Writing and Designing | Recap

With 30+ in attendance, our presenters outlined their experience and insight gained from co-authoring their book.

Marcia has authored numerous books. Many of them are in the Idiot's Guide line with Alpha Publishing Company. She provided a great snap-shot of learning to negotiate terms with the publishing company. As expected, much of her experience was learned through making beginners mistakes. Now she is quite seasoned on establishing expectations on what kind of payment can be expected for writing a book. The one thing that stuck out was that you should get your money up front. Don't gamble and expect to get money from sales.

This was Marj's first book. She admitted being green going into it and looked to Marcia for guidance. She provided a great explanation of coming up with her list of work to include, the collecting of work and the hardest part, editing of work.

When it is all said and done, The Idiot's Guide to Graphic Design is NOT a graphic design tutorial to replace graphic design education, though it is an introduction to graphic design for those who know nothing about it. A person that should read this book would be a high school student - who likes to draw. Many students who apply for a degree program in graphic design at the University level have no true understanding of what is "Graphic Design".

Another person who should pick up this book would be the parent of the Graphic Design student. This book is an excellent introduction to concepts, vocabulary and examples. Parents who read it will get a better idea of the surface of the practice and business.

One last, "who should read it", Clients. The people who hire graphic designers. The book gives examples of what should not be done, subjective as this sounds, these examples would be agreeable by any professional who has experience and integrity. Clients would benefit most by the book because it reveals the complexity in creating strong communication and aesthetics exuded by design professionals. It would be hopeful that clients would be submissive to the designer as an expert.

Please feel free to add your comments.

Posted by newyorkupstate in News | December 21, 2008