Happy Easter to you.

I thought you’d be interested in an update on progress toward publication of my next 192-page hardcover entitled Speed Graphics and Steam 1957!

The manuscript is drafted and in place, and the 300 photographs have been sized and inserted. Right now, eight proofreaders are poring over the first half of the text and layout. I’ll hand the second half over to them toward the end of this week. One of those proofreaders, incidentally, is Herb Harwood—the only surviving member of the three photographers whose work is featured in Speed Graphics and Steam 1957!

While the proofreaders are doing their work, I’ve been sharpening and tone-adjusting all the images for the book. Completing that will take this entire week. To ensure the best quality in that regard, I’ve been in touch with Ian Cranstone (a Branchliner), whose expertise is the basis for the standard set in photographic print reproduction in my nine hardcover railway titles.

Starting a week from now, I will address any issues the proofreaders catch in their once-overs. Also, I’ll give the text a final “polish”.

On Friday, April 13, I’ll hand the digital files over to Ampersand Printing in Guelph. They’ll likely begin printing the book within a week. When they complete that (which will take a day or two), they’ll ship the printed sheets to Beck Bindery in Campbellford.

And... when Beck has bound the books, we’ll take delivery. After which, they’ll be going into the mail to all the pre-publication buyers. Way back around the turn of the year, I planned on releasing this book on April 30. We’ll meet that target date, give or take a day or two.

As with other titles, we’ll ship the books out in order that the pre-orders were received. When that distribution starts, I’ll provide daily updates on books shipped.

Incidentally, you may still pre-order Speed Graphics and Steam 1957! from this page.