I am a huge fan of David Sedaris, the title of today’s post is one of David’s best books.
Some of you are aware of this, I am writing a book on Web Analytics. It is going to be published by Wiley on 7th May 2007. I am very excited about the book (much more than you might expect a author to be about his book).
I have not mentioned the book on this blog thus far (and requested others not to talk about it on their blogs) because I did not want lots of pressure about the book before I was done with it. Things have progressed enough that I feel more comfortable about the final product. The first draft is done, the development edit phase is over (thanks Candace!!) and most of the copy edit phase is done as well (thanks Sharon!!).
Web Analytics: An Hour a Day, is the first book by a active web analytics practitioner. From my humble experience in web research and analytics I hope to bring a fresh and completely different perspective to this wonderful world of numbers that we all exist in.
I have written the book as a practical real world guide to the world of web analytics. It expands the definition of web analytics, shares lessons from the front lines and is loaded with tips, tricks, new ideas and mindsets, all of which are geared todays making your journey a easier one.
The book goes beyond Web Analytics concepts and definitions to provide a step-by-step guide to implementing a successful web analytics strategy. It shares a revolutionary approach to web analytics that challenges prevalent thinking about the field and will guide you, step-by-step, to a solution that will provide truly informed and actionable insights.
Please visit the companion website for the book to read a detailed outline of Web Analytics: An Hour a Day, you’ll learn all about the contents, chapters and more.
The little book that could.
Perhaps the most exciting thing about the book is that my wife Jennie and I have decided to donate 100% of our proceeds from the book to charity.
I have a deep passion for the world of decision making on the web and a practical manifestation of that is this blog, truly in every sense a labor of love. It was only fitting that a book that has its genesis in the blog should build on that love and passion benefit others.
First time authors, such as myself, make very little money from their book contract. But from my job salary I would never have been able to donate that amount to my favorite charities. I am thrilled beyond belief that in its small way my humble effort will turn into something that will benefit others.
Every single cent from the book, including proceeds from amazon affiliate sales, will go to charity.
50% of my book proceeds will go to The Smile Train, they change the lives of children in the developing world by performing cleft surgery. The other 50% of the proceeds will go to Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), they provide emergency medical assistance across the world and bring relief to thousands each year. Jennie and I have supported these charities for a while now, but the book will enable us to support them at a scale that we otherwise would not be able to.
If you buy the book I am confident that you will get actionable and impactful outcomes for your own web analytics efforts, but in buying the book you will also join me in my humble effort to make a small difference to this wonderful world of ours.
How can you help?
I would love to to have your help (if you would like to offer it, you are absolutely not obligated in any way to help):
# 1. Please consider buying the book, it is a very good book. You can pre-order it on amazon.com (you will get the lowest price guaranteed) or from any other source that you prefer to buy your books from (try this listing of where you can buy).
# 2. Help me spread the word for the book. If you find value in the ideas, suggestions and guidance shared in this blog then you’ll find more of the same in the book. Yet very few people read blogs, I could use your help in sharing the news of the book with others. The website for the book is www.webanalyticshour.com.
# 3. Please share your opinion. I would like to put a page on the www.webanalyticshour.com website that has some advance praise for the book. Would you like to share some praise that I can publish? Anything short or long about the blog or the ideas here or concepts that you have found helpful. You can email me your praise with your name, title and website url (or have it be completely anonymous). My email is blog at kaushik dot net.
A note of thanks.
It was ten times harder to write this book then I had anticipated, way too many sixteen hour non stop days of writing. It would not have been possible if 1) I did not have a good cause to write the book for and 2) without the the encouragement and participation by all of you on this blog, both of those things were very strong motivators and I am thankful to all of you.
As always please share your feedback via comments.
[Like this post? For more posts like this please click here.]
Avinash,
congratulations on taking some significant steps towards publishing your book!
And, how kind are you to donate all the revenue you might otherwise earn to such important causes and organizations?
I hope the book is a best seller!
I was happy to promote your book in the first place, but now I feel even better about it.
It seems like the content will be great AND the money will be donated to charity. I simply don't understand how anybody in web analytics could not purchase a copy.
I will definitely pick up a copy as soon as it has been published.
Congratulations, I hope your book is a success!
I think it is great that you are supporting charities that do such important work, it is very generous of you and your wife.
Well done and good luck for the future!
I am eagerly awaiting publication of your book, I have recently started to read your blog with interest.
