General Writing FAQ
What should I use to write with?
What if I do not want to use Word?
Why do you still use Word 2003?
Why do I have to use a style template and apply styles to my manuscript?
What does a formatted chapter look like?
What should I use to write with?
We prefer that you use Word 2003, but we can work with files from Word 2007 or Word 2008 (Mac) as well as the various versions of OpenOffice.
What if I do not want to use Word?
In some cases we can work with FrameMaker or LaTex, depending on things such as whether your book is in a certain series or not. And OpenOffice is always an option. Consult your editor.
What is a global template?
It is simply a template that makes available paragraph styles for formatting the various elements of your document.
Why do you still use Word 2003?
That is what our IT folks support. We tend to run a version behind. The same is true as far as operating systems go. They take a conservative approach so as to make sure we are working with tools that we know will work. We can generally get Word 2003 to work with other versions of Word on Windows or Mac as well as OpenOffice on Linux. If you aren't sure if your software will be compatible, you can work out a quick test with your editor before you begin writing.
Why are my screenshots not legible when I captured them using hi-def type settings (e.g., running 1920 x 1080 for my screen res)?
The amount of space you have for your figure in the book is fixed. The higher the resolution (in other words, the greater the number of pixels) in that fixed amount of space, the smaller things will appear in it. Think of what happens when you set your screen res higher and higher on the same size monitor. The icons, windows, toolbars, etc, get smaller.
Why do I have to use a style template and apply styles to my manuscript?
The styles will match up with pre-defined styles in the design template in the desktop publishing application that will be used to compose (i.e., lay out, typeset) the pages of your book.
What does a formatted chapter look like?
Take a look at this chapter titled Security. It doesnโt utilize every style, but it uses most of them. This particular chapter has the Addison-Wesley/Prentice Hall Professional template applied to it. Those for Que, Sams, and Cisco are similar.