# Publisher-Specific Book Structures This document provides structure guidelines for major technical book publishers and frameworks. ## PacktPub Standard Structure **Format:** Hands-on, project-based learning **Typical Structure:** - 10-15 chapters - 20-30 pages per chapter - 300-400 pages total **Chapter Pattern:** 1. Learning objectives (What you will learn) 2. Introduction with real-world context 3. Hands-on tutorials with code 4. Best practices and tips 5. Summary 6. Further reading/resources **Key Characteristics:** - Very practical, code-heavy - Step-by-step tutorials throughout - Clear learning outcomes per chapter - Real-world examples - Beginner to intermediate focus --- ## O'Reilly Learning Path Structure **Format:** Conceptual→Practical progression with depth **Typical Structure:** - Part-based organization (3-5 parts) - 12-20 chapters across parts - Varying chapter lengths (15-40 pages) - 400-600 pages total **Part Pattern:** - **Part I**: Foundations and core concepts - **Part II**: Intermediate techniques - **Part III**: Advanced topics - **Part IV**: Real-world applications (optional) **Chapter Pattern:** 1. Concept introduction 2. Detailed explanation with diagrams 3. Code examples and experiments 4. Exercises for practice 5. Summary and what's next **Key Characteristics:** - Rich code examples with explanations - Sidebars for deep dives - Callouts for warnings/tips - Comprehensive index - Intermediate to advanced focus - Theory balanced with practice --- ## Manning In-Depth Tutorial Structure **Format:** Deep tutorial with progressive build approach **Typical Structure:** - 12-15 chapters - 25-35 pages per chapter - 350-500 pages total **Chapter Pattern:** 1. Motivating example (real-world problem) 2. Concept explanation (theory) 3. Hands-on tutorial (implementation) 4. Iterative improvements 5. Real-world application 6. Exercises throughout **Key Characteristics:** - Start with working example, then explain - Progressive complexity (build up incrementally) - MEAP (Manning Early Access Program) format - Code listings are numbered and referenced - Exercises integrated into flow, not just at end - Intermediate to advanced focus --- ## Diátaxis Framework (Publisher-Agnostic) **Four Documentation Types:** ### 1. Tutorials (Learning-Oriented) - Take reader through series of steps - Help beginners get started - Minimal explanation, maximum doing - Reliable and repeatable ### 2. How-To Guides (Task-Oriented) - Show how to solve specific problem - Assume some knowledge - Series of steps to achieve goal - Practical and focused ### 3. Explanation (Understanding-Oriented) - Clarify and illuminate - Provide background and context - Make connections - Discuss alternatives and decisions ### 4. Reference (Information-Oriented) - Describe the machinery - Accurate and complete - Structure by API/function - Consistent format **Application to Technical Books:** - Early chapters: Tutorials + some Explanation - Middle chapters: How-To Guides + Explanation - Later chapters: Advanced How-To + deeper Explanation - Appendices: Reference material --- ## Chapter Micro-Structures ### Introduction Section (1-2 pages) - Hook with real-world problem - Overview of chapter content - Prerequisites reminder - What readers will accomplish ### Main Content Section (3-6 pages each) - Concept explanation - Code example with walkthrough - Common mistakes to avoid - Best practices ### Exercises Section (2-3 pages) - Guided practice (3-4 exercises) - Challenge problems (1-2 harder) - Solutions or hints ### Summary Section (1 page) - Key concepts recap - Skills checklist - Preview of next chapter - Additional resources --- ## Self-Publishing Best Practices **Platforms:** Leanpub, KDP, Gumroad **Flexibility:** No strict structure requirements **Recommendations:** - Follow general best practices from major publishers - Typical range: 200-500 pages - Clear table of contents - Consistent formatting - Professional editing - Code repository on GitHub - Regular updates possible (advantage of self-publishing) **Consider:** - Audience expectations (what format do they expect?) - Competition (what structure do similar books use?) - Your teaching style (tutorial vs conceptual vs reference) - Maintenance burden (easier to update modular structure) --- ## General Structure Guidelines **Front Matter:** - Title page - Copyright - Table of contents - Preface/Introduction - About the author - About the reviewers (if applicable) - Prerequisites - How to use this book - Conventions used - Companion code repository **Main Content:** - Organized into parts (optional) and chapters - Progressive difficulty - Consistent chapter structure - Cross-references between chapters **Back Matter:** - Appendices (reference material) - Glossary - Index - Additional resources - Answer key (if solutions not inline) --- ## Choosing the Right Structure **Choose PacktPub style for:** - Beginner-focused content - Very practical, project-based books - Clear learning paths - Hands-on tutorials **Choose O'Reilly style for:** - Intermediate to advanced content - Conceptual depth required - Multiple parts with different focus - Comprehensive reference value **Choose Manning style for:** - Deep tutorial approach - Progressive build-up - Iterative improvement examples - Strong narrative flow **Choose Diátaxis framework for:** - Documentation-style books - Multiple content types needed - Clear separation of concerns - Reference-heavy content