Product Description

Everyone appreciates professional-looking documents, whether they'renewsletters and brochures or business proposals and presentations.Now, with Desktop Publishing & Design For Dummies,you can discover how to create effective, desktop-published documentsyourself -- saving both the time and expense of working with designers,typesetters, and service bureaus. Leading desktop publishing guruand author Roger C. Parker shows you how toApply basic design principles by using popular desktop publishingand page layout programs such as QuarkXPress and Adobe PageMakerChoose the right computer hardware and software to suit yourbudget as well as your needsScan photographs and place them effectively on your pagesSelect the best typefaces for headlines, subheads, body copy,and captionsUse color tastefullyPrepare bug-free files for service bureaus and printersTalk the talk: A glossary of over 200 design terms helps youcommunicate with others to ensure that your job is done on timeand within budget

Plus, Desktop Publishing & Design For Dummies featuresa special insert that takes you step by step through the processof creating successful newsletters. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Good introductory
This actually was the textbook used for the desktop publishing class that I took in college. More than adequate as a starter for those interested in learning design theory.

Dummies
It was not what I wanted.It was what I ordered but just not what I wanted.

Inspired a career change
OK, this book is old. I don't read it too often anymore, but have probably read it cover to cover three times, and referred back to it dozens of times. It is good generic information that still applies today. I bought this book back in late 1995. Around the same time I started fooling around with Corel Draw 4 and Serif Page Plus 3/Draw Plus 2. By June of 1996 I was a graphic artist at a weekly newspaper. Two years later I got a job as a signmaker for a few months. I returned to the newspaper business when a good offer came in, and have been doing dtp, design and signmaking freelance on the side ever since. When I bought this book, I didn't know the difference between a serif and san serif font. I was self taught, 100%. Other books that were a big influence "The Gray Book" and a little spiral bound book from DDC "Quick Reference Guide-Graphic Design for Desktop Publishing". Learning programs certainly is valuable, and I've worked with a lot of them. More valuable is the understanding of layout and design. Without this knowledge, knowing a bunch of programs is of little use. This book is good for someone starting out, or someone who thinks they know a lot.

Easily make your documents look professional
This is a great, easy to understand desktop reference for making ANY document, brochure, newsletter, report, letter, etc. look professional, and for making people want to read them. It tells you what makes publicationslook better and WHY, and gives examples and ideas. Even using just a fewtips from this book can help your documents look better and be easier toread. It explains fonts and how to choose, spacing, using pictures, clipart, and graphics (including scanning and sizing), borders, tables, charts,how to attract reader's attention, and how to use color and save money. Thedesign, page formatting and layout tips also provide detailed instructionsfor most major word processing and desktop publishing applications, such asWord, Wordperfect, MS Publisher and Pagemaker (Windows and Mac). Althoughit was written in 1995, the tips and tricks still apply and I find theinstructions generally hold up in the upgraded versions of the softwareapplications (i.e., Office 2000)(- but it would still be nice to get a newedition of this book published). It also has a section on how to easilywork with your service bureau or print shop, and on creating a corporateidentity for your business.

I've read this cover to cover and keep it atmy desk for quick reference. I think all design and publishingprofessionals should read this book as I can now do better than most I'veworked with!I highly recommend this for anyone who owns their ownbusiness - but it even helps with the family Christmas newsletter. ... Read more

Product Description
This new book provides comprehensive design solutions as they relate to today's technology. The techniques can be applied by the student using any desktop publishing program. The first half of the book establishes a solid foundation in the wide range of design and production components used to complete a project - type, paper, color, grids, templates, organization and critiquing skills. Real-world constraints like budget, time and output devices are also explored. The second part of the book gives examples of 25 of the most typical projects, including letterhead, reports, brochures and newsletters. Page elements, audience, effect, postal requirements and printing options for each are also provided. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A must have for desktop publishers!
This is an excellent reference manual that supports both the beginner and the more advanced desktop publisher.The layout of the book is particularly helpful in locating materials for specific projects.I caneasily find examples of a publication type to use for a reference.I alsonever realized the importance of choosing the correct paper.This chapterwas very enlightening.As a new web designer, I found the informationregarding design levels especially useful.This bookwill be on myreference shelf for a long time.

Covers Desktop publishing, layout, design & style.
A highly useful reference covering virtually every aspect of desktop publishing layout, design, and style. The book provides a broad foundation for the procedures and methods employed in contemporary electronicpublishing. Numerous illustrations and examples are provided. Samplechapters include: Establishing a Process, Living with the Software, TypeFormatting Information, Typefaces and Their Uses, Quality Control Methods,and Web Design Packages.

Great book, comprehensive and easy to follow
As a student of desktop publishing I can only say I wish I had found this book sooner; it would have made things a lot easier.With this book,you will need no other on this subject. ... Read more

Product Description
- Manage your business profitably- Develop a niche market- Find opportunities on the Internet ... Read more

Product Description
Utilizes personal and business-related exercises for Desktop Publishing.The text is non-software specific and may be used with Windows 3.1, Windows 95, or Macintosh.Hands-on activities are integrated throughout the text to reinforce learning.Completion time is approximately 90 hours. ... Read more

Product Description
A dynamic step-by-step guide to creating everything from tourism books and niche market magazines to specialty tabloids, using a home computer. Having built his own publishing business from scratch, Williams is uniquely qualified to shorten the learning curve by sharing the soup to nuts of what he has learned.

