Book Description
Distilled wisdom from two publishing pros for every serious nonfiction author in search of big commercial success.

Over 50,000 books are published in America each year, the vast majority nonfiction. Even so, many writers are stymied in getting their books published, never mind gaining significant attention for their ideas—and substantial sales. This is the book editors have been recommending to would-be authors. Filled with trade secrets, Thinking Like Your Editor explains:

• Why every proposal should ask and answer five key questions;
• how to tailor academic writing to a general reader, without losing ideas or dumbing down your work;
• how to write a proposal that editors cannot ignore;
• why the most important chapter is your introduction;
• why "simple structure, complex ideas" is the mantra for creating serious nonfiction;
• why smart nonfiction editors regularly reject great writing but find new arguments irresistible.

Whatever the topic, from history to business, science to philosophy, law, or gender studies, this book is vital to every serious nonfiction writer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (34)

Best so far
I've purchased and read quite a few books on this topic and this is clearly the best oone I've read so far. Not only does it take one through the mechanics of the book proposal in a useful and reader-friendly way, it does so very definitely from the perspective of the editor. The section on creating narrative tension in nonfiction writing is worth the price of the book all by itself.

Best book on the subject
"Thinking Like Your Editor" is one of the very best book for writers, up there with Strunk & White. The book not only explains how to get your own book published; it's a gold mine of advice on writing itself, and its authors' class shines through every line.

Informed and easy to digest
Rabiner and Fortunato's book is informed, insightful, a fast read, and easy to digest. It is not a step-by-step how-to book; instead it presents the key issues and concepts and provides guidance on how to address them. And its point of view--that of an editor or publisher--appears to be right on. It is as if you had an opportunity to get an honest, straightforward, well thought out answer from a top editor instead of the usual form letters or terse, cryptic meaningless notes. After years of working in this industry, I found this book both refreshing and helpful, even as an experienced writer.

Novel insights - of value even to published authors
Preparing a proposal for my second book, I bought THINKING LIKE YOUR EDITOR on a bit of a lark - and am delighted I did.The book helped me understand the early-on proposal process in a whole new light.I now see how my naive handling of my first book proposal (which was double-spaced, sent to the right editor, and fulfilled many of the points generally covered in other advice books) contributed to painful things that later happened along the way to publishing.This books fills an important niche and is valuable for academic or commercial authors.

Good book, disappointing author...
I've owned this book for a while now and I've returned to it time and time again to familiarize myself with the process of composing the book proposal. I would recommend this book along with Peter Rubie's Telling the Story, which I think is slightly better.

My disappointment with Ms. Rabiner stems from a response to an e-mail I sent her asking a question about a nonfiction book I'm writing. While I wasn't expecting an invitation to dine with her or to be lauded with praise for a brilliant nonfiction idea, I was expecting a polite reply. Unfortuantely, Ms. Rabiner chose to answer my query with a rather rude two line response that caused me to infer that I was bothering her. At best, her response to me was unprofessional for an editor. I would think twice before recommending her as an agent based on this experience alone.

Perhaps this is sour grapes on my part because I was initially impressed with her as an agent based on the conent of Thinking Like Your Editor, but my brief communication with the real person behind the book left a sour taste in my mouth.

... Read more

Book Description
For many users, working in the UNIX environment means using vi, a full-screen text editor available on most UNIX systems. Even those who know vi often make use of only a small number of its features.The vi Editor Pocket Reference is a companion volume to O'Reilly'supdated sixth edition of Learning the vi Editor, a complete guide to text editing with vi.New topics in Learning the vi Editor include multi-screen editing and coverage of four vi clones:vim, elvis, nvi, and vile.This small book is a handy reference guide to the information in the larger volume, presenting movement and editing commands, the command-line options, and other elements of the vi editor in an easy-to-use tabular format. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Not a useful reference, pocket or otherwise
This book has a major deficiency as a reference: you can't easily find a specific topic. The book has no index and the table of contents is too high-level to help you find a particular topic (for example, "vi Commands" as a table of contents entry isn't really going to help you locate a particular command).

The level of detail that is presented varies widely throughout the book. For example, Chapter 4 gives multi-sentence descriptions of the substitute command and regular expressions. Chapter 1 lists each command line option with a brief one-sentence description. Chapter 7 lists the vi options with no descriptions (the name of the option is often not self-explanatory--what does "magic" or "beautify" do?). If something is worth listing in this book, at least give it a brief description.

A quibble is with the four chapters on vi clones. It would have been nice if the author briefly described each of the clones and pointed out their strengths and weaknesses. These four chapters occupy over half of the book, so adding an extra overview paragraph to each chapter would not have significantly added to the bulk of the book.

On the positive side, I found the lists of command line options and vi commands useful.

