specializing in digital media technologies

• How did you first get published?
• How do I get published?
• If I e-mail you, will you reply?
• Have you written any other books?
• Will you look at this script or application I wrote?
• Why am I having _____ problem with some script/code/application in the book?
• Why can't I find the scripts?/Why don't the scripts match those in the book?
• Where can I buy your book?
• Is the book available in an electronic format?
• Is the book available in _____ language?
• What restrictions are there on using the book's code?

---

How did you first get published?

I took a publishing course while I was working at Georgetown University, as I've wanted to write books ever since I was in college. Upon learning PHP the hard way (there were only two or three books on the subject at the time), I approached several publishers with the idea of writing a beginner's guide. Peachpit Press--my first choice because I have so much respect for the Visual QuickStart (and QuickPro) Series--said 'Yes'.

How do I get published?

Well, you won't learn how to get published from just me. My recommendation would be to pick up any and every resource for writers, beginning with the Writer's Market. Writing is a job, just like any other: it takes work, practice, and following certain rules. The key is to come up with a good idea, sell it to the right people (the right publisher and the right editor) and demonstrate your ability to write.

If I e-mail you, will you reply?

Certainly. If you are going to take the time to write, the least I can do is respond. I try to give a thoughtful response to every e-mail I get, but please keep in mind that I cannot guarantee a fast reply and I do have my own work to do. But I will eventually reply. If you need faster help, please use the support forums.

Have you written any other books?

Yes, I have, thanks for asking. Please see the Books page for more information.

Will you look at this script or application I wrote?

Not by email. If I personally test or debug every reader's work, I'll never get my own (paying) work done. If you have questions or problems with examples in the book, I'll be happy to help you with those via email, although it'll take some time to get a response and after helping, I'll probably recommend you use the book's support forum instead. If you are having problems with something you are developing yourself, you most definitely want to use the book forums.

Why am I having _____ problem with some script/code/application in the book?

Well, either you or I made a mistake! Start by checking the errata page, then download the most current version of the script from the Script page. If you are still having problems, you can e-mail me or check the book forums to see if someone else has encountered and solved the issue already.

Why can't I find the scripts?/Why don't the scripts match those in the book?

Most likely you're not using the right Web pages. Each book has its own series of pages on DMCInsights.com. Confirm the URL with what is printed on and in the book and/or make sure the title and edition listed on the book match that on the pages you are viewing.

Where can I buy your book?

See this page.

Is the book available in an electronic format?

Maybe. Again, I don't have much to do with the actual sales or distribution of my books. I believe some titles are available through Safari. I am not in possession of PDF or other versions that I can give or sell to readers.

Is the book available in _____ language?

Maybe. My books have been translated into 20 or more languages, as far as I know. Unfortunately I don't have a complete list of what books were translated into what languages. Your best bet is to contact the book's publisher, likely Peachpit Press.

What restrictions are there on using the book's code?

I've never put together a formal, legal document but this is as close as it gets to that. The only real restriction is that, in accordance with copyright law, you cannot copy or redistribute any of the code in the book. This means you cannot literally photocopy or scan the book's pages. You also cannot make the code available to others in paper or digital form (i.e., as a downloadable or copy-able item on a server). Can you actively use the code on your site? By all means. Can you use it in projects you've been hired to do? Sure. If you want to give me some kind of credit, that's fine. Just point people to the book or the book's corresponding Web site.

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