Writing a Book?

Jack Franklin · #1 Feb 23rd, 2008, 11:18

I've been thinking for a while of writing a book. Over the years I've written quite a few tutorials and tips on CSS and PHP and I would love to merge the two together and maybe create a CSS & PHP tutorial book or do them seperately. The trick is to try and make them different from the hundreds already on the market.

Does anyone have any ideas - if you were just starting CSS/PHP , what would you look for in a book?

unitedcraig · #2 Feb 23rd, 2008, 15:59

Who is the book for, beginner, advanced etc.

I would like information that you actually use, without all the stuff you don't need.

Basically, a lot of books give you a way to do something, then give you a better way, and then give you the best way. What would be good is the best way without all the other information if you get what i mean

.

Also if it's for beginners then take the time to explain terms to the readers. For example, when you started out learning HTML did tags and inline elements and block elements seemed another language. Actually taking the time to really explain what certain things mean would be good.

Also, giving an explanation of why things are used, why not to use short php tags, how it can improve your site etc. People are a lot more likely to do what you say if they know the reason behind it.

Sorry for the essay

good look for your book lol

Jack Franklin · #3 Feb 24th, 2008, 18:47

I have a great idea...

Called something along the lines of 'The A to Z of Building a Fully Functioning Website'
Designed for the complete beginner, and I mean literally someone who wants to learn but knows no CSS/PHP etc. All I would expect is basic HTML.

It starts of with a fake person getting in contact and giving a brief on a website they would like. It's quite a complex site - new Web2.0 design, pop out navigation, backend CMS functionality, etc.

Firstly I explain about the structure of Sites - HTML - CSS then PHP/Java (Content - Style - Script) and then I break the site down. I start with designing on paper, then move on to Photoshop. Slowly I work through 4-5 layout concepts, explaining the pros and cons of each. This is only a short bit, because I want to get started with the code ASAP in the book. Then I introduce them to HTML, and slowly I start to introduce the divs. Thats about it for that part.

Then the next chapter is an introduction to basic CSS, then after that it moves on to CSS in the design of the website. Very slowly, with lots of examples I build up a detailed, flashy site. Then I explain while it is looking good, the client wants to be able to update it himself.

THen I move on to PHP, and create a mini CMS (Literally, with the functions to add content to either the Home, News or About page and a simple backend).

Finally, the client asks for an image gallery. That means a small chunk of javascript at the end.

If I could pull it off.....

Jack Franklin · #4 Feb 24th, 2008, 18:50

And for some others, I found this: http://oreilly.com/oreilly/author/ch01.html#overview

They explain about the entire process.

unitedcraig · #5 Feb 24th, 2008, 19:25

If you think you can pull it off then i think it would be a great idea

I would definitely get the book, there are a lot of books on tutorials there, but not many on putting it all altogether

Great idea, and good look if you attempt this

Anything we can do to help just give us a shout

Jack Franklin · #6 Feb 24th, 2008, 19:31

I cant think of a book that combines all of them. It will be slow going, but I'll definately try it

unitedcraig · #7 Feb 24th, 2008, 19:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Franklin

I cant think of a book that combines all of them.

That's what i mean, there is lots of information about learning pretty much anything, but it's putting it all together that can be the hard part.

Are you going to distribute it yourself or through oreilly do you know yet???

Jack Franklin · #8 Feb 24th, 2008, 19:40

Well the question is would O'Reilly except a book from a 15 year old with no GCSEs yet, no job, no proof of expertise, or nothing!

I don't think so. I'm going to write the book, send it to a couple of trusted friends who might give some pointers, and contact O'Reilly in a few years when I have a good CV

unitedcraig · #9 Feb 24th, 2008, 19:47

Does it really matter to them about you age and qualifications etc..

If you sent the book in, would you need to give then information about your self etc?

I can't stand people who judge people by their age, there are lots of people older than me
that i no much more than, and in the same way there are lots of people younger than me who know a lot more than me lol, you, alex and marc are 3 that come to mind

Jack Franklin · #10 Feb 24th, 2008, 19:48

Lol. I dont know if it would. I might email them and ask.

danny322 · #11 Feb 26th, 2008, 10:14

Y dont you stick to providing information online Jack? U do a good job of it here. Develop your own tutorial website or something, like cartoonsmart.com or ccsplay etc etc

welshstew · #12 Feb 26th, 2008, 10:21

print it yourself

http://www.publish-yourself.com/

have a look at the print on demand option

then just publish excerpts on the web and ask people to buy the full book

you can also send those excerpts to publishing houses to see if they are interested.

age should never be an issue, but if you think it will be, just don't mention it...

Jack Franklin · #13 Feb 26th, 2008, 19:16

Oooh nice link Stew thanks. It's still a long way until book time though.

When I get a laptop for my birthday my plan is to take it to a bench somewhere on the coast (living in Cornwall has its advantages

) and sit and write for an hour. The local cafe has free wi-fi and I cant wait lol.

danny - I'll still give lots of info here

Infact, you might even help me with writing the book and see bits before others lol! I love sharing knowledge and writing tutorials, and I will never not like that. I currently own a CSS Site but haven't updated it, I find PHP tutorials much more fun to write!

danny322 · #14 Feb 26th, 2008, 20:54

Nice one Jack, i hope it all works out for you mate

Aso · #15 Feb 26th, 2008, 21:14

eBooks are becoming quite successful too. And they're virtually free to publish

danny322 · #16 Feb 27th, 2008, 08:07

What formats do ebooks usually come in aso, pdf?

unitedcraig · #17 Feb 27th, 2008, 08:26

PDF is the most common format for ebooks

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Writing a Book?