Instead of buying this book, I would recommend searching for the various vi quick reference guides available on the Web for free. Some might argue that I'm expecting too much from a "pocket reference" and that it is intended for experienced users. My view is that the book could have been so much more useful. As it is, I do not feel the cost of the book is justified by its content.

Vi - your answers
Great Vi book for Unix Beginners. It gives great examples to use the command being inquired.

Commandline editor guide
This is a handy little book to have around if you use the "vi" text editor and haven't mastered all the commands. Or if you use a different text editor regularly, but find yourself in a place that has only vi. I have about 5 of the O'Reilly Pocket reference books and find them handy reminders for languages, etc. This book is not intended to "teach" a person how to use vi. It is what it says, a "reference" to jog your memory or possibly find how to cut and paste text or one of the numerous functions systems folks wind up doing at times. I do prefer a different editor but vi is ubiquitous.

A very, very good pocket reference
This is the first time I've given any book five stars.That's because this is the best pocket quick reference of VI you're going to find.The information is presented as concisely as it can be and still remain accessible.Other, terser (and, yes,less expensive) quick reference cards for VI are too cryptic to be useful, in my opinion.

If you don't already know VI, try an on-line tutorial (there are plenty) or buy the more complete "Learning VI" book from O'Reilly to get you started.After you've acquired the basics, periodically refer to the Pocket Reference to add yet another "I didn't know VI did that" command to your toolkit.

Worth the [money]
I always only knew enough of vi to get me in and out of it without getting frustrated.A very basic understanding such as the commands i, a, o, dd, dw, Y and P.Actually, those were just about all I used except for wq!I did all of my coding in GUI IDE's and such...Mainly 'Moleskine' (which is a very very nice editor, by the way).

Recently, I realized that I hate having to always remove my hands from the keyboard every time I wanted to cut and paste or even scroll down the page. I decided to move on to vi.I tried elvis and vim.Since I don't like true in my source code, and work suggests 4 spaces instead of , then I had to go with vim because elvis didn't have the expand tab option.

Anyway, I'm amazed at what vim (and elvis too) can do!I started out reading the vim and elvis docs and saw a whole slew of things it can do.This is going to save me a lot of time and effort when coding!I got some nice syntax highlighting set up in vim (to match how elvis does it...just black and white. easy on the eyes.) and learned a lot of about the editor.

I figured that I wouldn't remember everything there was to know about the vi commands and such, so I went out and bought this book. Over the past 2 days I have been diving into it at least 10 times a day to discover if there are any commands or to get the right syntax for the ones I remember.This is already worth the [money] I spent on it!!I've learned a lot of things from it already.

I'd say if you are a seasoned vi user, this book isn't going to be of much help to you.Also, if you are a new user to VI, you need to get a full tutorial such as the parent book to this so they can walk you through some things.This book is just a *Pocket Reference*!Meaning, if you forget a commands syntax, this is a good thing to have on your desk so you can grab it quickly!It's not going to teach you squat about vi if you don' t know how to even enter Insert mode!However, if you're like me and you only know enough to get you in and out of vi, pick this book up!You'll be amazed at the commands you have been missing and the commands that will help you very very much! VI beats a GUI editor for efficiency and productivity, hands down!

Now, back to coding! ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (6)

The 411
This is an invaluable book for the hoping-to-be first time published author. It not only provides the names and addresses of people who's attention you need to catch as a yet to be published author, but it offers realistic advice on how to have your manuscript read by someone in the business, presents specific advice [or where to get it] on how to make submissions, and details what specific agents or publishers are seeking in those submissions. That way, you don't waste your precious time and money sending query letters to people who wouldn't be interested in your work if you were Tolstoy with War and Peace in your valise.

The book is tailored in a predictable manner that allows you to find information without rifling through all the pages. It is well written - unambiguous and succinct - yet it's not like reading a phone book as Mr. Herman has a sense of humor to boot.

Best book for aspiring authors
I have probably purchased every other guide to literary agents and how to get your book published. But this is by far the best. Several agents recommend it, but since I had the other books, I didn't think I needed it. Finally, I purchased it and was pleasantly surprised. This book is huge and gives so much more information. It is in a class by itself. My advice to aspiring authors is to buy this book first not last like I did.

Don't Waste Your Money
Having been involved in this business since 1998, my advice to any aspiring author is don't waste your money on Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Editor, Publishers, and Literary Agents, or any similar 'how to' manual up and including the now venerable Writers Market.

I know this for a fact because, when I was a starry-eyed fledgling, I eagerly purchased one of Mr Herman's earlier Guides, along with Writers Market, How to Write Attention Grabbing Query and Cover Letters, The Writers Essential Desk Reference and virtually every other such advisory I could lay my hands on. In fact, I'm looking at them right now even as I write.

Unfortunately, what such guides carefully don't tell you is that the chances of ANY new and or unproven author's work being considered by ANY established literary agent, publisher or editor is slightly less than nil.

