Commercial publishing is under strain from corporate consolidation and the influence of the Web. What does this mean for aspiring authors and what opportunities does it present? What kind of proposals stand the best chance of acceptance in this climate? This entertaining and fast-moving talk will consider the situation of technical publishing today and the implications for authors. The keys to a successful book proposal will be discussed along with some of the most anxiety-producing parts of the book contract. Finally, some tips are presented for selecting a publisher, managing the production phase, and estimating financial return. The goal is to learn to think like an editor to achieve a satisfying publishing experience.