BJDs for Beginners: book update!

Updated cover art--for better resolution photo.

Just a quick update for you...

I worked and worked (and worked) this weekend to get the proof of Ball-Jointed Dolls for Beginners formatted and finished. The manuscript is being uploaded and proofed for errors, and I'll be ordering a proof in the next 24 hours or so. It should arrive within a week. My editor, Melissa Metheney, and I will be making some changes and fixing color issues, and then... I think it will be a go! (Scary!)

Here's what we've got:

• 130+ full-color 8.5x11 pages
• Resources page for BJD-related shopping, information and further reading
• Index
• about 200 full-color photos
• 15 tutorials and projects, including restringing (yes, even you can do it!) and a full-size sewing pattern
• MSRP $30.00

The table of contents:

Ball-Jointed Dolls for Beginners

What is a BJD?

A brief history of the BJD

My take on the Resin versus Vinyl debate

Notes about sizes

Commonly used terms and abbreviations

BJD purchasing basics

How collecting ball-jointed dolls is different from other collections

A few words of caution

How to choose your BJD

Aesthetics: what’s important to you

Pricing and quality

Themes and customization

Handling your doll and aging BJDs

How to buy your BJD

To consider before your purchase

In person - at shows, meets and stores

Online

On the secondary market

How to care for your BJD

Supplies you will need

Regular maintenance

Basic customizing

Restringing

Enhancing projects

Joining the BJD Community

Netiquette

Getting connected online

Joining or creating a BJD meet-up in your area

Conventions

BJD resources

Photo credits

Index

I'm toying with the idea of releasing a digital copy for the iPad or other digital readers. This would include active links and possibly video tutorials, if I can find an assistant. Sometimes the techniques are easier to see in person than only in photos, but I think you'll like the photos, too.

I'm finally starting to feel a sense of accomplishment and relief!

If you plan to attend IFDC this year in Las Vegas, I will be there, and I will have copies of my book for sale at my dealers, details coming soon. Please feel free to ask me questions. I'm sure I'll be easy to spot--I'll keep you posted on my hair color--it will either be green or pink.