foreword by Adora Nwodo

Adding your voice to the conversation leads to a stronger, more inclusive tech industry.

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Writing a book is a career milestone that only the most elite professionals and thought leaders can achieve—right? Wrong! With the right combination of preparation, commitment, and ambition, anyone can (and should) share their professional expertise in a book. Adding your voice to the conversation leads to a stronger, more inclusive tech industry.

Whether you want to work with a publisher or on your own, Katel LeDû and Lisa Maria Marquis walk you through crafting a stellar proposal, break down the reality of writing and editing a manuscript, and demystify the marketing and publishing process—so when you’re ready to contribute, you’ll know what to expect.

This book explores:

Developing a unique perspective to address a specific audience with your book topic
How to find the right publishing path for your book
Steps for getting organized and keeping up momentum during drafting
Frameworks for editing your own work (and what to expect when working with an editor)
How to develop a practical, manageable marketing plan to fit you and your book

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LeDû and Marquis give you a true gift in this thorough guide through the twists and turns that come with writing and publishing a book. This funny, approachable, and comprehensive how-to is a delight to read and accurately captures the journey involved in making the leap to becoming an author.

Kat Vellos

Author of We Should Get Together and creator of “Designer to Author”

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This book works because LeDû and Marquis approach the topic with humor and honesty. You’ll come away with no illusions about the challenges (both practical and societal) around writing a book, but also with more than enough encouragement and advice to begin the journey.

David Dylan Thomas

Host of The Cognitive Bias Podcast and author of Design for Cognitive Bias

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I have written two books and I am here to tell you: writing a book is the worst. But what if the kindest, smartest, most insightful editors guided you through the whole process? LeDû and Marquis will show you everything you need to know about how to make your ideas into an actual book. With guidance like that, I promise, it’s worth it!

Karen McGrane

Author of Going Responsive and founder of Autogram

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With a mix of pep talks, how-tos, and behind-the-scenes insights, prospective authors can take what they need and file the rest away as food for thought. You Should Write A Book succeeds in making book authorship—from concept to marketing—more accessible to more people.

Tim Carmody

Technology writer and newsletter editor

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About the Authors

Katel LeDû is the CEO of A Book Apart, where she helps passionate tech community members become successful authors. She’s also the founder of Liminal Bloom, a coaching practice where she helps people bring creative purpose to life. Previously, she worked with National Geographic as their digital director of photography, and has been in publishing since the early aughts.

In all practices, Katel supports folks to cultivate creativity, develop social awareness in themselves and in their work, and embody sensitivity and empathy as superpowers. She loves taking her time to run long distances, reading, knitting, and learning the secrets of life from her snaggle-toothed mutt, Hugo.

Lisa Maria Marquis is an independent consultant, speaker, author, and editor. As the managing editor of A Book Apart, she helps authors to produce instructive, inclusive, and empowering books about technology. As a content-driven information architect, she helps organizations to build findable, understandable, and usable digital experiences. Her first book, Everyday Information Architecture, helps web professionals from all disciplines to create well-structured websites.