Instead, most of the huge literary successes in today's world came about as the result of a pure fluke. J.K.Rowling is a case in point. The only reason her initial Harry Potter manuscript ever saw the light of day was because the secretary of the literary agent she was querying at the time picked it up from the slush pile by mistake when she was packing her boss's briefcase for the weekend. Otherwise, it would never have been read by him or anyone else.

As for myself, I carefully followed Mr Herman et al's advice to the letter and dutifully began querying literary agents, publishers etc. The first thing I learned, unfortunately, was that far too many were out and out scam artists fronting for the likes of the since-discredited book doctor, Edit Ink, thieving self-publishers like Canada's Commonwealth and the deservedly notorious Woodside Literary Agency.

Then there were the sometimes nasty rejections from legitimate concerns. One such agency, which shall remain nameless, not only didn't even bother to respond to my query letter, they actually had the guts to stuff my self-addressed stamped envelope with poorly produced, smudged promos on cheap copy paper for their 'editorial services' along with a list of self-published titles by authors of whom I had never heard.

In my own case and in response to some excellent advice from one of today's most successful Science Fiction/Fantasy authors, I soon realized I wasn't going to get anywhere via the conventional query process and turned instead to the Internet. Even so, my first commercial ebook sale came about in 1998 because of pure, dumb luck.

Twelve titles later, I've not only never looked back, I've even picked up a few awards along the way and can find no reason to regret my decision.

In other words and from I can see, the only beneficiary of Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors & Literary Agents: Who They Are! What They Want! How To Win Them Over! is probably its author.

One of the literary agencies I queried, by the way, was Mr. Herman's. While he was listed in Writer's Market as handling the genre in which I write, that wasn't what his form letter said and I thought, "Well, so much for that."

While I'm nowhere near J.K. Rowling's class, of course, my titles haven't done too badly. Unlike those of my print published, literary agent represented counterparts, they're also all still commercially available and selling quite well, including my very first novel which came out in 1998.

In other words, if you're a serious aspiring author and your writing has any merit at all, please don't waste your money on this or any similar advisory. The Internet already offers a wealth of reputable resources at absolutely no charge for beginning writers i.e. Dave Kuminski's excellent Preditors and Editors and Authors Den, (to name just two), with which Mr Herman's Guide, Writers Market etc. can't begin to compete.

Because I don't wish to be accused of submitting this review for self-promotion purposes, I am not using my pen name or listing any of my published titles. However, if Mr Herman or anyone else wants references or proof of my track record, I will be more than happy to provide them off-list.

Respectfully,

Kathleen C. Krueger

GREAT!!
Great info, all you need to know organized in the most helpful way!The latest and greatest info, names, addresses and inside information you need to help you on your way to getting published/represented.A must have!!

Great tool for aspiring writers!
Without Jeff Herman's guide at my side, I run the risk of finding a lousy agent or an agency without credibility.I am so glad he updates annually.Great tool for writers who want to publish. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (6)

Editor's Tell it Their Way
If you are going into editing as a profession, it's a good idea to get information from people who have been around the profession for a while. The editors represented in this book are honest--editing is not all champaigne and caviar lunches with the most famous authors in the land. Editing is a job filled with politics, long hours, and sometimes very frustrating unknown authors.

What is most unfortunate about this book is that it is out of date. The last edition was created in 1995. At that point in time the publishing community was in turmoil. Many of the older publishing houses were being devoured by corporated entities that were more focused on making money than making intelligent literature. The overall sense given by the book is that the publishing field is doomed, and that true editing was being replaced by marketing strategies.

Much of this changed as the Internet took hold. Smaller publishers suddenly became important again, and the rise of on-demand publishing changed the entire publishing atmosphere. It would be nice to see a new edition featuring editors from this new wave of publishing. Still, as a historical reference to what was happening fifteen to twenty years ago in the field, it is a pretty good read.

An excellent introduction to editing for editors
This book is a series of some three dozen essays written by prominent editors on various aspects of editing. Their reflections range from the thoughtful to the occasionally lighthearted-comments on what makes a successful editor, the history of editing in America, the ethical and moral dimensions of editing, how books are chosen, how editors schedule their work, the editor as negotiator, copy editing, line editing, etc. There are also a number of essays about editing various genres of writing: Christian literature, crime fiction, children's books, mass-market paperbacks, fantasy, reference, romance, and so forth.
While the title of the book indicates that it is written for writers, it is every bit as useful, if not more so, for aspiring editors. Yes, it is a great help for writers who want to work with editors. But there are too few books on the craft of editing. This one will give you an excellent introduction to the subject. Coming from thirty-some authors, it will give you a balanced view of how to be a great editor.

For potential editors as well
I highly recommend this book for writers as well as for potential editors.It is a collection of essays by well known editors discussing their craft and the inner-workings of a publishing house.

