Starting today, the printed version of The Linux Command Line will be published by No Starch Press. It is available now wherever fine books are sold, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
In October of 2010 I received an email from an editor at No Starch saying that they were impressed with my book and asked if I would be interested in commercially publishing it. This started a long negotiation with them over rights. I wasn't interested in a commercial version per se, rather I was interested in having greater reach. I know that readers outside the United States have difficulty purchasing the printed version from Lulu.com, and that I am unable to provide ePub and other e-reader formats. My publishing agreement with No Starch Press grants them exclusive rights to produce the printed version and all electronic versions except PDF and HTML. Those formats will remain mine. What's important here is that the freely distributable PDF will continue to be available, and I will continue to develop it. I plan to start work on the second edition this spring. I'm also planning to rewrite the LinuxCommand.org tutorials based on the contents of the book which is, frankly, much more accurate and up-to-date.
So how is the No Starch Press version different from my version? It's about 99% the same. The chapter numbering is different, it's been copy edited to further improve my so-called English, and it's been reformatted to fit their typographical style. But in terms of content, it's virtually the same as the freely distributable version.
To celebrate the introduction of The Linux Command Line, No Starch Press is offering a limited time promotion when you buy the book directly from the No Starch website. Use the discount code GREPITGOOD to get 40% off The Linux Command Line. One week only! Free ebook with all print book purchases.
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Precisely what I've been looking for. Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI'm a new linux user and I found your book when I was looking for some guides. The book looks really good,
but then I stumbled upon this post.
So my question is have you had the time to start working on the second edition already?
I think I will finish the first edition either way, but I'm just curious. And thanks for the book!
Thnx William for your effort to write this excellent book.
ReplyDeleteI do have a question about your choice of license: It states it can't be used in a professional way. What if I use linux on my desktop professionally? Would this eliminate me from using the free (pdf) version?
regards,
Rob
I think you misunderstand the license. You may use the book any way you like *except* you must not sell copies and you must not redistribute it in modified form.
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