He begins with a basic premise: Start a publication on something known, or about a specific area. The publications that have made him successful are local papers, speciality magazines, and guides. Once subject and venue are determined, it's time to consider software tools, arranging an office for productivity, how to get advertisers, how to market your product, whom to hire (and how much to pay them), and all the other aspects of profitability.

In the sea of publishing books on the market, here's one that tells everything publishers need to know in one place. This revised version includes updated technological information on software products and addresses current fluctuations in the market and the changing business environment. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

publish your own magazine, guide book or weekly newspaper.
Excellent information provided. This guy starts from the beginning and literally walks the reader through publishing from A-Z. Highly recommended.

My opinion...
I found this book informative and several of the plans/ideas are actually feasable to someone in my situation.I was looking for more information pertaining to the newsletter/newspaper aspect but will keep it as a reference anyway.

Loved it!
I love this book! It's got a lot of really great ideas, tips and tricks that are useful for anyone thinking of getting into the publishing business.

An obvious labor of love
Tom Williams' book is an obvious labor of love, by a man who knows the small-publishing business first hand. It is brimming with ideas that can help the beginner make the most profitable use of his time. This is an excellent all-around guidebook. Keep it handy: you'll be referring to it often.

Publish Your Own Magazine
Recently, I ordered this book and I must say, I really am proud of the service I receive and the timeliness of its arrival. This book is very detail and written in a manner even a novice can understand. I really appreciate the service of amazon and to this author and shipper, keep it up!!

As a new publisher www.youthconnex.com I was able to get the inside secret in a friendly manner and yet professional tone. ... Read more

Product Description
Have you ever dreamed of starting your own home-based desktop publishing business? Have you been hesitant to put your plans into action? This comprehensive guide contains all the necessary tools and strategies you will need to successfully launch and grow your business. Author Louise Kursmark, a successful home-based desktop publisher, shares her experiences and down-to-earth advice to help you estimate your start-up costs, manage your cash flow, and stay profitable once you're in business. This updated edition contains all-new information on surfing the Internet to obtain valuable resources, marketing desktop services on the Net, and turning Web design into a profit center. Whether you want to earn your living creating newsletters and brochures, preparing resumes, or designing catalogs, with this guide at your side you can experience the satisfaction of building your own home-based desktop publishing business. (7 1/2 x 9 1/4, 240 pages, training resource list, sample vendor call scripts, start-up cost estimator, sample press release and newsletter, client information/agreement, sample brochure) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Great!
Well written and packed full of information! Very helpful, I wish I would have bought this before leaving my full time job to start my own business. So many things that I wish I would have had set up before hand. I am implementing much of it now. I have bought several books regarding running a design business from home, I recommend this one over all the others!

Very Thorough Is Lacking in Only One Area
As the previous reviewers have written, this book covers day-to-day information you need to run a DTP (or graphic design) business.

Have you thought about creating a policies & guidelines sheet for your customers?If you don't, you'll be sorry after a client blames you because they didn't proofread their job before it went to the printer.If you had the P&G to review with them, you would be able to bring it up BEFORE it becomes a crisis.

This book is loaded with examples like this; not just the ancedotes, but the forms that help your business run smoothly.As I mentioned, this book was lacking in only one area--financial recordkeeping was a mere two pages in this book.That subject could be a 200 page book in and of itself.Kursmark is so clever at writing about this subject in a friendly and conversational manner, I found myself disappointed not to get her help on recordkeeping.

That said, this book is highly recommended based on what it does cover, and I'm off to find a book to explain how to track expenses and the like.

Excellent so far!
I have only had time to read about 15 pages of this book, but so far it is fantastic!When I read more pages I will rate again, but like I said, this book is great.From what I have readso far, I would highly recommend this book.The author is very straightforward and her writing style is wonderful - easy to understand and down to earth.

Very effective resource
As a pro DTP & graphic artist, I didn't think there would be much more to learn to eliminate my employer and sell the services I did already directly to customers. In fact, thinking I was an expert of graphic design & all of the software made me mistakenly believe I was ready to pass out biz cards and start selling my services and wondered how this book could possibly be 200 pages for something so simple. I was quite wrong, however, and I'm so glad I read this book and got aware of how much more successful I could be by following the author's plan. There is a lot of lessons learned the hard way the author shared which would save anyone a lot of money and a lot of trouble, not to mention lost business. There is a lot of planning that needs to happen before one passes out there first bizcard and I would not have had a clue were it not for this book.

