Are you both a wood smitha nd a wordsmith? Are you great at fixing things and good at expressing things? If so, consider becoming a repair book author. Repair books offer specialized information to mass market, trade, and niche audiences. They are often presented in a step-by-step or how-to format. Repair books are in constant demand, and you could be the next person to write one that really makes a splash. Here's what you need to know to start exploring the possibilities.

Repair book publishers tend to pick up books that cover unusual aspects of popular repair subjects, and books that explore unique niche repair subjects that would appeal to identifiable, previously untapped or under-tapped markets. For instance, is there a cuckoo clock-makers guild, and not a single book on the art of cuckoo clock-making written for beginners? Do you have specialized knowledge to share, knowledge others would like to hear and could likely benefit from? Let this line of thinking inspire you to come up with some book concepts.

To be a successful repair book author, you'll need to be an expert on the topic you're writing about. Make sure you have some experience or credential under your belt before you approach publishers with your book ideas.

You'll also need to keep current on what's going on in your field of expertise. Be aware of trends, and look for gaps that aren't being filled by other repair books. Get to know your audience—the people who you hope will buy your book. What does this audience want and need? What are their concerns? Does this line of thinking give you any more book ideas?

You'll also want to specialize. Find something useful, fresh, and specific to offer, be it a new way to approach antique furniture refurbishment, or the first complete guide to RC airplane repair.

Once you've formulated a general idea of the type of repair book you might want to write, take a look at the books currently available and start researching publishers. Choose a few publishers that you feel have the best chance of being interested in your work. Refine your idea and put together your book proposal, precisely following each publisher's guidelines and instructions.

Writing repair books could be a fun and rewarding way to supplement your income. Why not give it a shot?