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Writing a book is hard work. Much harder than I expected when I started mine about three years ago. Three years! I’m almost surprised I’ve reached the day when I can say ‘my book is released today’, but I have, and it is.
The book started off as a much different idea, one that was more focused on audiences and research methods but it evolved to became the book it is today, a book that I hope will be a valuable resource when people are asked the question why – perfectly summed up in Mark Boulton’s foreward.
I’ve been on a journey (cliche!)
The biggest learning curve for me was honing my writing style. I like to waffle and writing a book that had the word ‘practical’ in the title meant that I had to make every word count, cut out some of my darlings and be strict with what made the final version. Thankfully I was guided by two incredible editors, Simon Mackie and Bill Harper.
The second thing that was an eye opener was how quickly the web changed. Sure I knew I was working in a fast paced industry but seemingly overnight examples I had written about the day before were no longer valid as websites were redesigned and tweaked whilst I slept. Literally. This was made all the more difficult by the fact that I had to take an extended writing break half way through due to circumstances in my personal life. It was hard to get back into it after the break, I was worried the tone of voice wouldn’t be consistent but I think I managed to stay on track.
Slow and steady wins the race
Writing a book over a prolonged period also means that some of my own views have changed. Not many admittedly but in the book I mention how users scan pages and I’m not sure that’s a statement I fully support today. I also use the HMRC website as an example of a website with a good tone of voice – I think that needs further explanation as we all know it is a terrible website so I’m going to use this blog to expand on some of the points I make in the book, share my updated opinions and reinforce those that still ring true for me now.
Final Stages
The last few weeks has been about polishing and tweaking and seeing the Five Simple Steps team turn my less than creative word documents into what I genuinely think is a beautiful book has been incredible. If I’m allowed a favourite part then it’s part 3, Using the right palette, but the whole book looks great.
I’ve read it so many times in recent weeks that naturally I’m very attached to it and the very thought of sharing it with others is terrifying and thrilling. At the very least I hope it’s a book that helps others explain why to their clients or project team, for those with more experience in the web, perhaps it will serve as a reminder to things you have previously learnt and for others I hope it helps you create better stories online.
So that’s it. I promise to blog here more often and hopefully create a good resource for all things invisible communication related. I’m also incredibly grateful to anyone who has contributed to the book, tweeted about it, promoted it, offered support in any other way and of course, bought it! And if you are one of those who have bought it, please let me know what you think of it (good, bad, or indifferent) and if you see me at any events, come say hi!
Time to share
As I finally release the baby into the big scary world I can’t help but ask myself would I write another book? The answer is yes. But not for a while yet and I would want to write it much more quickly than this one. But it is a fantastic experience, a huge challenge and very rewarding. So if you have even the smallest idea for a web related book I urge you to contact Five Simple Steps, they are fantastic publishers and will make sure your content gets the love it deserves, in the same way they did mine.
Thank you.
Rob.