Playbook Thirtynine

Ship interactive web apps with minimal tooling.

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This isn't another eBook on how to build a to-do app; but rather an insightful manifesto into the inner workings of four real-life Rails apps. Learn how to ship interactive web apps with minimal tooling.

September 9, 2020 $15k from 137 sales

Publishing this Ruby on Rails book has always been a goal of mine, and I'm really happy that I was finally able to do that!

Yesterday I just crossed over 15K in sales from only 137 purchases.

There's an insane amount of value packed into the book + app, and overall I'm really thankful that others are able to see the same.

https://share.getcloudapp.com/jkuZjlrB

June 22, 2020 $10K in sales

This project has been a roller coaster of emotions. At one point I thought about just shelving it all together, but I decided to push forward.

In 90 days this book on Ruby on Rails as made $10K in revenue.

If you have doubts about your project, or on the verge of quitting, don't! You could be so close. There's always going to be friction with whatever you're pursuing, but the key is determining what's worth fighting for.

https://share.getcloudapp.com/yAuY6AEX

May 14, 2020 $5K in sales

Just crossed over $5K in sales. It's been challenging because I don't have a large audience, and the book is on a tech that not a lot of developers utilize.

At any rate, I would consider this a success.

Some of the top feedback includes:

  • "Your book is too expensive."
  • "Your landing page needs some SERIOUS work."

0 refund requests.

Fuck the haters. Just do your own thing and ignore everyone else.

https://playbookthirtynine.com

April 27, 2020 Ruby on Rails book completed!!

It’s been a labor of love, but I’m finally able to say that I have finished it! I wrote a 270 page book detailing my simplistic approach to building and maintaining web apps that serve millions of visitors, and generate millions of dollars in revenue. This project took three months to complete, in between the full-time job, side hustles, and living remotely in an off-grid RV.

I’m especially grateful to everyone who has supported this, and the folks who pre-ordered. I’m also thankful for my editor, who really took this diamond in the rough and made it shine!

You can pick up the book here:
https://playbookthirtynine.com

April 24, 2020 My Rails eBook Launches This Weekend!

Yesterday I got a peak at the final copy from the editor, and it really made me super proud of this project.

Writing a technical eBook was a lot more time consuming than I had thought. I think that's mostly due to the shear number of code samples that I included, and the fact that the topics I covered are pretty complex.

https://playbookthirtynine.com

I've gotten some good feedback about the initial draft from pre-order customers, and after adding a few sections, the project is finally coming to a completion point.

More to come on launch day!

April 10, 2020 20 eBook Pre-Orders - $1,500 in Revenue

With pre-orders coming to a close on Monday, I'm pretty happy with the results. I'll be able to hit the publicly announced date for pre-sale deliveries, and that includes the Rails companion app for the project. The app that's paired with the book is a must see. Check out my recent tweet with some screenshots .(https://twitter.com/nphaskins/status/1248037365039296513)

The eBook ballooned in size to 230 pages and 40k words.

It's with a copy editor right now, an aside from a few missing screenshots, and a pass at a design, the project is coming to a point of completion.

During the next two weeks those who pre-ordered will have first access, with the official release to follow on April 27th.

Pre-Order Stats
Price - $79
Purchases - 20
Revenue - $1,520

April 4, 2020 The Final Stretch - Staying on Target

Some projects take off and make millions. Most don't. What matters the most, is finishing.

For the next four days I'll be working to complete the initial draft of my eBook on Rails (https://playbookthirtynine.com). With 165 pages and 35K words, there's a hint of excitement because the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel, is just within reach.

The first draft is still on target to be delivered to pre-order customers by April 13th, with the final release on April 27th.

Thanks to everyone who has been sharing my Tweets!

Pre-Order Stats:
Price - $79
Purchases - 17
Revenue - $1,343

https://cl.ly/329eaf07bff2

Follow me @nphaskins (https://twitter.com/nphaskins)

March 28, 2020 Slow Sales. Little interest. The push continues.

It's been 15 days since I launched pre-orders for my eBook on Rails (https://playbookthirtynine.com) , and so far I've had 14 sales. I've been consistently sharing on Twitter, including pages and snippets, but I don't have a large following.

I guess I just expected more interest. I definitely expected more sales, especially when you look at the popularity of other eBook. I have so many years of experience across multiple apps. I built and sold a business in two years. Surely developers would want to read about my approach and techniques.

But who am I?

I'm just another fish in the ocean.

This project has felt like pushing a rock up a hill. There's a number things that are just out of my control:

  • Rails is not popular
  • We're in a pandemic
  • It's a pre-order
  • I don't have a large megaphone (Twitter followers)

What can I do?

Finish the book. Finish the app. Deliver the book and app on time to those who pre-ordered. Complete the project.

Who knows, maybe this will just be a late bloomer.

https://cl.ly/7d37517ac78a

March 20, 2020 $1K in Revenue from Pre-Orders

I just reached $1K in revenue from pre-orders for my eBook. It's validating to have some interest, and it's really inspiring me to complete the project.

This morning I crossed over 25K words, and so far sitting at 116 pages. It's coming close to the end, and it's starting to feel pretty good!

https://cl.ly/ee45aa92fcae

March 14, 2020 Free Chapter Download

Based on some user feedback, I decided to add two free chapters as a download. You don't even have to pre-order to get the free-chapter, it's right at the bottom of the book page.

I'm hoping that this spurs a few more pre-orders, because in the last 24 hours I've only gotten 8.

https://playbook-thirty-nine.mavenseed.com/downloads/book

About

This isn't another eBook on how to build a to-do app; but rather an insightful manifesto into the inner workings of four real-life Rails apps. Learn how to ship interactive web apps with minimal tooling.