How I Wrote a Technical Book on Coin Grading: From Concept to Publication with O’Reilly

Writing a technical book taught me more than I expected. Not just about coin grading, but about how to take a niche subject and turn it into something that resonates. I’m not just sharing a topic—I’m sharing the *how* behind it. From crafting the perfect proposal for O’Reilly to explaining why an 1880/79-O VAM-4 Morgan Dollar’s luster matters, this journey was as much about strategy as it was about subject matter. I’ll walk you through what worked, what didn’t, and how you can do the same—whether you’re writing about rare coins, blockchain validation, or another specialized field.

Why Write a Technical Book on a Niche Topic?

I used to think, “Who needs a whole book on coin grading?” Then I realized: that *“who”* is exactly why niche books matter.

Blogs and videos are great for quick tips. But a technical book? That’s different. It’s a permanent reference, a calling card, and a credibility booster all in one. For collectors, investors, or even fintech founders analyzing digital assets, a well-researched book signals you’re not just knowledgeable—you’re authoritative.

I’ve had auction houses call after reading early chapters. VCs ask for my input on authentication tech. And that all started with choosing a narrow focus.

The Power of Niche Authority

Yes, a book on grading the 1880/79-O VAM-4 Morgan Dollar sounds intense. But that intensity is its strength. Here’s why:

• You stand out in a sea of generalists. You’re not “another expert.” You’re the expert.

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• Your audience is already passionate—collectors, researchers, appraisers. They’ll pay for depth.

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• Your work becomes hard to copy. Not just anyone can replicate 300 pages of luster analysis, acetone testing, and TPG workflows.

Take the first chapter of my book. It opens with a real coin: slabbed as NTC MS-66, but with faint “wispy lines” on the cheek and matte patches suggesting a past dip. I walk readers through how to spot luster breaks that distinguish an MS-65 from a “slider”—a coin with no wear but compromised surface life. That kind of detail? It’s what keeps readers engaged and builds trust.

Structuring the Book for Technical Depth and Clarity

Technical readers don’t want fluff. They want answers. So I built the book like a diagnostic tool—each chapter solves a real problem.

Think of it like a lab manual for coin evaluation. I focused on a coin currently in my study: slabbed at MS-66, but showing signs of surface tampering and luster loss. Every chapter addresses a piece of the mystery.

Chapter Breakdown: From Image Analysis to In-Hand Verification

Here’s how the chapters unfold:

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1. Chapter 1: The Grading Ecosystem – Who are the TPGs (PCGS, NGC, ANACS)? How do they differ? When should you regrade?

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2. Chapter 2: Digital Assessment – Can you trust photos? Learn to spot hazing, weak strikes, and edge inconsistencies—with code to enhance images.
3. Chapter 3: The Luster Test – Mint bloom vs. friction. How light reflects off a fresh coin vs. one that’s seen wear or alteration.
4. Chapter 4: Surface Integrity – Dipping, acetone, sanding. Real tests to detect tampering using visual and chemical cues.
5. Chapter 5: The Regrade Decision Tree – A step-by-step flowchart: Is it worth $50–$100 to resubmit? When to walk away.

Code Snippet: Image Analysis for Luster Assessment

In Chapter 2, I show readers how to analyze coin images—not just by eye, but with code. Here’s the Python script I use to detect hazing and luster breaks, like the faint haze near the ‘E’ in ‘PLURIBUS’:

import cv2
import numpy as np

# Load coin image
def analyze_luster_contrast(image_path):
    img = cv2.imread(image_path)
    gray = cv2.cvtColor(img, cv2.COLOR_BGR2GRAY)
    
    # Use Sobel to highlight edges (luster breaks)
    sobelx = cv2.Sobel(gray, cv2.CV_64F, 1, 0, ksize=5)
    sobely = cv2.Sobel(gray, cv2.CV_64F, 0, 1, ksize=5)
    
    # Calculate gradient magnitude
    magnitude = np.sqrt(sobelx**2 + sobely**2)
    
    # Mark low-gradient zones (haze/friction)
    haze_regions = np.where(magnitude < 30, 255, 0).astype(np.uint8)
    
    cv2.imwrite('haze_map.jpg', haze_regions)
    return haze_regions

# Example: analyze_luster_contrast('coin_obverse.jpg')

This isn’t just code. It’s a tool. Readers can run it on their own coins, compare luster patterns, and make better grading calls—backed by data, not guesswork.

