Coffee with Lou: Should You Write a (UX) Book?

Key Insights

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  A compelling UX book topic needs a clear point of view and relevance rather than just external encouragement or surface-level expertise.

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  Evergreen UX book topics combine 20-30% conceptual frameworks with 70-80% practical 'how-to' guidance for lasting value.

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  Books structured as compilations of unrelated chapters tend to fail as they lack a cohesive narrative and singular authorial voice.

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  The publishing process benefits greatly from inclusion, collaboration, and iteration, involving multiple stakeholders beyond the author.

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  Writing a UX book is time-consuming, emotionally demanding, and risks significant personal and family sacrifices.

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  Self-publishing is viable but brings challenges in reach, distribution, and marketing that traditional publishers like Rosenfeld Media have spent years building solutions to.

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  Authors who write conversationally with empathy for readers, remembering what it's like to be new, create better UX books than purely authoritative, lecture-style approaches.

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  Testing ideas in workshops or courses before writing a book helps refine and prioritize content for a better book structure and audience fit.

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  Timing the release of a book is critical; going too far ahead or too late risks losing market relevance or momentum.

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  While financial royalties from UX books are typically modest, benefits include increased credibility, speaking opportunities, and consulting rates.

Notable Quotes