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. 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

  2. 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
  • 2 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
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jess Haberman