[Darthbobcat]

I'm considering write a Kindle/Nook book about how to use Windows Phone 8.1 for people who might have a Windows Phone and not be entirely sure what to do with it. Here's a version of what I'd have as the table of contents.

Working Title: I Bought a Windows Phone; Now What!?

81 tips and tricks to making the most of Windows Phone 8.1. (may end up with more or less than 81 when all is said and done, but it seems the most fun)
Chapter 1: It’s a Hardware Life
• How to determine what device you have, difference between different hardware options (on screen vs capacitive buttons, RAM, setting expectations, what carriers you can use it on, etc)
Chapter 2: What are all of those tiles, anyway?
• Making the most of Live Tiles, People Hub, switching back and forth between the start screen and alphabetical list, etc.
Chapter 3: Exploring the Internet
• Tips for web browsing in Internet Explorer 11.
Chapter 4: Aren't you the one from the Siri commercials?
* Cortana tips.
Chapter 5: Ain't No Party like Microsoft First Party Apps
* Tips for Skype, Onedrive, Office Mobile, Xbox Smartglass, etc
Chapter 6: Lumia Apps: 5% of you can skip this chapter.
* Tips for things like Lumia Beamer and the like
Chapter 7: Conclusion/grab bag tips

Is there anything glaring that that overview would be missing? I'd be aiming for about 50 pages or so and to sell it for about 99 cents to 2 dollars.

[ShreyansShah]

u can add a small chapter regarding the customizations and settings menu. some people may need it, to find where to go and what to do.

ur idea about publishing the book rather than creating an app has it's own merits. that is definitely a good idea.

[someone2639]

Don't forget the Store. Try/buy isn't really straightforward.

[aximtreo]

What a great idea overall. If it's an ebook, it can be added to and modified as needed. I would be one of the first inline to get something like this. KISS Make sure it's written for the people below your knowledge level.

[Noahma]

Actually, Paul Thurrott beat you to it.

Windows Phone 8.1 Field Guide by Paul Thurrott - Blog

[Laura Knotek]

Actually, Paul Thurrott beat you to it.

Windows Phone 8.1 Field Guide by Paul Thurrott - Blog

That doesn't mean the OP won't have a better one.

[Noahma]

That is true.

[Darthbobcat]

The only problem is that the way my work schedule is, I'd have it done when Windows 10 launched.

[Harrie-S]

That is no problem for Verizon customers.

[Darthbobcat]

Maybe the smart thing to do would be to wait for Windows 10 developer preview for phones, install it on a 520 I have laying around and start working on it then.

[dsimages]

Knowing that an alleged "major" OS update is less than a year away, I wouldn't restrict the book to 8.1.
The bad part is that we don't know what WP10 will be bringing. Therefore, not writing about 8.1 leaves you writing nothing at the moment.

Maybe if you were to gather related info on WP in a general sense and how to use WP.

Something like this...

Preface - brief history of windows mobile and its progression to present day wp

Introduction to WP and its core functions.

What makes WP tick hand how WP runs so well on lower end hardware.

Why WP and ms ecosystem work so well.

Something about wp7\wp8 and how both OS's were ahead of the competition

Wp8.1 general tips and tricks

Why WP ux just freakin works.

Everything you listed in your op.

Conclusion and your take on WP future.

...that's all I got. Just my opinion, not telling anyone how to do anything. Good luck and looking forward to a good read!

[Darthbobcat]

Hm. A history of Windows Phone would be interesting, but I think that'd be a bigger undertaking. I'd want to interview people, get a sense of where Android and iOS were at different points, talk about how Windows Phone basically shoved Blackberry under the water and didn't let up until it stopped wriggling, etc.

Which is a book that deserves to be written at some point.

Of course, what occurs to me is that there's no rule saying I can't come out with an 8.1 book, then just copy/paste to turn it into a Windows 10 Mobile book.