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Summary
Everyone feels like they have a book in them—and UX designers, researchers, and (of course) writers are no exception. But having an idea and making it into a book are entirely different things. If you've ever wondered what's involved in the process, how it differs from other types of writing you've done, whether your idea even merits book treatment, or other authorial considerations, well... here's your opportunity to have an informal conversation with a real live publisher of UX books.
Key Insights
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A good UX book topic requires a strong point of view and empathy for readers, not just expertise.
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Evergreen topics balance 20-30% conceptual frameworks and 70-80% practical how-to content.
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Compilations of chapters by multiple authors often lack cohesion and fail to deliver a strong narrative journey.
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The process of writing a UX book is grueling and demands quick, committed effort to avoid long delays.
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Self-publishing is viable but challenging; traditional publishers offer infrastructure, reach, and collaborative support.
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Testing book ideas through workshops, talks, or courses helps gauge interest and refine content before writing.
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Timing and market readiness are critical; books too far ahead or behind the market struggle to succeed.
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Books often gain value over time, sometimes selling better years after release as the field evolves.
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Involving others in the creation process creates stakeholders who help promote the book upon release.
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Writing a UX book is unlikely to generate large royalties; it primarily contributes to advancing the field and professional credibility.
Notable Quotes
"People telling you, you should write a book is nice, but it’s not the real reason to write one."
"The best books balance why and what content with how-to sections to make a topic evergreen."
"We don’t like compilations—books need a singular voice to guide the reader through a journey."
"Writing a book is awful in terms of time and sweat, and it takes a toll on your family life."
"The good side is it’s a gift to yourself and others to dig into a topic you really care about."
"If you want to write a book, you need to write fast and with conviction, not let it linger for years."
"Our approach to publishing is about inclusion, collaboration, and iteration to build a village around the book."
"Running a successful publishing house takes decades to build the infrastructure and relationships."
"Don’t write for royalties; UX books rarely sell in massive numbers, but they advance the profession."
"Timing is crucial—you want to be slightly ahead of the market, but not too far ahead."
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