June 2025 Update
10 months ago
– Wed, Jun 18, 2025 at 05:25:49 PM
What's going on?
We're moving into galley review, where we go through the layout page by page, looking for glitches in layout to fix, space that needs filled, and errors that have snuck past numerous eyeballs.
Once this done, we'll button up the PDF and get a proof print. Once the PDF is locked, it will go out to backers. The end is nigh (and that's a good thing).
We still have a couple of Colonels who never returned their TOE forms. If you haven't, please let us know if you received the email with the template and instructions.
To quote Red Leader: "Almost there..."
Tariffs? And May Update.
11 months ago
– Mon, May 05, 2025 at 02:22:24 PM
The game industry is abuzz over the potential impact of tariffs. Projects have been cancelled, companies have shuttered, people have jumped ship. Understandably, given all our delays, there's some concern regarding tariffs and this project.
However, from the get go, Mark and I planned to print in the US. While we did this to ensure there would be no shipping issues, a bonus is that tariffs don't impact this project. So don't worry - whatever happens in the tariff drama, it won't stop us.
Speaking of the book, it is still in layout. Work on that front ground to a halt as our layout person moved and had complications from that, but as of this week, they're back to work on the project. Once layout is done, we'll do a galley edit to see if the layout needs tweaked and to make sure no errors slipped through, then we'll finalize the e-version and go to the printer.
To quote another franchise - Stay On Target.
March Update - Inching Closer to the Finish Line
about 1 year ago
– Sat, Mar 08, 2025 at 10:44:59 AM
I was going to include a cool Pushtal picture - but every time I drop it in even after shrinking it, Kickstarter hides the Publish button, so this update is text only.
Layout work proceeds slowly. Between life wrinkles and having to convert all our tables by hand (which includes every vehicle stat block), our layout person has been bogged down. Once they're finished, we'll do a round of galley edits to make sure everything lines up as expected for the book/PDF, stomp any errors that slipped by previous edit rounds, and do any need graphic tweaks.
Once the PDF is finalized, we'll send it out. While we don't have a print timeline yet, because we're printing domestically, we should be able to get a solid estimate since we don't have to worry about overseas shipping issues and delays.
Finally, Mark and I turned in the manuscript to the tie-in novel from the Kickstarter, "Caveat Emptor."
Kill Aliens, Get Paid!
First 2025 Update
about 1 year ago
– Wed, Jan 15, 2025 at 02:39:51 PM
We roll into the new year with writing complete and editing well under way. The largest chunk of labor remains layout, which has already started. Once that's completed, we'll have to do one last galley pass to make sure everything lines up and nothing snuck through.
Once this is done, we'll compile the PDF and order printing. We're using a domestic printer, so shipping won't be an issue (if Mark and I have to, we'll rent a truck to pick it up). However, print time will depend on the printer, so we can't call a time yet.
But we're close, mercs. To quote another franchise, our mantra is "Stay on target."
November 2024 Update
over 1 year ago
– Fri, Nov 22, 2024 at 07:20:49 PM
We are nearly done with the text for the book - I'm hoping to finish it by the end of November. We ran into a glitch with the math behind the economics of running a mercenary unit in game that required some massaging, and I finished the rework of the mass combat system to make it quick and easy to use. It's modeled on Savage Worlds' mass combat mechanics, with a little extra to handle 4HU specifics and mess with the aforementioned economics.
Editing is caught up to text, so once I finish these two chapters, that will get knocked out. Layout is also well underway. There's a light at the end of the tunnel (and it's not an incoming Egleesius).
