Its been just over 18 months since I published my first book through Packt Publishing.(https://www.packtpub.com/big-data-and-business-intelligence/learning-splunk-web-framework)
I consider myself more of a journalist and became an author almost by accident. Even though its a text book on using Splunk(IT Software) I'm still pretty proud of it, even though I have only sold about 200 copies. The following list are some of the things I have learnt along the way.
1. Publishers will not help as much as you think
They are generally demanding and won't care about your work as much as you do. Unless they are making millions from you book, they will be expect you to do a bulk of the promotions.
2. Your mum will be proud but still probably criticize your work
Ultimately, your parents will be pretty proud to show off your new book. My parents were, but my mum also like to point out it would have been nicer for me to have written a nice non fiction book instead.
3. Don't be ashamed to self promote because no one else will
Its the only way you will get any recognition, and that is the way you will get noticed. If you don't talk your work up, you'll be relying on what your parents tell people about it. One more shameless plug(https://www.packtpub.com/big-data-and-business-intelligence/learning-splunk-web-framework)
4. Write something that everyone wants to read
It's cool to write something original and different to anything else out in the market. But does that mean there is a specific need for this book to be written. If you write on popular subjects, there will be more competition, but there will also most likely be a larger market to sell to.
5. You wont make much money
I kinda knew this but still thought I would make a little cash. The advance that I was given by my publisher was nothing compared to the amount of time I spent on it. And even now I am not 100% I have covered their costs.
6. Its pretty cool when you find someone who has bought
Its one thing to have you parents read it and show it to friends but when someone reached out to me on Linkedin, someone who spent their own money to buy. Someone who is taking time to at least read through the first few chapters, its a pretty cool feeling.