Pitching to Publishers: O’Reilly, Manning, and Apress Compared

After outlining the book, I reached out to three top technical publishers. Each has its own rhythm, audience, and value.

O’Reilly: The Thought Leader Standard

• Pros: Global reach, strong marketing, up to 25% royalties, and access to the Safari learning platform.
• Cons: They’re picky. You need a full proposal with market analysis, competitive research, and a detailed 12-chapter outline.

My O’Reilly package included:

• A 10-page breakdown of existing coin-grading books—where they fall short, where I fill the gaps.
• Audience mapping: CTOs in fintech, auction house appraisers, advanced collectors—all with different needs.
• A social media plan: TikTok for viral grading drama, YouTube for deep analysis, and a private Discord for early readers.

O’Reilly said yes. But not because I knew about coins. They believed in the *audience* I could bring.

Manning & Apress: Alternatives with Faster Timelines

• Manning: Great for developer-focused topics. Their “Early Access” program lets you earn while you write.
• Apress: Owned by Springer. Ideal if your book bridges tech and science—like linking coin grading to material analysis.
• Key difference: O’Reilly’s brand carries weight with executives and investors. That mattered to me. I wanted my book to be read by decision-makers, not just hobbyists.

Building an Audience Before the Book Launches

Publishers don’t just want a writer. They want a partner who can drive interest. So I built momentum early—before the first chapter was even done.

1. Phase 1: Content Teasers – Weekly Twitter threads: “Red Flags: When a Graded Coin Isn’t What It Seems.” Real examples, like the NTC coin with haze and friction lines.
2. Phase 2: Webinar Series – “Grading the 1880/79-O: From Slab to Science.” Did a live acetone test (on a replica) to show how solvents reveal altered surfaces. One clip: “If acetone evaporates fast, you’re safe.” Went viral. 4,000+ signups.
3. Phase 3: Early Reviews – Gave 200 collectors early chapters. 83% responded—many with pre-orders or detailed feedback.

That Discord community? Now 1,200 members. And it’s where I test new ideas, get chapter feedback, and build loyalty.

Navigating the Writing Process: Discipline & Tools

Six to nine months of writing. No magic. Just routine.

• Tools: I wrote in AsciiDoc, tracked changes with Git, and used GitHub to share drafts. Grammarly kept the prose clear—critical when explaining technical steps.
• Routine: 500 words a day, five days a week. Used O’Reilly’s author portal for peer reviews.
• Feedback: Got input from 10 experts—4 numismatists, 3 data scientists (for the code), and 3 publishing pros.

One reviewer caught a flaw in my acetone test explanation. Another suggested a better flowchart for the regrade decision tree. Those edits made the book stronger.

Conclusion: The ROI of Technical Book Authorship

This isn’t just about finishing a book. It’s about building a platform.

• Authority: My name now opens doors. Speaking invites, consulting gigs, media interviews—all from being “the coin grading author.”
• Audience: I didn’t wait for readers to find me. I built a community first—on social, in webinars, through early access.
• Publishers: O’Reilly was the right fit for my goals. But Manning or Apress could work if you need speed or academic crossover.
• Process: Detail matters. So does clarity. Use real examples (like acetone tests), real code, and real stories.

My book, “Grading the Edge: Technology & Technique in Modern Numismatics”, is now used by three major auction houses for training. More than that, it launched my consulting work with fintech startups working on asset verification.

If you’re a CTO, freelancer, or investor, ask yourself: What’s your niche? What topic do you know better than almost anyone? Start there. Write with care. Publish with purpose. The impact goes far beyond the page.

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