Willie,

Being an amateur Photographer and co:author myself, and having the experience of putting a book together (Cincinnati Art Deco by Steven J. Rolfes and Douglas Weise), I can tell you that this could be a very real situation for you. It could be your chance at fame and fortune. I would go for it, but like the others have said, if they ask for money it's time to leave. They should compensate you for your photo if any money exchange takes place.

BTW, I can tell you that when you create a book that includes a lot of photographs that are not your own, you are not making 'a lot' of money. By the time you pay for the rights to use 200+ photos, there isn't a lot of profit left. The reward is the fun in putting it all together and the bragging rights.

My favorite software to use is Photoshop Elements (11). But I also use Paint Shop Pro X5. I really feel there is not much difference in these two products but sometimes it one program will offer tools the other doesn't.

I also use a few of the Topaz products such as Topaz Detail, Topaz Adjust, Topaz Clean, Topaz B&W Effects, Topaz Re-Mask, and Topaz DeNoise and Topaz Simplify. (so far. I am in the process of purchasing a few more Topaz products as they go on sale).

I think I might be a software Junkie.

Like others I have never taken formal Photography classes. But I have learned quite a few things by taking FREE courses at About.com. They have a Photography courses at: http://photography.about.com/od/photolessons/ Again I have never taken this course but it might be a good place to start.

Hope it helps.

I have been using PSP for years as well, since PSP7, and have just recently started using PSE 11. I am currently using PSPx4 but will be upgrading to x5 soon at the above mentioned price. I have thought for years that between the two there is very little difference. As far as I can see PSPx4 may even be better than PSE11. I use both and love them both. Both programs have extensive coverage on the web and YouTube as well as printed books. The truth is from my point of view, you can't go wrong with either one if the price is right.

http://www.fontspace.com/

http://www.fontriver.com/

http://www.abstractfonts.com/

There a lot of good sites here! Some I have never heard of. I'll have to check them out.

The site I have had the best luck with is Digital Photography School
http://digital-photography-school.com/

There are lots of Articles and tutorials that deal with Photography and Photo Editing Software.