An Author's Journey: The Cold Start Problem

Andrew Chen, a renowned author in the tech and startup space, shares his personal journey of writing his first book, "The Cold Start Problem." He delves into the challenges and triumphs of crafting a book about network effects, providing valuable insights for aspiring authors and anyone interested in the creative process behind book writing.

The Inspiration Behind the Book

The author's motivation for writing the book stemmed from two key factors: a desire to tackle a creative challenge and his observation of how writing books had positively impacted other prominent figures in the tech industry, like Elad Gil and Ben Horowitz.

• The author was drawn to the concept of network effects as it was a topic frequently discussed but not fully understood in the tech industry.
• He aimed to target a specific niche audience of founders and executives with a book that explored the "why" behind successful products.

The Early Stages of the Book Writing Process

The author's journey began with writing a book proposal, a crucial step in securing an agent and publisher. He worked with Hanne Winarsky, then at Substack, and ultimately signed with Chris Parris-Lamb from Gernert, a prominent literary agent.

• The book proposal, titled "MOONSHOT," served as a business plan for the book, outlining the main themes, chapter summaries, market analysis, and the author's credentials.
• The author secured a significant advance from Harper Business, a testament to the strength of his proposal and his reputation in the tech world.

Gathering Insights Through Interviews

The author conducted extensive primary research, interviewing numerous individuals in the tech industry, including the founders and CEOs of prominent companies like Slack, YouTube, Twitch, Tinder, Dropbox, Zoom, LinkedIn, and more. These interviews served as a valuable source of anecdotal evidence and informed perspectives for the book.

• The author focused on capturing pithy and insightful opinions from industry leaders, which would later form the foundation for the book's structure and content.
• The interviews were meticulously documented and organized in a spreadsheet tracker, ensuring easy access to valuable insights.

Crafting the Book Outline

With a vast collection of interview notes and research material, the author needed to develop a cohesive structure for his book. He analyzed successful business books like "Lean Startup," "Crossing the Chasm," and "Innovator's Dilemma" to identify common organizational patterns.

• He created an initial outline that mirrored the structure of these influential books, incorporating an opening story, problem definition, framework presentation, and a detailed exploration of key concepts.
• The author further refined his outline into a "Mega Outline," a 30-page document that served as a detailed blueprint for the book's chapters and subtopics. Each page of the mega outline would later be expanded into 10 pages of written prose.

The Grueling Middle Phase: Writing and Rewriting

The most challenging phase of the book writing process was the middle section where the author painstakingly translated the mega outline into fully written chapters.

• The author highlighted the importance of using specialized writing tools like Ulysses to manage the complexity of a multi-chapter book.
• He emphasized the struggle with distractions while writing on a computer, suggesting strategies like using distraction-free writing devices and treating oneself like a child by limiting access to social media and other tempting distractions.
• The author shared the reality of sacrificing leisure time and adopting a disciplined writing schedule to meet deadlines.

Navigating the Creative Process and Seeking Feedback

As the author progressed, he faced common insecurities that plague writers: questioning the book's quality, originality, and relevance. He sought feedback from trusted friends and colleagues, including Lenny Rachitsky and Sachin Rekhi, who provided invaluable insights and constructive criticism.

• The author emphasized the importance of brutal honesty when receiving feedback and the need to refine the book based on those insights.
• He also highlighted the challenges of refactoring a large book, requiring significant rewriting and adjustments to ensure a cohesive narrative.

Final Stages: Shipping and Marketing the Book

The final months were marked by a sense of exhaustion and a desire to complete the book. The author emphasized the importance of collaboration with his agent, publisher, and editor to ensure the book's quality and marketability.

• He shared insights into the process of selecting a cover design and the challenges of negotiating with designers to achieve the desired aesthetic.
• He touched upon the marketing strategies employed for the book, acknowledging the role of pre-orders and the nuances of book sales.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Authors

This article offers valuable lessons for anyone considering writing a book, particularly those in the tech and startup industry. The author's journey highlights the importance of careful planning, thorough research, and a willingness to embrace the challenges of the creative process.

• The author's experience underscores the importance of a well-crafted book proposal to attract an agent and publisher.
• He emphasizes the significance of conducting insightful interviews and utilizing those insights to build a compelling narrative.
• The author provides practical advice for managing distractions, creating a dedicated writing space, and effectively managing a large writing project.
• The author shares the importance of seeking honest feedback from trusted colleagues and refining the book based on their insights.

This comprehensive guide from a seasoned author offers valuable advice for aspiring writers, providing a glimpse into the complexities and rewards of the book writing process.