For writers, this book will clear up some misconceptions on what an editor can, and can not, do for you.It lets you know what many editors are looking for, and explains the various kinds of editing.I would recommend Scott Walker's essay on small presses.After reading this, you should take a long look at which house you wish to publish your manuscript.

For potential editors, this book will give you a better view of the different kinds of editing and the way the editing world is changing.Above all else, I would read John Paine's essay on the reasonable suggestion.This will put things into perspective.

Again, I would highly recommend this book.

Great for Students
This what I didn't have studying English at Illinois State University... "Editors on Editing: What Writers Need to Know About What Editors Do."

So we studied reading the poets, and writing essays, and all that. But we had no idea what to do afterwards.

What do editors do? How can I, as a writer, meet their needs?

"Editors on Editing: What Writers Need to Know About What Editors Do" provides the nitty gritty low-down. These aren't secrets, but you do need to know these things.

It is more than about publishing as a job, but an examination of the sorts of things which matter to an editor. Want to get your stuff past the slush pile, or work long-term with an editor. Here's how.

I fully recommend "Editors on Editing: What Writers Need to Know About What Editors Do."

Anthony Trendl

If you want to get published, read this book first!
Every published author and wannabe writer should read this book to understand what really happens behind the publishers door.It will helpyou get published and understand why your great american novel received apostcard rejection slip.I should know: I'm a developmental editor forTarcher/Putnam books.It even helped me to get my own books published. Read it or weep! ... Read more

Book Description
After 15 years as Allure's editor-in-chief, Linda Wells has learned a thing or two about beauty--things that other people might not tell you. From how to keep lip gloss on longer than six minutes, to the best fix for frizzy hair, to how to use the latest anti-aging products, ALLURE: CONFESSIONS OF A BEAUTY EDITOR has all the answers.The book includes essential makeup techniques, sidebars, expert tips, emergency fixes, and information on how to get the best products for your money. Writing with the humor and honesty for which Allure is known, Linda and her editors share every dirty secret, explode many common beauty myths, and give readers the honest truth about how to look their best. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (31)

so wonderful
This book covers everything from colored lips to spa trips and has lots of gorgeous pictures so as not as to bore or confuse you. I also liked the personality of the text. The author made me laugh. This book can be read cover to cover like a novel or it can serve as a handy lifeline. I would recommend it for anyone who wants to learn more about the art of beauty.

A useful & inspiring book
It's true that this book contains a lot of common sense information, but you'd be surprised by how many people lack common sense when it comes to taking care of their skin, doing their makeup and/or hair. I don't consider myself to be a "beginner" when it comes to these things, but even I make some stupid mistakes sometimes and I need some guidance. "Confessions of a Beauty Editor" is nothing like Allure magazine. For the most part, I find Allure magazine to be a huge advertisement from cover to cover, but this book contains a TON of useful information. It's all spread about and kind of random, but it's fun to pop open the book and learn something new, or remember something that you forgot. I learned a few things about taking care of my skin, wearing the right kinds of makeup for my skintone/coloring and styling/coloring my hair. I also appreciated the beauty philosophy of Linda Wells. She seems to have an incredibly down-to-earth, genuine personality despite working in the beauty industry and being an editor for such a huge publication like Allure. All in all, this book was well worth the money I spent on it.

Good tips, but not enough depth in each category
I'm sure Linda Wells knows a lot about beauty, but this book tries to cover way too many topics and ends up not being helpful enough in each.For example, in 'eyes', she says there is a complimentry brown shade for everyone...ok...what other colors??There is a complimentary color for each eye color, but brown eyes could wear any color that's not exactly the same as the eye color...No Pictures, No color charts, not enough info.What about hair color or skin color??No buying guideI'm not sure whom this book is aimed at.The beginner won't have enough info, the semi-informed won't get a lot of new stuff...

I can understand the reasoning behind the low ratings
I agree with those who are disappointed -- there aren't very many novel ideas or secrets to be found within this book.I certainly can understand the frustration expressed by readers who purchased this.As a subscriber to Allure magazine, I often find their articles very helpful and interesting, but I must also admit that this book wasn't that helpful or interesting.Sorry.

great buy!
this book is wonderful i love it! it has all sorts of tips! there wasn't a page i didn't find useful! the price is well worth the goods! i love this book it can help u with every single beauty problem that u could ever imagin lol this book was also wonderfully organized and very great. linda wells has several letters intoducing the next sections and it's such a nice way to do so it's like getting advice about beauty from a firend. the tips are soo wonderful! ... Read more

Book Description
Using Avid images and terminology, master teacher Diana Weynand showsyou how to perform the tasks you’ve been doing in Media Composer byusing Final Cut Pro instead. You’ll find detailed feature comparisons,practical conversion tips, and instructions on how to use Final Cut Profeatures that aren’t available in Media Composer. The book makes thetransition easy. Each chapter presents a complete lesson in some aspectof Final Cut Pro with a project to complete, a review section, andexercises to reinforce the lessons.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Avid to FCP Editors, Arm Yoruself With This Book
This book helps ease the monumental transition from Avid to FCP.It is definitely a must for anyone going through the change, but becomes less useful once you get the hang of FCP.Once you are through the transtion, then get the book Final Cut Pro 5 for Mac, which answers the rest.

