Five Simple Steps

2010 was the year Five Simple Steps grew from a one book self-publisher to a four title indie publisher.

We also announced further titles to follow in 2011, including 'A Practical Guide to Creating Web Content' by the fabulous Relly Annett-Baker. Behind the scenes, Relly is writing and working with her Editor Bill Harper to shape the book. Even though it's a little while away until it'll be ready to be published, we thought it was about time we told you a little more about it, just to whet your appetite!

1. We all know you from your Twitter avatar - the one with pink hair and the space helmet - but what else should we know about you?

That I like a good gin and tonic. If that criteria is fulfilled we will get on just swimmingly!

2. 'A Practical Guide to Creating Web Content'. What's that about then?

Excellent question! Well, it's about creating content for the web. In a practical kind of way.

I jest. It's a step by step guide to planning, creating and maintain content. Everything from big grandiose pieces of video right down to teeny-tiny microcopy. And everything that goes into that, so not just the writing but the planning, resources, maintenance. Everything. The most practical bit of the book is still a secret but between you and me, and the FSS readers, to get the most out of my book you're going to have to get your hands inky.

3. Why is your book different to other Content Strategy or Web Content books out there?

There are some cracking content books out there but I wanted to write one specifically for designers and developers, working on smaller scale projects, who can't justify the cost of a writer or content strategist. I work with a lot of people who make sites but struggle with knowing what to do about the content - either the client expects them to do it or the client does do it, but late and woefully inadequately - and this book is about learning the processes behind creating great content so you can do it yourself, or make it much easier to set reasonable expectations around content creation for your clients. It's putting the web expert back in charge. No-one likes being held hostage by undelivered content.

4. You're also doing a Five Simple Steps workshop in a fortnight - what's that going to cover?

I think it will cover some of the same ground as the book but with a particular eye to real-world, live, actually on sites, right-this-moment content. The good and the bad. I guess it's the live action stage show of the book. I also expect us to do some hardcore reviewing of various chocolate biscuits and perhaps some tea.

5. Where else are you speaking in 2011 and most importantly, what colour will your hair be?

My 2011 diary is filling up already with a good few dates pencilled in. Confirmed talks will be @media Web Directions London, Confab2011 (Brain Traffic's Content Strategy conference) in Minneapolis and as-yet-unannounced conference in Seattle, all in May. Watch my twitter feed @RellyAB for more details.

As for the hair, it's currently black but I'm thinking about having metallic stripes sewn in as extensions. I've got my spacehelmet and I just bought a new conference t-shirt to team with a Get Cutie dress. Or maybe the Japanese schoolgirl outfit? Choices, choices ... I guess people will just have to come along to see what I pick for this year.

Book your place at Relly's workshop before tickets run out!