A Great Resource!
The author of this book has done an excellent job in providing the 'would-be desktop publisher' with lots of great information on how to get started in this business. The book is very clear and concise, with a sense of humor. It provides information step-by-step so it's very easy to follow. ... Read more

Product Description
THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL PRINT PRODUCTION is an understanding of theentire workflow, from scanning and file creation through prepress andprint production. Fully updated by author and publishing consultantBrian Lawler, The Official Adobe Print Publishing Guide, Second Edition,brings together the collective knowledge and wisdom of the experts atAdobe Systems in a simple, elegant presentation of the fundamentalconcepts and issues related to producing high-quality printed output.The book includes succinct, expertly illustrated explanations of thebasic concepts and terminology of print production, along with Adobe’stried and true guidelines, tips, and checklists for ensuring asuccessful print job.Amazon.com Review
This well-written, full-color guide from Adobe teachesmanagers and designers the relevant issues and problems that need tobe considered with any professional-level print job. It helps weighthe benefits of doing particular tasks yourself against assigning themto a prepress professional. The first chapter describes color, print,and prepress terms; computer graphics; and various printingprocesses. Next, the guide explains how to construct a publication,teaching you about color-management systems, special printingtechniques, color correction, registration, resolution, dot gain,scanning, duotones and tritones, and vector graphics. This sectionintroduces you to image editing, interpolation, graphic file formats,type, and font formats. The third chapter discusses how to convert toPostscript, color proof, print via the Web, and archive files in PDFform. The final chapter focuses on project-management guidelines: youassess your budget, schedule, and other goals and consider prepresstasks, vendors, printers, page-layout files, and file-handoffchecklists. Each chapter ends with a case study that explores thedecision-making processes behind the production of an award-winningpublication. An appendix provides a table of Postscript errormessages, their meaning, and common solutions. A second appendixdisplays process-color charts, and a glossary of printing,desktop-publishing, and computer-graphics terms rounds out thebook. --Kathleen Caster ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Layout for Lithography
"Official Adobe Print Publishing Guide....." is a required text for the Layout for Lithography class in which I am enrolled; a class that is required for several certificates that I plan to earn.

Even without the requirements, I would have purchased "Official Adobe Print....."
My training (and continual education) in fine arts has led to my thinking of color as expressed in watercolor, oils, pen & ink, etc.However, I need to think of expressing color in software and printing; a different way of thinking, of course!

The first chapter gives me information about color in various types of printing (offset being the one I am currently studying) as well as many, many terms and definitions used to describe printing actions for the graphic artist, the printing press, and the printer.Whew!

The second chapter deals with color management, corrections, typography and terms, terms, terms!The 2nd, 3rd & 4th chapters contain case studies for "real world" details.

An excellent resource/reference book in addition to a step-by-step how-to book.

Good book
I had to purchase this book for a class I am attending. It did its trick. Good book so far.

Great School Resource
Great resource for designers who deal with the print aspect of thier projects. Good material to read through and very helpful.

Not what I'd expected.
This book wasn't what I'd expected from the reviews. It is largely a reference guide and less of a learning resource. Definitions are presented clearly, but then the application of things wasn't fully explained. For someone new to print publishing, this isn't a 'how-to' guide. It's more of a reference material and to discover new things about print publishing you may not have known about. I would recommend this tentatively to anyone who wants to bulk up their reference library on print publishing, but wouldn't recommend it to a absolute beginner wanting to know more about print publishing.

Information a plus
Great in detail book for Graphic Communications I used it in one of my classes. Learned a great deal in it. Thanks ... Read more

Product Description
Create professional-quality page layouts with your computer. The author quickly explains the basic principles of graphic design in easy-to-understand language. An essential reference for anyone using their computer for desktop publishing. Handy glossary of commonly used terms on the back cover. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Basics in an Easy to Carry and Use Design
I have taught DTP for years, and this book is the simplest and easiest guide to understanding the basic phrases and fundamental concepts associated with desktop publishing.

I have used this book for years as a resource guide for 9-12 grade students, but it is outstanding for anyone seeking a basic reference of the terminology used in desktop publishing. The layout program you use doesn't matter, as the information applies to any program.

The book is laid out well, the type is large, and the spiral binding helps a lot. There are clear, specific examples for the terms, and I loved the area that has suggestions for layout and design.

The price is reasonable and the book is handy to carry, not cumbersome at all. A great desk and classroom reference guide for everyone. A staple for your reference list, especially if you are teaching DTP. ... Read more

Product Description
Intoduction to Desktop Publishing with Digital Graphics is written specifically for secondary students. It is the only text that covers the four most popular applications: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop.