This book I could only find used, it is not easy to come by...

Up and running on FCP in a week
If you are ever forced to quickly learn Final Cut pro for the odd job where Avid is not a viable option, or you want to start editing your on stuff on the cheap, buy this, read it and practise it for a week and you will be a Pro at Pro, knowing everything there is to know, at least, where to find it and whether it is doable or not. It is a book written by an Avid editor for Avid editors who have to go through the same learning curve. You can be very surprised going through it on how similar the two editing systems are and most of all, how quickly you can synthesise the information and make it second nature. I fervently recommend this book being so well written, going always to the point and covering everything properly.

This book Yes Indeed
As an Avid editor and now learning FCP, I can recommend this book for helping to understand where everthing is.This book is a must unless you want to tear your hair out.If you know how it feels going from Media Composer to DS, then you will understand why you need this book and I might add others.

Moving from Avid to FCP?This book is great!
We have been an Avid only edit house for years, but reciently purchased two Final Cut systems.Most of the transition was pretty easy, but trying to figure out how to do some of the things in FCP that we did in our sleep on the Avid slowed us down a bit.This book draws great parallels between the two systems. ... Read more

Book Description
The organization of letters on a blank sheet -- or screen -- is the most basic challenge facing anyone who practices design. What type of font to use? How big? How should those letters, words, and paragraphs be aligned, spaced, ordered, shaped, and otherwise manipulated? In this groundbreaking new primer, leading design educator and historian Ellen Lupton provides clear and concise guidance for anyone learning or brushing up on their typographic skills.
Thinking with Type is divided into three sections: letter, text, and grid. Each section begins with an easy-to-grasp essay that reviews historical, technological, and theoretical concepts, and is then followed by a set of practical exercises that bring the material covered to life. Sections conclude with examples of work by leading practitioners that demonstrate creative possibilities (along with some classic no-no's to avoid). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (40)

Interesting/Helpful
This book is very informative and easy to read.There are a lot of examples that display the concepts described in this book which help reinforce them.If you're interested in learning more about typography/design or are taking a class in these areas, I definitely recommend 'Thinking With Type.'

sophomoric
Low on substance, weak on style, sophomoric in execution. I completely agree with Chengiz ("Glossy, colorful, devoid of substance").

Here are some better books on typography:
The Elements of Typographic Sytle (Robert Bringhurst)
A Type Primer (John Kane)
Anatomy of a Typeface (Alexander Lawson)

Getting into type
I'm not a designer or a graphic artist, but I find typography interesting.This book was detailed, but accessible enough for an absolute begginer.

Required Reading!
This book should be required reading for anyone who uses type! If you thought like I didthat graphic design was all about having 'artistic sense', well you'll get a jolt as you read this book that reveals well-articulated design principles. Not only does this book describe how type works, but also shows you how to apply them using numerous beautiful, uncompromising examples.

If you are new to graphic design or are looking to understand just what makes those graphic designs you see around you so stunning compared to what you can come up with, you need this book.

Make sure to also get the Rockport 'workbooks' about layout, color, etc. to round off your education.

Who Knew?
Whether or not you've ever kerned, tracked, adjusted leading or anything else even remotely related to looking at a typeface for longer than it took to simply read what it said, this book will surely enlighten you on some level.

Nice examples and good historical references in addition to clear and concise definitions.

If you're a student of communication design, this is a must. ... Read more

Book Description
Forget about memorizing steps. Just focus on being creative.

For the first time in history, the tools to produce high quality, creative video are within reach of every aspiring videographer. If you need to hit the ground running and begin editing quality video right away, this is your book. You won't get every possible way to perform a task - just the methods already proven successful in the real world.

• Learn to configure the Mac operating system and camera settings to make the editing experience more efficient
• Use Soundtrack(r) Pro 2 to add music, sound effects, and clean up audio for maximum effect
• Incorporate techniques from Apple(r) Motion, Photoshop(r), and LiveType(r) to enhance your video
• Experiment with such industry techniques as the Pleasantville Effect, the Ken Burns Pan and Scan Technique, and the Filmstrip Effect
• Fine-tune the audio and bring all parts of your video together in the finished product

Visit GeniusDV.com for in-depth video tutorials to further your knowledge of Final Cut Pro. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

MY GENIUS BIBLE
GENIUS - an over used word...but not when talking about these guys.

