The software also comes with a brief tutorial, a very useful essay on first edition identification (which should be required reading for anybody seriously engaged in this industry), and a key to the abbreviation scheme in the listings. The E-Guide does not take up much resource and can sit handily on the computer desktop to be used as needed. Since I have virtually no free area around my computer, I do appreciate the convenience of having the reference work available electronically.

I would have liked to see a flow chart option for first edition identification of some of the more difficult publishers -- a feature that would take advantage of the software medium -- something that would walk one through the questions that need to be answered in order to determine whether or not the book is a first. Perhaps something of that sort can be incorporated in a later version. I look forward to added features as the company grows into the new software format. For now, at $19.95 for the software version (and $15.95 for the print booklet), it's well worth the price. Once you become familiar with the abbreviation scheme, it is very easy to use.

McBride also has a free demo on his site at www.mcbridepublisher.com if you'd like to check it out.