I would have bought the book anyway but that you are so generously donating your proceeds to such good causes is an added incentive.
Best of luck with it.
Hi Avinash,
I am very much looking forward to your book and I want to add – respect for your marketing and your generousity (last goes first), delightful to see you too love David Sedaris
Avinash,
The fact that you have decided to donate even a meager book advance to two such wonderful charities is a clear indicator of the strength of your character. I know how much time and effort it takes to write a book and I sincerely wish you all the success in the world with "An Hour a Day".
I am proud to call you a friend.
Sincerely,
Eric T. Peterson
http://www.webanalyticsdemystified.com
Avinash,
I am eagerly awaiting the publication of your book and I congratulate your family's decision to donate all proceeds to charity. I've always appreciated your willingness to share your knowledge and practitioning of web analytics to the masses but it is in these insights into your personal being that lead me to respect the man behind the blog. I am thankful that with my purchase I will be aiding causes so close to your heart and will be honored to help in promoting the book.
– Andrew
I'll be glad to share your book with my readers.
Kudos to you! Even more important, kudos to you for donating the proceeds to charity.
The blogosphere/world needs more folks who do what you do.
Avinash,
I’m also eager to get my copy. I’ve read your blog for close to a year now and attended your presentation at last years E-metrics summit in Virginia. Andrew hit the nail on the head. The combination of your enthusiasm for web analytics combined with your dedication to your family and helping others is inspirational to us all.
Best of luck,
Rob
Avinash,
I pre-ordered your book in December, so I have been anxiously awaiting its release. I am confident that it will be a success. I am impressed with your generosity not only with your time, but also with your resources.
All the best,
Michael
Avinash,
I think that the vast majority of your readers would be glad to write something up and put it on your website. I'll have something for you by the end of the day.
Jeff
Thank you all for the nice words and the support. A couple of you have also kindly sent me some advance praise for the book website, I really appreciate that as well.
Gracias.
-Avinash.
I just pre-ordered the book on Amazon and can't wait to receive it. Thanks and good luck on the release!
Hi Avinash,
Order Date: December 31, 2006
Order #: 102-2905826-6953756
1 of: Web Analytics: An Hour a Day
Sold by: Amazon.com
Looking at my Amazon orders – I remember sitting in my brand new Tuxedo and hour before leaving for a New Year’s Eve Ball, with wife and kids, half way out the door, ordering the book. I am not pretending to have the same admirable character as you – but hey, you got to give me a point for commitment here! :-)
Dennis R. Mortensen, IndexTools
http://visualrevenue.com/blog
Just preordered the book on AMZN — looking forward to reading it, sir!
Alan
rimmkaufman.com/rkblog
Avinash ! i am anxiously waiting for the book..!! it's on it's way flying 7 seas across to india :-)
I'll be glad to give my feedback !
Anil Umachigi
Bangalore – India
Cool! Can't wait!
Fabulous! A beautiful act in so many ways!
I had already ordered a copy from Amazon. Seeing that you're donating the funds I've picked up another half-dozen for friends. Very considerate of your Avinash.
Hi Avinash,
I'm eagerly anticipating the release of your book. Especially with the chaotic nature of analytics at the moment. I am also very glad to be contributing to your charity. Especially at a time where many believe that we live in a "me" generation, it is refreshing and inspiring.
It's fabulous.
Cheers,
Avinash,
I had pre-ordered the book without any added incentives just based on the strength of my trust in your expertise. After reading your blog, I have added it to the many "social" web sites and am encouraging folks to consider getting a copy.
You are a great guy — many may dream, but only a very few would do what you are doing.
Ned
I've pre-ordered it on Amazon. Can't wait to read this book. And I feel proud to be part of the good cause.
All the best Avinash!
Sasi Kiran
The book's on order and I'm much looking forward to reading it.
It's also very nice to know that the proceeds will be going towards such worthy charities.
Many thanks, Hugh
I've recently been getting more involved with my web analytics and using them to improve my website. I look forward to this book, because there hasn't yet been much info on the practical side of the subject.
Can't wait for the book, will give PLENTY of attention for review!
Good luck with the book. I was a big fan of SEO in an hour so I like this approach.
Hi Avinash,
Congrats and good luck with the book. I can't wait to start reading it!!!
Best wishes,
Jia Adil
Congrats Avinash!!!!
Hi Avinash,
Its really great of you that all the book money is going to charity! My copy of your book is coming this week, can't wait to read it!
Best wishes,
Kunal