Since this is an excellent preview of what the final book is going to look like, I thought you might be interested in seeing what the some PDF review pages look like. The template for the Secrets series changed this year, so this is the first time I’ve worked with this look and feel, which includes new callout types (previously, they were just “Secret,” “Note,” and a few others) a new way to laying out images, and so on. Here’s the beginning of Chapter 1.
Because we’re still editing the book, some pages have some (light) edits. For example, in this next shot, it’s a bit hard to see, but a letter “s” was left out at the end of a word. As I read through this, I can point out other errors I see, or make very light corrections and additions that don’t impact the layout.
Here’s another page that, like the previous one, shows a little bit of new figure layout. In previous Secrets books, it either wasn’t possible (or certainly wasn’t common) to have two images side-by-side. But in a book like this, where the phone display is generally in portrait mode, this makes some sense. (We can also put smaller images inline in the text, and have the text wrap around them as you’d see in a magazine, which looks nice.) This page has a bit of the “no auto display of images in emails” text that I previously quoted from as well. Plus a great picture of my friend John. :)
Anyway, that’s the gist of it. I don’t have all the PDF pages in yet since some chapters literally just got returned as part of the AR process, so I may be going over these here and there for the next week or so. This part represents the final actual work I’ll do on the book before it’s printed and released.
And, from Wiley’s perspective, by handing in my final AR/FM/intro submissions, I’ve just completed my portion of our agreement, so they’ve released my final advance payment. As with other aspects of the publishing business, that process is more modern now as well, so instead of having to wait on a check, it’s direct-deposited. Again, I’ll discuss the money aspect of book writing (more accurately, the lack of money) at a future time.
looks very good Paul. I’ll be getting my copy as soon as it becomes available.
Did you provide all the screen captures in black and white, or have they been converted by the publishers? If the screen captures are in colour, this will be good for any e-book versions.
Also have you spoken to the publishers about a possible Windows Phone 7 app version of the book? Windows Phone 7 Secrets in your pocket, on the phone, wherever you need access to it :)
They were converted by the publisher. The original shots are all in color.
I spoke with them vaguely about this some time ago but now that the book is done, I’d be interested in even doing this myself. I agree that a phone-based version would be ideal.
Amazon has your book listed as a Nov 16 release date, any truth to that?
No, I think Amazon just has placeholder dates on all of its WP books right. It should be before that.
I can’t wait to buy your book, but…
I really don’t like the faux handwriting font used for the first line of the chapter (“Before you even set foot…”). Personally, I find it difficult to read. And I would prefer full colour screen shots, but I guess that would increase the printing costs. Just my 2 cents worth!
Obviously, I don’t control any of that. I’d prefer full color as well. I’d prefer this to be completely digital, to be honest, and a “live” title, so I could just update it continually. But we don’t live in a perfect world.
You’re right, we don’t live in a perfect world. If we did we would already have our WP7 devices; they would be outselling other smartphones 10 to 1; and they would all include a copy of your book (with appropriate royalties paid, of course).
Will your book be available for kindle ? I am tired of filling my house with paper :-)
Couldn’t find if you already mentioned this somewhere else on your blog. (if so I apologise :-)
Eventually, yes.