Writing More than Blog Posts
June 8, 2007 by Justin Cutroni 
Over the past few years I’ve learned quite a bit about Google Analytics in my day to day job as a web analyst. I’ve tried to pass along much of what I know using this blog. Now I have a new way to share my knowledge.
The good people at O’Reilly Media have given me the chance to write a book. I can’t tell you how excited I am about this opportunity!!! I truly enjoying helping other people and this book provides another way for me to do that.
I’m not sure when it will be published, but it should be in the next month or so. The first draft is done and I’m waiting for the editor to rip it apart return her edits.
The book is part of O’Reilly’s Short Cuts series and is titled Google Analytics Short Cuts (how’s that for original?).
Short Cuts are PDF documents that spotlight one specific topic, usually in fewer than 100 pages. Whether it’s a first look at a brand new technology, a quick reference, or a thorough explanation of a narrow but crucial subject, Short Cuts bring you focused information in an easy-to-use, portable package.
I want to stress that this is not a ‘how to’ web analytics book. It’s a book about Google Analytics and is focused solely on the product. Sure, I take time to discuss how certain GA configurations can affect your data, but I don’t dive into topics like the long tail of search or the nuances of multivariate testing. I talk about things like cookie formats, getting third party shopping carts configured correctly and link tagging (among other things).
If you’re looking for great web analytics books I suggest the following (listed in no particular order):
Web Analytics: An Hour a Day by Avinash Kaushik
Actionable Web Analytics by Jason Burby and Shane Atchison
Web Analytics Demystified & The Big Book of Key Performance Indicators by Eric Peterson
Once I know the exact publication date I’ll post more information about the contents and a long list of thank-yous to those who are helping me through the process. In the meantime, check out the above books!
11 Responses to “Writing More than Blog Posts”
Congratulations buddy!
I could not be happier for you and the thousands of future readers of your wonderful book! :)
-Avinash.
By Avinash Kaushik on Jun 9, 2007
Congratulations, man! We’re waiting with bated breath to see this. Let us know the moment it hits the presses.
By Michael Harrison on Jun 9, 2007
Justin,
I just got done reading the review copy of the book and I’m glad that everything worked out with Tatiana and O’Reilly. Having done this a few times I can assure you that nothing is more gratifying than having other people comment about your book and knowing that the effort you put forth in writing pays of again and again as other people read and learn.
All the best,
Eric T. Peterson
Web Analytics Demystified
http://www.webanalyticsdemystified.com
By Eric T. Peterson on Jun 9, 2007
Hi Justin,
I am looking forward to the new book. Is there more information about what the book is about? What part of Google Analytics will it cover in 100 pages?
I don’t see any info on the O’Reilly site about the book yet.
Thanks,
Dylan
WikiWebAnalytics.com
http://www.wikiwebanalytics.com
By Dylan Lewis on Jun 17, 2007
Hey Dylan,
The book is going to primarily cover how the system works and how to address specific configuration issues. My goal is to give the reader a solid understanding of how the architecture so they can go off and experiment with creating new sets of data or making sure their setup is correct.
Once I get done with this second set of revisions I’ll post a more detailed TOC.
Justin
By Justin on Jun 17, 2007
Congratulations Justin! I’m looking forward to seeing a final copy of the book.
By Alex Ortiz on Jun 18, 2007
So Justin, the big question now becomes:
Do you buy the Ferrari or the Lamborghini with the untold wealth that the book brings you? ;-)
Seriously, congrats, well done, and I eagerly look forward to reading it!
Cheers!
By Steve on Jun 18, 2007
Hi Justin!
Congratulations on your book. I’ve been reading your blog and really like the way you dive into the specifics of GA — I’m looking forward to reading the book.
By Kristen Nomura on Jun 20, 2007
Congrats Justin!
I am looking forward to downloading a copy. Way to go!
Good job!
Judah
By Judah on Jun 25, 2007
Take my wish as well..
By Sourav on Jul 12, 2007