The final full book test solve wave has gone really well, with great feedback and positive comments. It's clear that the book is in really good shape. But ... it's also clear that there were a lot of little things that had to get fixed and cleaned up. To avoid spoilers, we won't explain except to say it was lots of little issues, not many blatant bugs (though there was one kinda stupid thing we couldn't believe we missed). It would be easy to say that these little changes don't require retesting, but we have learned that is almost never true.
So, we have decided to change the next stage, which was going to be a quick review, proofread and verification stage, to be a short test solve stage, and we have some great people lined up to do the testing. These books will be in full color, which is more expensive, but will save time later when we get the real color proof from the actual printer (we can't not review that copy, but we'll be able to do it faster). Plus, we can do our final color blind verification now rather than later. Most of our color blind testing has been with software that simulates color blindness — it's great, but it is not a complete substitute for the real thing.
We talked to some of our current testers and they agreed that this was the right thing to do. We have told them that we need any more feedback they have by the end of the weekend, and it's our hope to order the color proofs on Monday, for delivery by the end of the week. While the books are being looked at, we'll also finalize all the other things that go into the book, including the materials that get printed separately like the dust jacket, brochure, end papers, etc. All together, we are actually dealing with four different printers.
To review... 1) we're ordering full color proof copies; 2) we'll give them to a few people who have promised to review them completely and quickly, and we'll do our own review, proofreading, and verification at the same time; 3) we'll also review and finalize the other materials while the color books are being looked at; 4) and then (whew!), we will submit the final PDF manuscript to the actual book printer. At that point, we should have a really good idea when the books will get back from the printer and when they'll be able to get into your hands.
What's that box? You might be wondering what that box is. Well, it's a box of artifacts which was found on The Great Qdini's desk* after he vanished. We honestly have no idea why he had such a big box of them, but they just arrived and we're very happy with them.
As always, thanks for your support!
Roy and Emily
* Why did The Great Qdini even have a desk? Why would any conjurer need a desk? It's certainly not for conjuring. We think it's because he solved puzzles at his desk, but this may just remain one of those mysteries that nobody ever solves. Someday, there will be an hour-long late night special on this mystery, and, at the end, you'll find out that nobody actually knows. As for escaping from The Conjurer's Almanaq, you'll be able to do it wherever you please, no desk or duck required. Next update in two weeks.