The Projects Across the Curriculum feature reinforces skills in math, science, language arts, and social studies. We offer Online Resources which include rubrics, additional projects, data files, and solution files and provides a comprehensive solution for any curriculum.
... Read more

Product Description
Desktop publishing has become the industry standard for publishers and freelancers alike. Teach Yourself Desktop Publishing is a practical course in desktop publishing that includes up-to-date information on the latest software and techniques. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

teacherrequired
this product is good if you have a teacher. I purchased it for self study but it is better if one has a teacher since many of the exercises requiretutorial assistance and review to complete. I did use it without a teacher but to get the full benefit and to doall the exercises a teacher is required. Publishers of this title should consider this and perhaps should release two volumes in the future, one for self study without a teacher and one for self study with teaching assistance. ... Read more

Product Description
Ever since the desktop publishing revolution in the 1980s, people with access to computers and printers could produce their own newsletters, flyers, brochures, and marketing materials. Today, the revolution has gone online, and even the smallest of companies can create a viable Web presence. Just having a Web presence doesn't cut it, though -- you want to have a good-looking, effective Web site that gets your message across. That's where Web Design & Desktop Publishing For Dummies comes in. Author and marketing consultant Roger C. Parker introduces the fundamentals of design for both print and Web documents, and he gives you the tools and knowledge you need in order to make dynamite publications, either for print or for the Web.Jam-packed with information and illustrations, Web Design & Desktop Publishing For Dummies includesA no-nonsense introduction to professional design, no matter what your level of experienceDozens of before-and-after illustrations that demonstrate how to take your pages from mediocre to outstandingThe Use of Color For Dummies, a full-color guide to using color effectivelyAdvice on choosing and using fonts and typography, including specialized Web techniquesEditing Newsletters For Dummies, a bonus section to get you started making professional publicationsTons of ideas and practical advice for every kind of publicationTips on which software programs and Web sites can help you the mostWhether you're making a Web site for fun or a price list for customers, you can have your publications looking great in no time when you keep this handy reference beside your computer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A great book, but a misleading title.
Other reviewers have offered high praise for this book, and I strongly agree with them. However, I feel obliged to offer a few counterpoints, since most readers will purchase this book sight unseen.

Roger C. Parker is a recognized expert in his field, and this book exemplifies his experience as if it were his portfolio and resume. From lessons on defining your message to practical tips on layout and the proper uses of color and type, most readers will certainly find some helpful bit of advice in this book. BUT IT ISN'T ABOUT WEB DESIGN!

This book contains no code, NONE, not one tag. Though there are good illustrations explaining the usefulness of tables and frames, for example, this book will not give you even the slightest hint as to how to create these elements on a page. The same can also be said of graphics. (However, the book does provide excellent insight into the subliminal impact of perforations, folds, and paper texture). And while technology marches on, this book has not - it remains a relic from the age of 28.8K modems.

So let us appreciate this book for what it is, a fantastic book on the fundamentals of graphic design. But readers might be better served by Parker's master work "Looking Good in Print" (ISBN 1566048567); its lessons apply just as well to PowerPoint and the World Wide Web. Fans of this series who actually want to make web sites might also consider "Web Design for Dummies"... it's about web design.

Great stuff for newbies!
Today, I received my copy of this amazingly simple but thorough treatment of web design and desktop publishing. I'm a freelance writer and need to ramp up my tech skills. This book is launching me ahead at incredible speed with its simple advice. Roger Parker writes like the mentor you've always wanted. I will order more of his books because he makes good sense and doesn't sound techno-crazy. Every freelancer needs this book just to keep up.

Better than the other 'Dummies'
I'm actually going to purchase the book now, having already read the book.I checked out 10books on desktop publishing at my local library and narrowed the field down to the three I thought were best in providingconcise, valuable information.Two of the three were written by RogerParker, and the Dummies book seemed written for a person who needs valuableinformation fast. I own my own small business and this book fit my needsthe best.

All meat, no cutesy humor
Some folks might like it, but I've always been put off by the Dummies series' attempts to force sophomoric humor into serious computer books.So I alsmost didn't buy this one, but Parker's reputation as a solidstraightforward writer made me take the chance.There's not one drop ofcutesy humor; instead, there is a wealth of information that is immediatelyuseable.Parker writes as if you're sitting across a design table from himand he's showing you how to create design magic all by yourself. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

SLOW DELIVERY
They mailed this "book rate", if you want something fast, don't count on this seller.I even called and told her that I needed it ASAP!!!

Excellent book
This is a great book for anyone wanting to take their desktop publishing skills to a new level and also anyone that would like to learn on their own how to create their own stationary,flyers, brochures, and other neat things. This book is a great buy.

Good service.
The book was in excellent condition and just because the cd cover was a little rip the seller send me $ for it...Thank you! It was for my cousinthis book she needed it for school. ... Read more

Product Description
The Desktop Publisher's Idea Book: One-Of-A-Kind Projects, Expert Tips, and Hard-To-Find Sources 100 STEP-BY-STEP DESKTOP PUBLISHING AND WEB DESIGN RECIPES. The Desktop Publisher's Idea Book is about breaking new ground. Beyond the obvious newsletters, envelopes, and letterheads, there are a wealth of useful, eye-catching, and unusual projects perfectly suited to your computer and graphics or laser printer.

UNIQUE PROJECT IDEAS. The idea book features scores of projects you can easily recreate using any DTP or word processing software program. Whether you're a new computer user with no design experience, or an experienced pro, the idea book provides the design and production details that put the power of print to work for you.

