The Tech Pubcast

Jess Haberman

The Tech Pubcast is a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to write and publish a technical book. Hosted by literary agent for former acquisitions editor, Jess Haberman, each episode features candid conversations with published authors about the process, the payoffs, and the parts no one talks about—from time and money to career impact and common misconceptions. If you’re thinking about writing a book, or wondering whether it’s actually worth it, this show is for you.

Episodes

  1. 55m ago

    AI Needs Guardrails: Governance, Hallucinations, and Technical Writing | Paige Roberts

    What happens when companies adopt AI faster than they can govern it? In this episode of the Tech Pubcast, Jess Haberman sits down with analyst, author, and AI governance expert Paige Roberts to discuss the risks and realities of modern AI systems. They explore: Why AI governance mattersHallucinations, security risks, and enterprise adoptionWhen AI helps writers and when it gets in the wayThe future of technical writing and publishingWhy expertise still matters in an AI-driven worldPaige's journey as both a technical author and fantasy novelist Paige also shares her perspective on co-authoring technical books, working with subject matter experts, and how AI is changing the way professionals communicate. 📌 Read more from Paige: Up and Running with AerospikeAccelerate Machine Learning with a Unified Analytics Architecture97 Things Every Data Engineer Should KnowPaige's fiction writing #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #AIGovernance #TechPubcast #TechnicalWriting #BookPublishing #DataAnalytics CHAPTERS 00:41 Introduction to Technical Writing and AI Governance 03:49 The Journey into Technical Writing 06:30 Collaboration in Writing: Finding the Right Co-Author 09:36 The Role of AI in Writing and Research 12:42 Navigating the Limitations of Generative AI 15:28 AI in Coding: A Double-Edged Sword 18:40 The Future of AI and Copyright Issues 22:28 Navigating AI in Publishing 28:22 What's Next for the Authors? 29:02 The Fiction Writing Journey 29:03 Closing Remarks and Thanks 35:48 AI's Impact on Creative Writing

    28 min

  2. Jun 4

    Why Learning Python Still Matters in the Age of AI | John Wengler

    What happens when AI can write code for you? Is learning Python still worth the effort? In this episode of Tech Pubcast, Jess Haberman sits down with author John Wengler to discuss his new book, Automate Excel with Python. John shares how a challenge from his employer led him to teach himself Python, why he documented the journey in a book, and what he learned about publishing, marketing, and technical writing along the way. They also explore how AI is changing software development, why coding literacy still matters, and what authors should expect when working with a traditional publisher. Topics include: Learning Python as an Excel power userTurning personal notes into a book proposalFinding the right publisherThe realities of technical book marketingAI-assisted programming and "vibe coding"Why understanding code still mattersAdvice for aspiring technical authors John's book: Automate Excel with Python: From Manual Grind to One-Click Workflow: https://nostarch.com/automate-excel-with-python Work with Jess: jesslhaberman.com/contact Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jhaberman CHAPTERS 00:51 Introduction and Guest Background 01:11 John Wengler's Writing Journey 01:54 Inspiration Behind the Book 03:00 Self-Learning Python and Project Initiation 04:02 Deciding to Write and Publishing Path 05:05 Working with No Starch Press 06:41 Early Stages of Book Development 08:27 Challenges in Writing and Publishing 09:48 Emotional Aspects of Publishing 11:18 Title Changes and Market Timing 13:02 Impact of AI on Coding and Learning 14:27 Learning Python in the AI Era 16:38 AI Assistance in Coding 18:05 Reflections on Publishing Experience 19:12 Marketing and Distribution Insights 22:00 Advice for Aspiring Authors 25:03 Next Projects and Personal Growth 26:54 Dealing with Dyslexia and Future Books 27:48 What's Next? 28:29 Closing Remarks and Thanks

