The books listed here contain information relevant to topic-based authoring:
Sissi Closs: Single Source Publishing. Topicorientierte Strukturierung und DITA, Entwickler-Press, 2006
This book describes the Single Source Publishing history and explains the relevant concepts focused on topic-oriented structures. Siss Closs has developed the class concept method with which adequate topic and link types can systematically be developed for any kind of content. In this book, the class concept method is described in detail. In addition, the book contains a DITA short reference.
Jonathan and Lisa Price, Hot Text, New Riders Press, 2002
Hot Text focuses on good writing practices, including topic-based authoring, and applies these to web-based deliverables. It includes XML authoring that is directly applicable to implementing the DITA model.
Robert E. Horn, Mapping Hypertext: The Analysis, Organization, and Display of Knowledge for the Next Generation of On-Line Text and Graphics, Lexington Institute, 1990
Robert Horn is the developer of Information Mapping(tm). Although this book focuses on online information, it is one of the few publically available discussions of the topic-based principles of information mapping. In the book, Horn explains how to chunk, organize, and sequence content.
JoAnn Hackos and Dawn Stevens, Standards for Online Communication, Wiley, 1997
Hackos and Stevens focus on topic-based authoring in the context of online information systems. They include both help and web design in the examples. However, the topic-based authoring principles are central to the writing methods detailed in the book. The authors demonstrate how topic-based authoring differs significantly from book-based authoring.
Kurt Ament, Single Sourcing: Building Modular Documentation, Noyes Publications, 2002
Ament explains in plain language and by example how to develop single source documents. He shows technical writers how to develop standalone information modules, then map these modules to a variety of audiences and formats using proven information mapping techniques.
Gretchen Hargis et al. , Developing Quality Technical Information: A Handbook for Writers and Editors, IBM Press, 2nd edition, 2004
Many books about technical writing tell you how to develop different parts of technical information, such as headings, lists, tables, and indexes. Instead, we organized this book to tell you how to apply quality characteristics that, in our experience, make technical information easy to use, easy to understand, and easy to find.