COMPLETE DETAILED LAYOUTS. Each project includes one or more designs, page dimensions, typeface names and sizes, sources for clip art and photos, and the names of companies that can supply you with production help and special materials.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF BOOK. All of the idea book projects were created exclusively for you to integrate into your own work. You are free to recreate any element of a project—the design, the production techniques, the font choices, even the headline and text ideas.

EXPERT TIPS AND TECHNIQUES. Chuck shares the basics of project production and tips for working with illustrators, photographers, and commercial printers. He helps you rethink the design and function of everyday documents and explore ways to maximize their effectiveness.

TURN YOUR IDEAS INTO RESULTS. The idea book includes over 350 pages packed with hundreds of illustrations and scores of ideas to help you tap the creative power of your PC or Macintosh computer.

PROJECTS INCLUDE THE: Instant binder, Gift Folder, Catalog, Cookbook, Infobook, Brochure Book, Quick-Change Menu, Take-A-Test Brochure, Business Greeting Card, Pop-Up Card, Letter/Coupon Combo, Two-Way Message, Map Flyer, Play Sheet, Computer Files Record, Newsletters, Billboard Box, Poly Bag Pack, Great Quotes, Dry Erase Board, Coasters, Decals, 3-in-1 Labels, and many more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Excellent Resource
This is an excellent resource for new graphic artists and probably others who could use a little creative push. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in this field, because not only is the book helpful, his website linked to this book is a cornicopia of information. Good Job!

A little less than I had hoped it would be.
I have purchased a number of desktop publishing books and would have to say when compared to others this is extremely dated.By that I mean many of the examples are no longer relevant... that is unless you and your customers still use floppy disks, VHS, and a roladex on a daily basis!Not too cutting edge.However, it was not a total loss of $$$.There are many ideas that are useful and while a few of the others are outdated, they may still trigger some ideas to transition to applications for modern times.I feel if you get one good idea from a book, it may be worth the price of admission.

The Desktop Publisher's Idea Book, Second Edition
This is an incredible book. Chuck Green shows us how he produces clean, professional, fresh, striking ideas for a large variety of design applications and he tells us how he produces them. His instructions, like his designs, are well laid out and very clear. Novice designers can now produce very professional and effective design by following his advice and examples. Experienced designers will find a wealth of information.

I have gone to Chuck's web site Ideabook.com for years to get ideas and reference. I was always amazed how Chuck could have so much information and by the use of layout, colour and graphics make the site inviting, fun and yet not cluttered. His book follows his web site design in that he shows both great design and how to instructions in a very appealing and easy to follow way. Chuck's ability to simplify the complex is unique and to me very valuable. Tremendous value, a must have reference book.

Not what I expected...
As a graphic artist, this book was a book about templates, and personally I have created and seen much better work than was featured here. This is the last book I buy from Mr. Green.

A Must Have!
I just received the "Desktop Publishing Idea Book" and I am in love. One of the sections I enjoyed is the Resource section in the back in respect to Project Materials. I would love to see a section on the ideabook.com web site relative to these type resources. I spent about three hours on the ideabook.com web
site this morning. What a wonderful source of information in addition to this valuable book, and the site's structure and navigation is commendable.
Having been developing web sites myself for over five years, I am slowly making my way into DP because my clients think that because I am a professional web developer and graphic designer, I should be able to whip up a business card or brochure for them. The concept isn't hard for me. I have been artistic and a natural brainstormer all my life and enjoy dabbling with new software. The problem is taking the time out to branch into
another area and going through that uncomfortable learning curve. Chuck's book is a wonderful tool to set my brain in motion and it has done just that. Having only browsed through a few chapters and jumping from section to section, I already have pages of notes and ideas to help promote my existing dot com businesses. This morning I also ordered Chuck's newest "Logo" book too and anticipate the wealth of information it likely contains. Thank you, Chuck Green, for the inspirations
and nudge forward into DP. It undoubtedly will take some of that uncomfortable learning curve away. ... Read more

Product Description
The best practice, technical desk reference for all professional designers and aspiring pros.

Perfect for professional designers, aspiring pros, and design students alike.

The Designer's Desktop Manual explores, topic by topic, the essential aspects of key areas of print and screen based design-type and typography; color; imaging; layout; and printing, from the most basic, introductory techniques and principles, to more advanced practices, via step-by-step projects and inspirational examples. This in-depth guide offers insight into the technological issues and step-by-step skills needed to bring design to a professional standard.Readers will also find historical background on key topics, allowing them to put up-to-date techniques into context with the evolution of design. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Good resource
This is a handy resource for graphic designers. Easy to read and arranged by topics.

Great resource for designers young and old
My wife picked this up for me. It's a great reference to keep at your desk. The gamut of information is pretty comprehensive. Its cool to be able to reach for one text rather than sift through several separate resources. It's also great for design students, a must have, there are tons of golden nuggets to learn from.

Worthwhile Desktop Resource
This book is packed with information for graphic designers, desktop publishers and even small businesses.It's not a book you would sit down and read cover to cover, rather one that you flip to for specific information (paper size, specific printing information, etc.).