Several years ago I took John Lynn's FCP class at GeniusDV in Florida.I'd been a video editor for well over 20 years and thought I would never be able to make the transition from the good 'ole tape editing to digital editing.Without the talented John Lynn and GeniusDV I never would have been able to evolve from one format to the other.GeniusDV helped me become more proficient in FCP than I ever imagined.

However, I realized that I got stuck doing the same things...same effects...same dissolves...same graphics same, same, same.Then I got my hands on FINAL CUT PRO 6 for Digital Video Editors Only by Lonzell Watson.

To begin with, the large type of the book itself is a huge help.The paper it's printed on is of such quality my constant contact will never rip a page.

Quite simply, the content and the written structure of Lonzell's book made me want to sit in the editing bay.Lonzell's spot-on "hit the deck running" instructions and tips showed me new ways to work.

His chapter on "Accelerating the Editing process" (Chapter 3) is superior.Many times during my constant reading of this book I find myself actually shaking my head and mumbling something like "I didn't know that!"His crystal clear breakdown of tasks showed me how to tell my story in a way I had imagined; yet wasn't sure how to best produce.Even with all my editing experience, I found that the exercises gave me new inspiration and ideas.

FINAL CUT PRO 6 For Digital Video Editors Only by Lonzell Watson is the first thing I reach for when I begin editing.Before I even turn on the computer the book is on the left side of my keyboard...notes and colored paper clips extending abundantly.

FINAL CUT PRO 6 for Digital Video Editors Only is complete in itself.This book is the perfect link to the class I took at GeniusDV.If you are a video editor, or want to be a video editor get to one of their classes.I plan on taking another class with GENIUSDV, but until I do this book will be more than sufficient.I didn't think anything could be as helpful, instructional and enjoyable as the actual class taught by the consummate John Lynn and GeniusDV.However, Lonzell Watson's book is a masterful substitute.

Lonzell Watson, John Lynn and Genius DV are worthy of the word genius.

Great Book, Great Author!
The author of this book really hits the nail on the head by showing you how to do the cool stuff and backing it up with page after page of tips, tricks and troubleshooting knowledge. The Questions and Answers section at the end of each chapter are priceless. This is one of the few Final Cut Pro books that I have read that successfully mixes basic, intermediate and advanced topics and for that I have to give much credit to this author. I have been using Final Cut Pro for one year and my colleagues are seasoned Final Cut Pro professionals, and we all learned something from this book. This book gave me a solid learning experience and made me like Final Cut Pro even more.

Awesome Final Cut Book!
Like one of the previous reviews, I too have several books on this subject and this is no doubt the best of the bunch. Lonzell Watson takes a different approach to his teaching by making you think about what you're editing and how you might frame the edit. There's only one trivial thing in the book that takes some getting used to and that is the (play head) being referred to as the (position indicator) I find myself constantly thinking what's he talking about position indicator?...Oh you mean the PLAY HEAD!This isn't your typical cookie cutter instructional book, well worth your attention.

A must read guide for everything you needed to know and more
This book is extremely helpful.I obtained Final Cut Pro 6 with only limited working knowledge of the software, but through this book I have quickly excelled and I can edit quickly and with the best of them.I would recommend this book to anyone who any questions about the program.The question and answer section at the end of each chapter gives a little bit of extra insight that is also incredible useful.

Superb
I truly appreciate the approach of this book. The exercise on using
Soundtrack Pro to create the natural soundscape for a mute scene is
top notch. The idea of combining sound effects to create a completely
tailored sound has proven very useful for me. It is very easy to get
stuck in a day to day routine and never use Final Cut outside of the
boundaries of your job. This book has given me insight as to how to
shake things up. Bravo! ... Read more

Book Description
Encourages students to practice their language mechanics and detail skills as they analyze a picture, picture caption and story for grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, spelling, usage, capitalization, or content errors and then correct the errors like real editors. Reading level: grade 6; ability level: grades 6-8; 33 activities; guide to grammar, usage, and punctuation; and answers included.Reproducible for single-classroom or single-home use. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

As a former reporter/editor
I wanted to give my daughters the edge when it comes to mastering English, grammar, punctuation, etc. and this program is ideal! ... Read more

Book Description
Encourages students to practice their language mechanics and detail skills as they analyze a picture, picture caption and story for grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, spelling, usage, capitalization, or content errors and then correct the errors like real editors. Reading level: grade 4; ability level: grades 4-6; 33 activities; guide to grammar, usage, and punctuation; and answers included.Reproducible for single-classroom or single-home use. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

I just love the Editor in Chief series!
I've never come across anything quite like them as a way to prepare for the grammar section of standardized tests and to teach careful proofreading and editing. ... Read more

Product Description
Scientific Style and Format: The CSE Manual for Authors, Editors, and Publishers is a detailed and authoritative manual recommending both general and scientific publication style and format for scientific papers, journal articles, books, and other forms of publication. The seventh edition of this essential resource has been fully updated and expanded to reflect changes in recommendations from authoritative international bodies, to keep pace with the interdisciplinary approach to science, and to provide updated recommendations in the world of electronic publication and resources. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (41)

Comprehensive but overwhelming for a n00b
I found this book to be just ok - it covers the basics of Linux and many important/frequently used commands but I am remotely satisfied with this book because the author focuses on stuff that many users probably will find less useful.