    28 min

  3. May 21

    Building an AI-Native Organization | Jacob Miller & Jeremy Mumford

    What does it actually mean to build an AI-native organization? In this episode of the Tech Pubcast, Jess Haberman talks with Jacob Miller and Jeremy Mumford about writing a practical AI leadership book designed to stay relevant long after today’s tools become obsolete. They discuss: Why “interesting” AI projects often fail to deliver valueThe biggest mistakes companies make when adopting AIHow unstructured data is reshaping enterprise strategyHow to build AI systems around business outcomes instead of hypeThe challenge of writing an evergreen AI book in a rapidly changing industryWhat first-time authors should know before pitching a technical book Plus: a behind-the-scenes look at how they co-authored Architected Intelligence while working full-time in AI leadership roles. Get the book, Architected Intelligence: https://a.co/d/0asRgKoR Work with Jess: jesslhaberman.com/contact Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jhaberman CHAPTERS 00:42 Introduction to the Authors and Their Journey 02:00 The Concept Behind 'Architected Intelligence' 05:11 Defining Architected Intelligence and Its Importance 07:26 Challenges Tech Leaders Face in AI Implementation 09:25 Understanding the ROI of AI 11:29 Technical Architecture and Its Relevance 13:44 Lessons Learned from the Writing Process 18:29 Collaboration Dynamics Between Co-Authors 21:16 Expectations and Future Aspirations 24:16 Advice for Aspiring Authors 25:41 Reading Inspirations and Influences 25:44 What's Next for the Authors? #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #AIStrategy #EnterpriseAI #AILeadership #GenerativeAI #DigitalTransformation #DataStrategy #UnstructuredData #MachineLearning #TechLeadership #TechnicalBooks #BookWriting #ArchitectedIntelligence #TechPubcast

    29 min

  4. May 7

    Why Author Platform Matters More than Your Idea | Ryan Dolley

    Writing a technical book is a career milestone. It is also a long, demanding process that requires far more than technical expertise. In this episode of the Tech Pubcast, literary agent and former acquisitions editor Jess Haberman sits down with Ryan Dolley, analytics leader, content creator, and first-time author of AI Analytics for Business Intelligence, to talk about what it actually takes to write and publish a tech book. We cover: Why the book proposal process is harder than most people expectHow to choose a topic that is timely without becoming outdatedThe balance between teaching tools vs teaching thinkingWhy author platform matters more than your ideaHow technical books really make money (and where they do not)The biggest challenges Ryan has faced as a first-time author Ryan also shares how blogging, YouTube, and LinkedIn helped him build a career and why those same channels are essential if you want your book to succeed. If you are thinking about writing a technical book, this is the reality check you need. 📌 Follow Ryan: Substack: superdatablog.substack.comYouTube: Super Data BrothersLinkedIn: Ryan Dolley

    39 min

  5. Apr 22

    Why Writing a Technical Book Won’t Make You Money | Dave Langer

    Welcome to the very first episode of Tech Pubcast: a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to write and publish a technical book. In this episode, host Jess Haberman (literary agent and former acquisitions editor) sits down with Microsoft Excel MVP Dave Langer to unpack the full journey of writing a tech book, from idea to publication and everything in between. Dave shares what it’s actually like to write a book while building an audience, navigating the publishing process, and managing the unexpected challenges that come with it, including imposter syndrome, technical reviews, and the realities of marketing your own work. Whether you’re thinking about writing a technical book, growing your personal brand, or just curious about how publishing really works, this episode offers practical, honest advice from someone who’s done it. In This Episode, We Cover: How Dave went from idea to published authorDefining your audience and scoping your bookWhat publishers are really looking for in a proposalWhy building an audience matters more than you thinkThe truth about marketing (hint: it’s on you)Time, effort, and what it actually takes to finish a bookManaging imposter syndrome during the writing processWho should (and shouldn’t) write a tech book About Dave Langer: Dave is a technology professional with nearly 30 years of experience, a Microsoft Excel MVP, and author of Python in Excel: Step by Step. He specializes in helping business users leverage analytics and Python to drive real-world impact. Get Dave’s book, Python in Excel Step by Step: https://a.co/d/0daLmheX Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/davelanger Work with Jess: jesslhaberman.com/contact Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jhaberman Thinking about writing your own technical book? This episode is your starting point. Subscribe for more conversations with authors, editors, and industry insiders on how great technical books get made. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Tech Podcast and Guest Introduction 02:37 The Journey of Writing a Technical Book 05:12 Understanding the Audience and Defining Scope 07:48 The Publishing Process and Lessons Learned 10:23 Marketing and Building an Audience 12:56 The Investment of Time and Energy in Writing 14:41 Goals and Expectations of Writing a Book 17:14 Challenges Faced During the Writing Process 19:36 Advice for Aspiring Tech Authors 22:09 Future Plans and Conclusion

    36 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

The Tech Pubcast is a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to write and publish a technical book. Hosted by literary agent for former acquisitions editor, Jess Haberman, each episode features candid conversations with published authors about the process, the payoffs, and the parts no one talks about—from time and money to career impact and common misconceptions. If you’re thinking about writing a book, or wondering whether it’s actually worth it, this show is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Jess Haberman
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jess Haberman