Fills in the Knowledge Gaps
This is the book I wish I had starting out in graphic design.I am an in-house designer, with no team of peers, self-trained and responsible for everything from print to web.This book covers all of it, and in a very easy to read, no muss no fuss layout, where each spread of the book is on a different subject.Extremely easy to use.It either verified the things that I was doing right, or made me exclaim "Oh THAT's how you do that . . . " Really good to learn "best practices," things I had to learn the hard way.If you work in a very collaborative design group and have had a lot of formal design training recently, you may not need this. For everyone else, it's a godsend.

An excellent overview of graphic design principles...
Really great book for someone who has limited formal training, but a decent amount of hands-on experience. Explains the details and concepts that are easy to overlook until you are forced to meet them while working in the professional world. Great lay-out, pictures, structure of topics. I am thoroughly enjoying each time I sit down with this book and am learning a lot. Great investment. ... Read more

Product Description
THE BUSINESS OF TECHNOLOGY: DIGITAL DESKTOP PUBLISHING is a concept-based, activity-driven textbook that includes the business aspects of desktop publishing. The text uses generic instructions for its numerous activities with downloadable software-specific instructions for the activities available on the product Web site. End-of-Unit projects reinforce skills learned, apply decision making, and allow students to pull together a portfolio of their work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Adequate coverage
The book is written at an undergraduate level. The book teaches DTP design yet the book's design is fair.
... Read more

Product Description
The computer revolution has changed how information is published and distributed around the world. Each person involved in some aspect of the process may be well versed in how his or her part works, but may not understand how the other parts work or how they fit together.For everyone who works in the field, whether book, journal, newspaper, or magazine publishing; catalog or directory publishing; web and e-book publishing; to compositors, printers, agents, and authors: The Columbia Guide to Digital Publishing represents the only comprehensive reference work that covers all aspects of publishing in the digital era. Written by a distinguished roster of experts, the Guide provides quick answers on specific topics and gives an authoritative overview of more broad-ranging information. To make the content as accessible as possible, the Guide features a glossary, detailed table of contents with locators offering an easy avenue to every topic and subject area, as well as a name index, and a general index.Here at last is an up to the minute resource to keep everyone who needs to know abreast of the ever-changing advances in digital publishing technology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

An Excellent Introduction if you are New to the Field
The first sentence of this book says: 'Today, virtually all publishing is digital to some extent, whether content is delivered electronically or in print.' He is right, and this large (750 page) book covers virtually every aspect of the digital aspect of document production, manufacture, distribution and everything else. The book is produced by a group of people with experience in all aspects of the industry. They are consultants, analysts, professors, authors, printers, journalists, and come from industry, universities, consulting and publishing firms.

Most of the book is on the technical aspects, the hardware, software communications that allow the creation, management and distribution of digital documents.

The last part of the book is on marketing, copyrights and so on. I believe this area is a bigger problem than the authors admit. Yes, copyright law has been extended to cover electronic publishing, but how do you handle web sites in Nigeria or China that simply don't follow the rules? What is to keep them from selling your material on their web site?

An overall excellent book for someone new to the field. It is getting a bit dated, and a new edition would be nice to have.

Who writes this drivel?
Yesterday I helped my 10th grade sister with Politics and the English Language by George Orwell. I explained to her why Mr. Orwell says a double negative is bad English.

I highly recommend all the contributors to this book begin with the basics of writing in the English language. Strunk & White is a good read and not too long and I also recommend Mr. Orwell's essay to elucidate exactly why not not is not not not good English.

The most aggravating aspect of this book however isn't the piss poor English. I have school books for my MA in publishing I am supposedly to learn from that are full of grammatical and spelling errors every other page. It happens. I can deal with that.

No, the worst part of this book are the factual errors that just make me want to throw the book out the window in a fit of rage at the sheer lack of research put into it.

Don't believe me? On page 626, the author predicts that in possibly five years technology may be available that will prohibit users from making photocopies of protected material and that this technology may be commercially viable in seven to ten years.

If the author did the slightest amount of research, he would know the technology is already widely used and has been for nearly a decade. The article on wikipedia about the EURion constellation can provide you all the details.

You know I'm really trying to give the book a fair chance. It is a textbook after all, and I am trying, I really am, but I continually question the intelligence of the authors and their competence in the field they are supposed to be experts in every other paragraph.

Don't buy this book. And if you need it for school, photocopy the parts you can stomach to read. ... Read more