The learning curve is quite steep if you're relatively new to Linux - the author is describing very basic stuff like GNU, Linux file systems, simple shell commands and such, and then suddenly rushes into complicated shell programming and scripts.

Few examples from this book that I know I will never use but who knows, other users may find that:

-This book is great if you're into emacs and vi(m) since it dedicates over 100 pages on these two text editors but I prefer using nano so for me these chapters were more or less wasted.
-This book is great if you're into shell programming.

Why spend 100+ pages on vim and emacs when at least some pages could've been dedicated to a Security Section that this book doesn't have?
Perhaps emacs and vim are important because programming requires a good set of text editors..?

The Appendix is great though - there's an extensive collection of commands that can be useful for all newbies and intermediate users.

Someone will probably flame me for this review, saying I should've read the book's title before purchasing it. Yes, you are right - I should've.
But then again, if this book clearly was written for intermediate users, why mention GNU, basics of Linux and its file systems and so forth to begin with?

Practical Guide to Linux Commands, Editors, and Shell Programming
Practical Guide to Linux Commands, Editors, and Shell Programming

The book give a solution to one of the most biggest problem of a Linux junior Sys Admin:
How to automate tasks and decrease the amount of time that "waste" for
Regular operations.
Although from first look, the book content look like a "Boring Staff", after reading
It, the reader would improve his theoretical and practical capabilities -
And may help to itself to focus it the real job.
The book give a lots of useful examples that provide a good background
To the theoretical fields.
The only disadvantage from my point of view is that this book don't
Cover Perl and Python (and Optional PHP).
Although one book may not cover all, I hope that the author will write
A second volume that will cover this nice script languages.

It is what it says
This book is exactly what the title states - a practical guide to Linux commands, editors and shell programming.It doesn't teach you how to make all the server software run on your machine.But it does give an excellent and detailed explanation of the commands in the Bash and TC shells, and explains how to write shell scripts.The details the author goes into with the two most common editors (VI and EMACS) was just about right for me.He also has a 250 page reference section on each command in Linux.It's been several years since I used Unix, so this was a great refresher session for me, and it makes a good reference manual when I'm writing new scripts.

For beginners only
This Practical Guide is really a *Beginners* Guide for linux end-users.The volume is comprehensive from the point of view of an end user that is new to linux.I was looking for something with more depth for that could assist a beginner that is setting up linux server.Most administrative tasks like setting up networks and local services are glossed over with no practical reference.

This book goes back Amazon.

The rare technical book that's still useful one year after I bought it...
I'm a reasonably technically competent computer user who a bit less than one year ago wanted to try using Ubuntu Linux as my primary operating system.To make that happen, I needed a book that could help me get oriented to Linux usage and help me learn some of Linux's "more than newbie" tricks and techniques.

Well, the good news began when A Practical Guide to Linux got me started with some excellent chapters and summary lists of many useful albeit less obvious Linux commands.

But the book didn't stop there.It also has some VERY good chapters about both the VIM and EMACS text editors.I especially found the VIM chapters (more than one!) very good at getting me up to speed on both basic and advanced VIM commands and techniques.

But wait, don't answer yet.After nearly a year of using Linux, I find The Practical Guide to Linux back beside my keyboard.This time it's helping me begin doing some shell programming and C programming.

In short, A Practical Guide to Linux is both well written and well edited.It's a book the author and publishers can be justifiably proud of having produced.

If you're technically competent enough to get Linux up and working, but still need a "friend" to help you make Linux do some useful work, I believe The Practical Guide to Linux will be a very useful addition to your technical library and a very good complement to your Linux adventure... ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (16)

This version HAS an index
Some of the other reviews saved me from buying a book I didn't need. The 2006 version # 16 does NOT have an index and you need one. It said the 2007version # 17 did have one but when I checked today on February 1, 2008 ... I found out that the 2008 version is available for sale and IT HAS AN INDEX.
Without one you end up asking a literary agent to represent you and they might not take writers in your field.
If the agency doesn't do children's books for example - then you are wasting your time trying to convince them to find a publisher for your book - CURIOUS GEORGE and the LEAKY PLUTONIUM CANISTER. ... Good luck to all and listen to no one, just keep writing.

