17 Author training packet
This author training packet is designed to support you as you write your book with Manning. It contains samples, templates, and guidance that your developmental editor (DE) will review with you during your initial calls and throughout the writing process. While you are welcome to read through these materials independently, your DE will guide you through the most important concepts and help you apply them to your work.
The packet is focused on helping you teach hard topics to your readers. It includes resources for designing your table of contents, chapters, topics, and figures/diagrams, all grounded in cognitive science and best practices in technical instruction.
Manning’s teaching philosophy and goals
At Manning, our primary teaching goal is to help readers acquire practical skills through “read-once” chapters. Unlike many programming books that require multiple readings to understand, we strive to reduce the need for re-reading by making our content clear, well-structured, and easy to follow.
We believe that “teaching better” is a key competitive advantage. Our approach is based on cognitive science principles and emphasizes instructional scaffolding—teaching in small steps and avoiding logical leaps. This ensures that readers can build on what they know and minimize confusion.
Core teaching principles
Our teaching methods are grounded in cognitive science and are implemented through a set of strategies and checklists. Here are the core principles: