How I Created My First eBook in 7 months

Author

RubyCademy's Newsletter
November 14, 2024

Seven months ago, I poured my soul into writing my first book, something I’d never done before!

I wanted it to be a true resource for the Ruby community, packed with insights, practical tips, and lesser-known aspects of Ruby and Rails.

I had no idea how much work and refinement it would require, but I knew it had to be done right.

First Step: Writing as Many Ruby Cards as Possible

The journey began with a simple goal: to write as many Ruby Cards as I could on the topics that developers often overlook or don’t have time to explore in depth.

I covered everything from lesser-known Ruby tricks to advanced Rails pro tips, unique patterns, and creative combinations.

I ended up with 300 cards filled with everything I thought could bring real value to other Rubyists.

Then came the tough part: curating the content.

I went through each card, weighing its value and relevance, and had to make some hard choices.

Some cards I really liked had to be set aside because they overlapped with others.

It was honestly a bit heartbreaking to let some go, but I wanted the final set to be focused, impactful, and free of redundancy.

Designing a Look and Feel for Rubyists

Once the content was set, I shifted focus to the design. I wanted a look that would feel clean and engaging but also developer-friendly.

I experimented with 10 different design themes — trying out background colors, fonts, and code block styles — until I landed on a style that felt just right.

The Writing, Revising, and Editing Process

With the content and design settled, it was time to get into the writing process.

Drafting, revising, and editing each section, I aimed to make every explanation clear and valuable.

I brought in beta readers to test readability and clarity, refining each detail to make sure the book was as accessible and useful as possible.

The Final Product

After months of work, the eBook is finally here. Every card in this book has something unique to offer, and I’m excited to share it with you.

I hope it becomes a helpful resource for your Ruby journey.

💚