Not Just Names and Statistics
What I like about this book is that each agent gives a summary of their literary likes and dislikes, the kind of query letter they appreciate, and how to submit to them. I have a chance to see their personalities, not just what genres they represent. The features on writing a book proposal, advice for writers, web sites and other resources for writers are excellent. This is my first time purchasing this book. It will not be my last.How To Pick The Best TenantLandlord Policies That Manage Tenant Evictions How to Pay Your Rent During Hard Times

Odd platform for religion-bashing
If you are distracted or dismayed when an ostensibly unrelated article is used as a platform for spouting atheism or criticizing religious beliefs, then you should steer clear of this book.Hopefully, the next edition will achieve a higher level of professionalism.

Definitive Source!
As an aspiring author, I found Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors, and Literary Agents as the definitive source for gaining credible traction in this industry.His candor and poignant input on the process of everything from how to write a query letter to the type of work specific literary agents are most excited in representing, is invaluable.Key insights into the nuances of the broad-based relationships required to navigate one's path in this interesting industry, has saved me an inordinate amount of time and effort and I've found his opinions to be self-evident.The various sections are well researched and are action-oriented, i.e. "do" and "don't do this!"I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in publishing a book and a good reference tool before you attend the next Book Expo!

Herman's Review
Great essays on the publishing world for both the first time author as well as the veterans. Very detailed, though not an extensive list, on the backgrounds on literary agents. Herman also includes the backgrounds on many of the publishing conglomerates as well as the independent publishers.I consider his book a 'must-have' for those trying to break into the publishing world. Between his and Joanna Masterson's Guide to Literary Agents, I was able to select many potential agents. ... Read more

Book Description

Packed with customizable editing tools--this practical, up-to-date reference includes the latest on writing and editing online

Customer Reviews (1)

Indispensable Bible for Writing or Editing!
This book covers it all.If you are serious about your writing or the writing of others, this book is one-stop shopping.After editing for over twenty years, this book taught me how to not only think like a writer and editor, but to also think like a business person.It covers what references are needed and why, how to edit in an organized manner, and how to maintain consistency and clarity in any document.This book also covers electronic, PDF, and PowerPoint editing.Online references are given for quick assistance while in the process of writing or editing.Also, there's a test included as to focus on what the writer or editor's weaknesses are.This book is amazingly up-to-date and covers most needs for the serious wordsmith. ... Read more

Book Description
For many users, working in the Unix environment means using vi, a full-screen text editor available on most Unix systems. Even those who know vi often make use of only a small number of its features.Learning the vi Editor is a complete guide to text editing withvi. Topics new to the sixth editioninclude multiscreen editing and coverage of fourviclones:vim, elvis, nvi, and vile and their enhancements to vi, such as multi-window editing, GUI interfaces, extended regular expressions, and enhancements for programmers. A new appendix describes vi's place in the Unix and Internet cultures.Quickly learn the basics of editing, cursor movement, and global search and replacement. Then take advantage of the more subtle power of vi. Extend your editing skills by learning to use ex, a powerful line editor, from within vi. For easy reference, the sixth edition also includes a command summary at the end of each appropriate chapter.Topics covered include:

• Basic editing
• Moving around in a hurry
• Beyond the basics
• Greater power with ex
• Global search and replacement
• Customizing vi and ex
• Command shortcuts
• Introduction to the vi clones' extensions
• The nvi, elvis, vim, and vile editors
• Quick reference to vi and ex commands
• vi and the Internet

Product Description
This book provides a thinking approach to learning standards-based language mechanics. This book helps students develop the skills of a real copy editor as they focus on finding, analyzing and correcting errors in context. A grammar, usage and punctuation guide is included. Includes 33 reproducible activities. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great review
Kids love to play real grown up stuff, so this editor in chief book is actually fun for kids.They hardly notice they are learning as they are going thru this program. ... Read more

Book Description

From one of America's most beloved and bestselling authors, a wonderfully useful and readable guide to the problems of the English language most commonly encountered by editors and writers.

What is the difference between “immanent” and “imminent”? What is the singular form of graffiti? What is the difference between “acute” and “chronic”? What is the former name of “Moldova”? What is the difference between a cardinal number and an ordinal number? One of the English language's most skilled writers answers these and many other questions and guides us all toward precise, mistake-free usage. Covering spelling, capitalization, plurals, hyphens, abbreviations, and foreign names and phrases, Bryson's Dictionary for Writers and Editors will be an indispensable companion for all who care enough about our language not to maul, misuse, or contort it.

This dictionary is an essential guide to the wonderfully disordered thing that is the English language. As Bill Bryson notes, it will provide you with “the answers to all those points of written usage that you kind of know or ought to know but can’t quite remember.”

Book Description
The Skill Builders series serves the reader who needs to master specific skills for the purpose of passing an important test, such as an exit exam, admissions test, vocational exam, or certification exam. In 20 step-by-step lessons, readers learn the fundamentals of critical thinking and apply essential problem-solving skills needed for success. Targeted lessons require a time commitment of just twenty minutes a day, and readers have the flexibility of tailoring a study program that suits their needs and time constraints. ... Read more