Write the Docs Podcast episode 32: Self-publishing and AsciiDoc, with Mehmed Pasic
Topics discussed
- Workflows for writers and publishers during content development, review, and publishing
- Formats used in content authoring/editing (e.g., MS Word, AsciiDoc), and transformation to publishing outputs (XML, HTML, EPUB)
- How AsciiDoc differs from other formats – and advantages it brings with the publishing process
- The value publishers provide even though many tools (e.g., like AsciiDoc) enable non-publishers to create digital outputs like MOBI, EPUB, PDF themselves
- Benefits of reading a specific book versus jumping around in different chapters in an entire library
- The highest-earning publications and their impact on publisher revenues
- The devices readers prefer to use when consuming digital content (e.g., tablet, laptop, smartphone)
- Strategies for slicing up content into consumable amounts that can be read during lunchtimes and commutes
- Whether video or books sell better and why, and for which types of content
- Whether MOBI or EPUB format is more popular and why
Sponsored
Resources
Book giveaway
All WTD podcast listeners can receive a 35% discount code on any books from Manning Publications when using the discount code podwritedoc20.
Additionally, we also have a free book code for the first 5 people to head to the WTD Slack #podcast channel and show us how they listen to the show.
You can view the original podcast post here: WTD Episode 32: Self-publishing and AsciiDoc, with Mehmed Pasic.
About Tom Johnson
I'm an API technical writer based in the Seattle area. On this blog, I write about topics related to technical writing and communication — such as software documentation, API documentation, AI, information architecture, content strategy, writing processes, agent skills, tech comm careers, and more. Check out my AI courses for more on the latest in AI and tech comm. If you're looking for info about documenting APIs, see my API documentation course.
If you're a technical writer and want to keep on top of the latest trends in tech comm, be sure to subscribe to email updates below. You can also learn more about me or contact me.
Finally, I want to note a couple of things. I usually write the first drafts of my posts myself and then use AI to improve accuracy, clarity, and detail in places, so my writing is a mix of human and AI. (Hopefully that's not too off-putting.) Also, the opinions I express on my blog are my own perspectives, not those of my employer.