Adobe InDesign CS2 @work: Projects You Can Use on the Job

This was the classic example of "I don't know what I don't know," and as I look back over the experience, it's truly miraculous that it has all come together so well. First, you have an inexperienced author, working on a beta version of software, with an unknown editorial staff and learning a new publishing process. Which brings me to my first big THANK YOU, to Linda Harrison, senior acquisitions editor for Sams Publishing, who championed the series, the title, and this unknown author. I thank you for the hand holding, for being easy to work with, and for guiding me through this unique process.

The second round of thank yous goes to the staff that took my work and transformed it into a real book: Songlin Qiu, development editor, who assisted me with the overall game plan; Megan Wade, production editor, who helped me clarify my vision; Claudia McCue, technical editor, who kept me on my toes for absolute technical clarity and accuracy; Dan Knott, project editor, who kept the project on track; and Dan Scherf, media developer, who has made the projects come to life on the publisher's website.

Now on to the personal personnelas it turns out, I am also the mother of two beautiful teenage girls who, in addition to my company, keep me quite busy. When I told them their mother was writing a book, they were like, "Cooool, will you be on Oprah?" I told them it was not that kind of a book, and while I did my best to explain this book and the series, their eyes glazed over. Having said that, they've been terribly supportive and are both anxious for a copy to show off to their friends.

I want to thank my parents, who have been instrumental throughout this entire period of exploration and adventure. They have helped me enormously with my children and I am deeply grateful. I do believe that they are proud parents of their author daughter, even if she's 43 years old. I am the consummate late bloomer, but they have always been supportive of everything I do.

To my brother, Edward, who steers the ship for me at DesktopMedia and who tirelessly champions our services despite the ups and downs of a fickle industry and demanding economy, I thank you for everything you have done for me and for DesktopMedia.

I want to thank my father, Pete Brosseau, for contributing some of his photography to this book. He's been taking pictures both professionally and personally for so long, I had a nice selection to choose from. So a big thank you to him for sharing his work for the book.

Finally, to my husband Michael, who has encouraged my career goals for these last 20 years, I thank you for allowing me to pursue this assignment in the midst of much family transition. It meant having to shoulder more family responsibilities, and I appreciate your efforts and thank you for allowing me this great adventure.

I don't believe in accidents or coincidences. I believe there was something greater at work here than serendipity when Linda's email popped into my inbox. I do believe we are presented with opportunities every day but often we're so busy we don't recognize them in time, or not even at all. I really wanted to take this opportunity and see what was out there. I would love to hear from all of you. I know what it's like to be presented with a tool but not have the skills or the understanding to execute an assignment. It was with you in mind that I wrote this book. I hope it helps you enjoy your InDesign CS2 experience as well as execute, with confidence, your own publishing assignments.