publisher?

Tim Maher wrote:
> In contrast, I've been warned that I might not even get "minimum
> wage" for the hours I put into my book with some of the other
> publishers out there. (And I seem to recall Randal remarking in
> this forum that, Camels and Cookbooks aside, Perl book-writing is
> better viewed as a charitable contribution than a money-making venture).

I know many authors who have written about software testing and software 
process.  All say that they got much more value from the book in 
marketing their services than in the miniscule money they earned 
directly from the book.  This cuts across many publishers (though none 
have gone through O'Reilly.)  Many of the books go out of print within a 
few years.  The only person who's ever told me he's made a decent profit 
from a book is Steve Heller, and he writes technology-based books 
(actually, probably more like what you're proposing than what most of my 
colleagues write).

> The criteria by which I'm currently considering "best-osity"
> (ouch!) would include a competent Perl-aware editorial staff,
> help with diagrams (do they still do that in the industry?),
> adequate promotion of the product, honestly keeping their side of
> the bargain, etc.
>
> Am I leaving out any important criteria?

Policy for reverting rights when it goes out of print.  Competent and 
experienced editorial staff (competent in editing, not just in the 
technology), especially the particular editor you will get - watch out 
for a bait-and-switch to a junior editor.

> Which publishers get your vote for second-Nth best ?

I haven't shopped around seriously yet - none of my book ideas have come 
up for air yet.  But I see many books coming out of Addison 
Wesley/Pearson, Wiley, and Dorset House.  A small publisher that has 
courted me is Artech House.  And I've seen a few from Sam's/Macmillan. 
These are who I plan to start with.

I've heard a few horror stories about Wiley (e.g., dreadfully poor 
editing), and a few others who had no problems with Wiley.  Again, these 
are more process- and industry-oriented books; I'm not sure how many of 
these labels publish highly technical books.  I tend to stick with 
O'Reilly when I can - I think second place is a distant second.

Consider getting a book agent.
-- 
Danny Faught
Tejas Software Consulting
http://www.tejasconsulting.com