I was recently sent a copy of Quark XPress 5.0 for Windows. This is obviously a premiere piece of software -- however, it also comes with a high learning curve.

Previously, I have had a gentleman helpingme with my layout, and hopefully he will continue to do so. However, I am now doing so many books that it seems ineffective to rely on just one layout person. hence the desire to learn DTP.

The question is -- where do I learn it?

You could try Computer Arts magazine, they have some useful tutorial issues and occasionally do specials on a particular package. Don't know about its availability in the US. They did quite a good InDesign issue recently (useful for generic layout advice), and might have one on Quark.

You're probably best getting somebody experienced to teach you in person though. On the plus side, the people who did layout at my last job basically taught themselves Quark (the course they went on was a bit duff), and the results ended up looking great.

-Matt

The last time I was on the Quark Website, they had free tutorials you could download. I use the program about 7 hours every workday, so if you have specific questions, send me a PM.

I have "Fundamental QuarkXPress 4". I'm sure they put out a 5 as well. That's how I learned to use Quark and highly recommend Osborne line of computer learning books.

Most community colleges will have courses on computer programs such as Quark, Pagemaker, Illustrator and Photoshop. A tutorial should get you by for starters, but if you want to learn all the cool stuff and the tricks you either need tons of logged hours of trial and error or someone to teach you. A community college class should be relatively affordable (under $200).

,Matt G.

Fortunately most of the advice posted here echoes the replies to Mike's same inquiry on the GPA list. Hopefully between the two he'll find plenty of resources for learning Quark. :)