Product Description
DIGITAL BOOK DESIGN AND PUBLISHING is profusely illustrated with photographs of exemplary artist’s books from the United States, Australia and Europe. Artists whose work is featured include… William Blake, Helen Brunner, Bill Burke, David Carson, John Crombie, John Diamond-Nigh, Johanna Drucker, Albrecht Durer, Carol Flax, Brad Freeman,Johann Gutenberg, Christian Ide, Warren Lehrer, Joan Lyons, Nathan Lyons, Peter Lyssiotis, Clifton Meador, Scott McCarney, Deborah Muirhead, Shinro Ohtake, Keith Smith, Laurie Snyder, Carl Sesto, Sonia Sheridan, Karen Wirth, John Wood, the Wayzgoose Press, Phillip Zimmermann and Janet Zweig. The book is 308 pages long, with 444 illustrations printed in full color. It is soft bound and Smythe sewn. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The only digital design book you will ever need!
For several years I have used Digital Book Design and Publishing to teach students how tocombine their photography and writing to create artist's books that rival professionally printed publications. This book goes right to the heart of what you need to know: How to correct images for the highest quality reproduction of photographs, whether scanned or from digital sources; how to use typography, instead of letting typography use you; how to sensitively design a layout with picture and text, depending on the expressive message of the book - something dreadfully lacking in most "how to" books; how to bind books and create portfolios that challenge the traditional definition of what one might think a "book" is; and how to avoid breaking copyright laws. The book is richly illustrated with every kind of book you can imagine, which motivates students to think in non-traditional ways about artist's books. The information is also perfect for someone with more prosaic projects, such as a cookbook or first aid instructional booklet (both of these were projects done by students who didn't fancy themselves as "artists.") This book is especially good for people who are computer phobic. Holleley makes you feel like your computer is your best friend.When you buy this one book, it's like getting 5 books for the price of one. A great deal, a great inspiration -a must on everyone's bookshelf.

4.5 stars: Very good primer!
Let's set the record straight. What this book is NOT is a comprehensive guide to help you in setting up a book design & publishing shop, although it does provide an excellent primer on the topic for those of us not coming from the print industry. What this book is tailored for is the audience of photographers, artists, designers and writers who want to "go" one more step beyond just putting together the content elements for their works.

The book is assembled around five building blocks:

-Establishing a Layout Style: designing and typesetting the book.
-Assembling the document digitally: goes into some detail about the most popular page layout program out there, QuarkXpress. Although it covers the most importants elements of version 4 (version 6 is out as of this writing), most of the "tips" provided will still be useful. If you need a 'bible' on the topic, you will need to pick up the "QuarkXpress Bible".
-Preparing images for reproduction: the art of scanning and retouching images.
-Printing the document: considerations about color space, printing from different applications (Quark, Acrobat), effect on different types of paper, printing to InkJet printers and so on.
-Binding the book: depending on the binding resources at hand, this section might offer a lot more information than you will ever need to know about the topic.

Finally, there is a short section devoted to the very debated topic of copyright and the law. In general, I found the book to be very useful and beautifully illustrated, but it still is a primer. For each of the sections mentioned above, in order to deeply understand and get a command of them, you will need other references. I give it 4.5 stars.

Editor's Choice: "A Masterful Vision of Publishing"
Holleley's new book Digital Book Design & Publishing is a masterful vision that brings together all the elements of the new digital technologies into a resource for photographers, artists, authors, historians, teachers and anyone who would like to see their information made into a single document.

This book will appeal to a wide community of readers -- not just the desktop publisher or publications designer.Aside from its essential information of publishing in a digital age, it also celebrates the book as a medium which will always portray the very best of the minds of people. Whether your book becomes a mass produced best seller, or a hand-made, one-of-a-kind art treasure Holleley's Digital Book will help you make it happen.

Educators:

I also feel strongly this is an important book for educators. College and University level graphic design, printing, publishing and even journalism curricula planners should seriously consider integrating this book into their plan. As a university instructor myself, I can see this as an important part of any visual art and literary foundation program. It will arm those freshmen with a superior breadth of understanding in preparation for the higher level courses.

Fred Showker
Editor/Publisher: DT&G Magazine
The Design-Bookshelf dot com ... Read more

Product Description
This concise manual goes beyond a series of independent tools and commands to consider the process of creating professional-quality building design projects using the newest release of Autodesk„µ Architectural Desktop (ADT).Content focuses squarely on the rationale and practicality of ADT 2005 through life-tested, practical lessons that emphasize ¡§why¡¨ as well as ¡§how¡¨ in order to help readers complete their projects successfully.The text and lessons combine to give an unmistakable sense of the value of the tools introduced as well as a clear indication of each tool¡¦s potential.The result is an up-to-the-minute resource that shortens the learning curve and instills confidence and comfort in usage of the software to create architecture. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

Great Supplement
I took an Autocad class and learned the basics of the program.This book helped my knowledge to grow beyoond the basics and helped me to use the 3d portion of the program.It is a great resource!

Excellent guide!
I have worked with previous AutoCad versions along with Desktop 3.3 and this book made the transition from those programs to Desktop 2005 a lot easier.2005 has so many shortcuts and components and this book gives step-by-step examples that really speed up the process.I recommend this book to anyone who is advancing to the new Desktop 2005 software.

Great Book!!!
If you're an architect that already knows AutoCAD well, this is a good book to transition into ADT. It covers the basic structure of ADT and setting up projects in step by step tutorials for both residential and commercial projects.

I also like the fact that this book is more about principals and concepts than commands and has a lot of tips for CAD managers.However, the tutorials are great for learning ADT and it'sperfect for both users and CAD/Project managers.

Aubin knows his stuff!

Mastering?
This book only scratches the surface of mastering ADT 2005. However, it was a great book for getting over the beginning humps of ADT.

