<![CDATA[The Tech Pubcast]]>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.

]]>www.jesslhaberman.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Mon, 08 Jun 2026 19:34:25 GMTMon, 20 Apr 2026 14:16:08 GMT60Jess Haberman<p><b>The Tech Pubcast</b> is a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to write and publish a technical book.<br /></p><p>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.<br /></p><p>If you’re thinking about writing a book, or wondering whether it’s actually worth it, this show is for you.</p>episodicJess Habermanjess.haberman@gmail.comno<![CDATA[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 user
  • Turning personal notes into a book proposal
  • Finding the right publisher
  • The realities of technical book marketing
  • AI-assisted programming and "vibe coding"
  • Why understanding code still matters
  • Advice for aspiring technical authors

John's book: Automate Excel with Python: From Manual Grind to One-Click Workflow

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




]]>f0023962-0275-4909-a564-4cf356e85656Thu, 04 Jun 2026 02:45:38 GMT<p>What happens when AI can write code for you? Is learning Python still worth the effort?<br /></p><p>In this episode of Tech Pubcast, Jess Haberman sits down with author John Wengler to discuss his new book, <i>Automate Excel with Python</i>. 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.<br /></p><p>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.<br /></p><p>Topics include:</p><ul><li>Learning Python as an Excel power user</li><li>Turning personal notes into a book proposal</li><li>Finding the right publisher</li><li>The realities of technical book marketing</li><li>AI-assisted programming and "vibe coding"</li><li>Why understanding code still matters</li><li>Advice for aspiring technical authors<br /></li></ul><p>John's book: <i>Automate Excel with Python: From Manual Grind to One-Click Workflow</i></p><p></p><p>CHAPTERS</p><p>00:51 Introduction and Guest Background</p><p>01:11 John Wengler's Writing Journey</p><p>01:54 Inspiration Behind the Book</p><p>03:00 Self-Learning Python and Project Initiation</p><p>04:02 Deciding to Write and Publishing Path</p><p>05:05 Working with No Starch Press</p><p>06:41 Early Stages of Book Development</p><p>08:27 Challenges in Writing and Publishing</p><p>09:48 Emotional Aspects of Publishing</p><p>11:18 Title Changes and Market Timing</p><p>13:02 Impact of AI on Coding and Learning</p><p>14:27 Learning Python in the AI Era</p><p>16:38 AI Assistance in Coding</p><p>18:05 Reflections on Publishing Experience</p><p>19:12 Marketing and Distribution Insights</p><p>22:00 Advice for Aspiring Authors</p><p>25:03 Next Projects and Personal Growth</p><p>26:54 Dealing with Dyslexia and Future Books</p><p>27:48 What's Next?</p><p>28:29 Closing Remarks and Thanks</p><p><br /><br /><br /></p>no00:27:4814Why Learning Python Still Matters in the Age of AI | John Wenglerfull<![CDATA[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 value
  • The biggest mistakes companies make when adopting AI
  • How unstructured data is reshaping enterprise strategy
  • How to build AI systems around business outcomes instead of hype
  • The challenge of writing an evergreen AI book in a rapidly changing industry
  • What 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.

]]>663bcd15-47c2-45d0-bdaa-c4e004d218a9Thu, 21 May 2026 13:39:05 GMT<p>What does it actually mean to build an AI-native organization?</p><p><br />In this episode of the<i> Tech Pubcast</i>, 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.<br /></p><p>They discuss:</p><ul><li>Why “interesting” AI projects often fail to deliver value</li><li>The biggest mistakes companies make when adopting AI</li><li>How unstructured data is reshaping enterprise strategy</li><li>How to build AI systems around business outcomes instead of hype</li><li>The challenge of writing an evergreen AI book in a rapidly changing industry</li><li>What first-time authors should know before pitching a technical book</li></ul><p><br />Plus: a behind-the-scenes look at how they co-authored <i>Architected Intelligence</i> while working full-time in AI leadership roles.</p>no00:29:0613Building an AI-Native Organization | Jacob Miller & Jeremy Mumfordfull<![CDATA[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 expect
  • How to choose a topic that is timely without becoming outdated
  • The balance between teaching tools vs teaching thinking
  • Why author platform matters more than your idea
  • How 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:

