I am the author or co-author of three (soon to be four) books.  A textbook with a vanity publisher, two trade books with an academic publisher, and an upcoming introductory textbook. 

My first book was the result of a publisher’s agent knocking on my office door and asking if I would be interested in writing a textbook.  All the publisher asked was that I would require the book within my courses and sign away the copyright.  I was excited to get started, so I barely even read the publishing contract.  I now know this experience epitomizes working...