Academic H1B, can write a book on the course that I am teaching?

[zerohour12]

I am on academic H1B and work with a State University. I wanted to know if I can write a text book for a course that I am teaching. The book will eventually be sold on Amazon or some site like that.

[R78]

You can only work for the employer which sponsors your H1. So, the answer is
YES - Only if you are writing this book for your employer (state university) & they will be selling it and then giving your royalty.
NO - If you are doing this on your own. In this case, I suggest, all aspects of the deal (publishing, signing contracts, accounts where the royalties / sales go etc.) are done in your home country.