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I must write a book for the university and I am looking for software. The style that I want is like the books of O'Reilly, Apress or Packt.

I need:

  • Insert a table of contents (automatic).
  • Divide and numerate chapters.
  • Insert code. Highlighting (automatic).
  • Insert formulas
  • Insert notes, warning boxes...
  • Insert elements: images, schemas, tables
  • Insert a table of figures/images (automatic).
  • Insert a index (automatic).
  • Custom design: custom layout, fonts, colors...
  • Export document: PDF, HTML.

Software/tools that I have considered:

  • Microsoft Word
  • A markdown editor
  • LaTeX
  • Adobe InDesign

Inconveniences that I have found:

  • MS Word is hard for hightligh syntax (?)
  • Markdown editors are limited for complex structures (?)

I haven't used LaTeX and InDesign.

Which is the more appropriate software/tools for write a tech book?

Note: I don't have reputation enough for tag correctly this question.

Monica Cellio
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cespon
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2 Answers2

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LaTeX is the way to go. MS Word has improved a lot since the beginning (at least, so I'v been told, because I personally don't use it), but for equations and few other things (e.g. microkerning) it cannot compete with LaTeX. Adobe InDesign is more for professional typographers than writers.

Typically publishers of technical books provide to their authors LaTeX classes which conform to the publisher's style; other, possibly customizable, book classes can be found in LaTeX distributions.

Massimo Ortolano
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If you want a book to look like O'Reilly books, perhaps try DockBook, a system developed by that publisher.

Village
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