I have been in publishing for almost 30 years, having held positions such as Publisher, Group Publisher, VP/Group Publisher, VP/Strategic Planning, and Senior VP/Research Publishing. Back then, I had staff to edit, design, and produce publications. But that all changed 10 years ago, when two friends and I started publishing international medical publications. In a small company, you and your partners do it all. Early on, we used Windows-based computers, but 6 - 7 years ago we made the move to Apple iMacs because of what we felt were superior graphics, reliability, and excellent tech support. Of course, one big question was, "What Desktop Publishing (DTP) software should we use?".
We first reviewed the well-known DTP software but felt they would be too complicated and costly to use. They were not intuitive enough, and as I was not a designer by trade, this was all new to me. So, we looked for alternatives and found that Apple's iWork Pages might do the trick. In researching this software, I learned of the author, Alexander Anichkin, who had been publishing successful full-color magazines and guides in Normandy using iWork Pages. When I saw what he was doing, I knew he was someone I had to contact. While he was in Europe and I was in the U.S., the Internet made all things possible, so I e-mailed him. I asked him all kinds of questions and he was very forthcoming. To say he was a big help to us would be an understatement. I credit Alexander with helping me make that leap to iWork Pages in a commercial environment in an extremely short time. Alexander gave me tips and how-to's, and when I had a question, he answered it. He not only saved me time, but in the end, money as well. In all fields there are experts, and in using iWork Pages, that expert is Alexander Anichkin. He knows every little secret, how to push the software to do things that other software costing thousands or more can do. And now, Alexander is sharing that expertise—all those little tricks—with readers of his new book.
I had the distinct pleasure of reviewing this book chapter-by-chapter as it was being written. I found that even though I have been using Pages professionally for a number of years, I was still learning something from this book. I would review a chapter, and often would write this comment to the book editor: "I just learned something I didn't know."
I like the way Alexander creates recipes in his teaching. His technique allows the reader to easily understand, learn, and remember. It is easy to refer back in his step-by-step approach. I found I was going back to the book again and again by using it as a reference and putting what I learned into play.
If you are a small business, an association, an individual designer, or even an agency that needs to create collateral material, newsletters, sales brochures, manuals, or forms, or if you are a small-to-medium publishing company with limited resources and manpower that creates directories, newsletters, magazines, books, guides, newspapers, or marketing material, or even if you are an individual who wants to develop or learn DTP skills, there is no question—you need this book. Like me, you will find Alexander's expertise will save you money and time and will help you polish your DTP skills. If you want a shortcut for your learning curve or even to find out how to get more from Pages, I unequivocally recommend Alexander's book. In my opinion, Alexander is "The Expert" when it comes to using iWork Pages—period!
I think the book flows well and covers all necessary parts in a logical progression. It is visually appealing as well, which further helps the learning process. This book is useful for novice and expert alike. Alexander constantly gives examples and walks you through in a "how-to-do-it" fashion. I give him top marks all the way around. You may not be able to eat the "food" from the recipe book, but you will surely be able to "cook."
Personally, I can't wait for his second book!
Richard Koulbanis
Partner, Group Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief
Congenital Cardiology Today
Neonatology Today