]]>7782adf7-569d-43b6-a7e6-155aa44726deThu, 07 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>Writing a technical book is a career milestone. It is also a long, demanding process that requires far more than technical expertise.<br /></p><p>In this episode of the Tech Pubcast, literary agent and former acquisitions editor Jess Haberman sits down with <b>Ryan Dolley</b>, analytics leader, content creator, and first-time author of <i>AI Analytics for Business Intelligence</i>, to talk about what it actually takes to write and publish a tech book.<br /></p><p>We cover:</p><ul><li>Why the book proposal process is harder than most people expect</li><li>How to choose a topic that is timely without becoming outdated</li><li>The balance between teaching tools vs teaching thinking</li><li>Why author platform matters more than your idea</li><li>How technical books really make money (and where they do not)</li><li>The biggest challenges Ryan has faced as a first-time author</li></ul><p><br />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.<br /></p><p>If you are thinking about writing a technical book, this is the reality check you need.<br /></p><p>📌 Follow Ryan:</p><ul><li>Substack: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://superdatablog.substack.com" target="_blank">superdatablog.substack.com</a></li><li>YouTube: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@superdatabros" target="_blank">Super Data Brothers</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandolley/" target="_blank">Ryan Dolley</a></li></ul>no00:38:4012Why Author Platform Matters More than Your Idea | Ryan Dolleyfull<![CDATA[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 author
  • Defining your audience and scoping your book
  • What publishers are really looking for in a proposal
  • Why building an audience matters more than you think
  • The truth about marketing (hint: it’s on you)
  • Time, effort, and what it actually takes to finish a book
  • Managing imposter syndrome during the writing process
  • Who 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

]]>851a5458-7048-4115-99e3-12ea19fec3f1Wed, 22 Apr 2026 20:06:58 GMT<p>Welcome to the very first episode of <i>Tech Pubcast</i>: a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to write and publish a technical book.<br /></p><p>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.<br /></p><p>Dave shares what it’s <i>actually</i> 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.<br /></p><p>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.<br /></p><p><b>In This Episode, We Cover:</b></p><ul><li>How Dave went from idea to published author</li><li>Defining your audience and scoping your book</li><li>What publishers are really looking for in a proposal</li><li>Why building an audience matters more than you think</li><li>The truth about marketing (hint: it’s on you)</li><li>Time, effort, and what it actually takes to finish a book</li><li>Managing imposter syndrome during the writing process</li><li>Who <i>should</i> (and shouldn’t) write a tech book</li></ul><p><br /><b>About Dave Langer:<br /></b>Dave is a technology professional with nearly 30 years of experience, a Microsoft Excel MVP, and author of <i>Python in Excel: Step by Step</i>. He specializes in helping business users leverage analytics and Python to drive real-world impact.<br /></p><p>Get Dave’s book, <i>Python in Excel Step by Step:</i> <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://a.co/d/0daLmheX" target="_blank">https://a.co/d/0daLmheX</a></p><p>Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://linkedin.com/in/davelanger" target="_blank">linkedin.com/in/davelanger</a></p><p><br />Work with Jess: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://jesslhaberman.com/contact" target="_blank">jesslhaberman.com/contact</a></p><p>Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://linkedin.com/in/jhaberman" target="_blank">linkedin.com/in/jhaberman</a></p><p><br /><b>Thinking about writing your own technical book?<br /></b>This episode is your starting point. Subscribe for more conversations with authors, editors, and industry insiders on how great technical books get made.</p><p><br />Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction to the Tech Podcast and Guest Introduction</p><p>02:37 The Journey of Writing a Technical Book</p><p>05:12 Understanding the Audience and Defining Scope</p><p>07:48 The Publishing Process and Lessons Learned</p><p>10:23 Marketing and Building an Audience</p><p>12:56 The Investment of Time and Energy in Writing</p><p>14:41 Goals and Expectations of Writing a Book</p><p>17:14 Challenges Faced During the Writing Process</p><p>19:36 Advice for Aspiring Tech Authors</p><p>22:09 Future Plans and Conclusion</p>no00:36:09Why Writing a Technical Book Won’t Make You Money | Dave Langerfull