Customer Reviews

Bookmaking: Editing, Design, Production, Third Edition

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

One of the best texts on the production of books is "Bookmaking" by Marshall Lee. The second edition is more than twenty years old, but the third edition was just published. It covers virtually all topics, from word-processing to book printing, and everything in between. Most importantly, it shows how the computer has changed the publishing world. 

NOTE: Don't pay attention to "A Reader"'s review -- "Reader" is criticizing the publisher, W. W. Norton, for taking so long to print Lee's book. It's like criticizing Tiger Woods because the golf course is closed.

Ignore the review complaining about the long wait for the 3rd edition. The 3rd is here and it's great. I have a core library of titles that I recommend to folks who are seriously interested in the real process of publishing, not the polyanna version sold to vanity publishers. This book is essential reading for understanding the broad scope of the publishing process. The chapters on production are particularly useful.

The publishing industry has been experiencing rapid changes in both technology and the marketplace these past few years. Now in a newly updated and significantly expanded third edition, "Bookmaking: Editing/Design/Production" continues to be the premiere instruction manual and reference for the publishing of books. Of special value for those new to publishing or who aspire to become publishers, "Bookmaking" covers every aspect of manuscript editing, book design, and the printing/binding processes of book production in extensive and thoroughly 'user friendly' detail. Of special note is the information provided on computer-centered methods of publishing -- including the growing phenomena of electronic books (popularly known as ebooks). Also critically valuable is the information concerning the distribution of books. The author, Marshall Lee, draws upon his more than fifty years of professional experience and expertise in the field of publishing to provide a sound manual that continues to be considered the 'bible' of the industry and an invaluable, recommended addition to professional, academic, and community library reference collections.

Marshall Lee's publishing classic is updated to reflect the new advances in the publishing industry. Fortunately, newcomers to publishing will still have the opportunity to learn about older methods.

Diagrams and visuals enhance the writing. You will not be disappointed with the breadth of information conveyed in this book.

As someone who had no previous knowledge of bookmaking, I found this book to be both engaging and informative. I would recommend it.

For the past 2-1/2 years, I have seen this book's publication date set back season after season.

Where is it? Why the constant pushing back of publication date?

The third edition is sorely needed. The second edition is more than twenty years old, and the entire pre-press section is thoroughly outdated and worthless.

Norton, get your act together!