If you are like me, learning about the world of iPhone programming is an ongoing quest. I have been through numerous texts, and sadly, quite a few have fallen by the wayside.  The good news is I think I’ve found the best book on this subject so far: The Business of iPhone App Development: Making and Marketing Apps that Succeed by Dave Wooldridge published by Apress.

Don’t look for the usual line-by-line code how-to.  There are plenty of sources out there for this kind of thing. This book has some very useful bits of programming advice and sections of code, that I totally intend to use. Wooldridge knows his stuff, but the vast majority of his ideas cover marketing and how to position the Apps you make. You can man-up and make the juiciest app computing has ever known, but honestly – do you know how to get it out there? Beat the competition? Have foursquare rate you “King of the Lab?”  No? Yeah, my point exactly. The only other book out there on the market covering this territory is Starting an iPhone Application Business For Dummies Yeah, Dummies.  Mr. Wooldridge's book is vastly superior.

Wooldridge gave me the useful intel right from Chapter 1.  Here’s a little nugget we all cannot do without: The book recommends to set-up your iTunes Connect Contract with Apple, even before your App is completed.  If this isn't done Apple will not be able to pay you.  Even though my App is not completed yet, I went ahead and did this step.  I have high hopes for my little brainchild and so should you.

He gives absolutely priceless advice about naming your app. I won’t give it away, but let’s just say that any app named supercalifraglisticexpialidocious is doomed to the dustbin of app history

Free agents need to know their way around the business law pertaining to app development and the myriad ramifications involved the process including pricing. To charge or not to charge? That is the question.  Wooldridge out of the kindness of his heart takes you there, and in-depth too.  These chapters are survival manuals for working with freelance contractors and also companies outside your own.

Test accounts and the all important Submissions process are given a thorough run down before he introduces you to the world of marketing and buzz.  Twitter and Facebook are discussed as well as creating an appealing website that will be viewable on a iPhone.  Also, discussed are more traditional means such as email marketing using Constant Contact.

The Business of iPhone App Development: Making and Marketing Apps that Succeed Hey, I’ve got my copy. And I’m ahead of you on line.  Now go get yours!