I wrote a book for Manning (Relevant Search). It was a grueling process. I can confirm much that's in here. I will say that I generally felt Manning
(a) really understood how to craft good tech books
(b) was really dedicated to tech books as a medium, despite all the attempts to 'disrupt books' which I respected
(c) was full of dedicated people that treated this as their craft
The other point I'll make is the author's name goes on the cover, but the work is really a team effort between dedicated editors, the publisher, reviewers, and others. No part is replaceable.
If I was to write another book, I'd definitely consider doing it with them. Not because they made it easy, but because they really were dedicated to the quality I wanted in my book
I also loved their super old school, Web 1.0, "we just do books" website 5 years ago :)
I was a technical proofer for a Manning book, and I concur with all of your points. They’re super professional and dedicated to getting the best outcome (a useful book)
Outing a book is a team effort and IMO it will always remain like that. There are so many things like handling the depth of subject, typesetting, line-tracking, accessibility and really hardcore stuff like contextual cover design, editing and proofing the flow and delivery of the message are _human_ level problems. No machine or software could replace that!
(a) really understood how to craft good tech books
(b) was really dedicated to tech books as a medium, despite all the attempts to 'disrupt books' which I respected
(c) was full of dedicated people that treated this as their craft
The other point I'll make is the author's name goes on the cover, but the work is really a team effort between dedicated editors, the publisher, reviewers, and others. No part is replaceable.
If I was to write another book, I'd definitely consider doing it with them. Not because they made it easy, but because they really were dedicated to the quality I wanted in my book
I also loved their super old school, Web 1.0, "we just do books" website 5 years ago :)