All ADT Users will find Paul's New Book a Great Resource
Paul's new book has something for everyone.

It is a great resource for the new user with broad ranging self-paced tutorials.

Experienced ADT users will appreciate the "New in ADT 2005" icons to quickly pick up new features and improvements such as those found in the Callouts, Keynotes, and Details.

CAD Manager notes offer practical advice for those resposible for establishing their company's standards.

Good job Paul! ... Read more

Product Description
Often rejected out of hand as a typesetting tool, Microsoft Word has greater typographic capabilities than even most long-time users realize. With a little tweaking, Word can produce type that few readers could distinguish from the best of Quark or InDesign.In this book, Aaron Shepard gives a tour of the depths of the program, describing the settings, commands, and manual adjustments you need to create type that no book reviewer will scoff at. Skeptical? This book's own typesetting is the proof! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (48)

Every writer and self publisher should own this
Perfect Pages is the source to go to for straight to the point information about formatting. I have been struggling formatting books using Word 2007. I bought this book and dusted off my older computer that had Word 97-2003 on it. What an amazing difference! I don't have to struggle with margins changing on their own and I am able to format a manuscript that can be submitted to the printer without having reformatted. Great job Aaron!

Great introduction to publishing your own book
I'm no novelist, but I needed to produce a number of training manuals for my job and I wanted to a bit better than the usual stapled together sheets of paper or cheap-looking wire bound manual. At the same time, I didn't want to spend an absolute fortune on new software and the like. A friend of mine recommended 'Perfect Pages' and I'm really glad I bought it.

Aaron is a gifted writer: the book is enjoyable and easy to read as well as hugely informative. By reading his book, I learned everything I needed to know about getting my books into low volume production. I now present training courses with my own properly bound and printed books, and I can tell clients that I have books that are available to buy from Amazon "and all good bookshops".

This book is definitely worth the money. With comparatively little effort I now have a new income stream from book sales (only a few hundred dollars a month, but thats better than nothing) and I've got a much more professional image for my business. Brilliant!

Down in the weeds
This book is nowhere near the quality of Shepard's other two books on publishing.The problem is that it is too down in the weeds - how to choose which dash to use, or how to choose between proportional or monospace text - without providing the big picture, or guiding a first-time book designer through the process.(And if you're not doing it for the first time, you would not be reading this book.)

It reads almost like a reference - a bunch of disjointed "how to's."And as others have pointed out, the physical book itself is surprisingly amateurish in appearance.

There must be better guides out there.(I just found one:the freely available "Typesetting in Microsoft Word," by Jack M. Lyon.)

Thinking to Publish? This Book Can Make It Happen!
If you are at any stage in the preparation of a book manuscript, using Microsoft Word, that you plan to self-publish, then Perfect Pages is the book for you. When you first leaf through your copy your reaction may be, "Why do I need this when I have my expensive Microsoft Word Manual?" The answer is that the hefty Word Manual tells you more than you want to know and leaves you adrift in a sea of too many choices. Shepard zeros in on those options and format considerations that are significant to a book manuscript, directs you on how to set them up, and, most important, explains why you should use them.

And Shephard does not give those topics a light brush. The book is deceptively easy to read, but there is a lot of meat here; material that Shephard probably had to learn the hard way. It is not a book for which you can say "that's good stuff; I must remember to do that" and put aside. You will probably find, as I did, that you have to sit with Perfect Pages in your lap as you type through your document to ensure that all of the rules for punctuation, font selection, letter and line spacing, special text, and layout have been incorporated.

If you're hesitant about taking the plunge into a do-it-yourself book, Perfect Pages, along with Shephard's Aiming at Amazon and Pod for Profit, will give you the knowledge and courage to proceed.

Shephard follows his own advice as you will see when you examine your copy of Perfect Pages. Many publishers using professional editors and book designers point out, with good reason, that many books laid out in Word and self-edited come out looking amateurish. That is because the authors/publishers didn't adhere to Perfect Pages.

Good book on how to get perfect pages in your own production of a book!
Perfect Pages by Aaron Shepard is 159 pages long and is all about preparing a book for self publishing, Print on Demand (POD).

I found the first ten pages or so quite heavy going and wondered if I had made a mistake in purchasing this book, but then it all open out well. There was much new information for my own bank of knowledge. Whilst the book is very professional, I felt that it often had too much detail, which over complicated how to layout a book, when there is simpler ways for a first timer who may think that headers and footers etc. are compulsory for a book, when it is not. However, to have the option and how to go about it is good. : )

The book covers both Word and Mac, which I found confusing, which often meant a re-read of a paragraph or sentence, though helpful if you have one or the other. I also came across some good publishing words like: rivers, floaters and widows and orphans and now know what they mean!

The book is laid out really well - hope so, when it all about this subject! And very easy on the eye, with examples of right and wrong sizes, punctuation, print symbols etc. which is most helpful as was the recommended book for certain areas of book layout and production and the how to make an Index in word.

Good book on how to get perfect pages in your own production of a book!
... Read more