Being a beginner/self taught cake decorator, what instruction books would anyone recommend? I've been thinking about ordering the book "Colettes Cakes - The Art of Cake Decorating" and was wondering if anyone had suggestions. Wanting to learn more about cake construction and different designs for tiered/whimsical cakes. Thanks in advance!! 
As a self-taught decorator myself, I can tell you the best way to start is to take the Wilton classes and move on from there.
If you're interested in good pattern books for buttercream and fondant, I'd start with Wilton, so that you get a good basic foundation and then grow to the beautiful cakes that Collette does.
I'm about to start course 3 and I think taking the classes was the best thing I have ever done for my decorating experience. Cakes that I would have said were too hard before, I now look at with a more experienced eye and see that they're not as hard as I thought!
From what I've heard here about Collette's books and on Amazon, they don't really "teach" you what you need to know. Her books are for more advanced decorators rather than the intermediate or beginner. I am going to buy Toba Garrett's books. I've heard that she really does share construction and gives well laid out detailed how-to's. (Toba Garrett, "The Well Decorated Cake")
I just received my Wilton School: Decorating cakes book yesterday from CC and it has some beautiful cakes in it! I also have The Whimsical Bakehouse. It's a fun book that shares ideas on buttercream, fun colors, and using chocolate. It also has a lot of recipes inside.
Good luck and happy shopping.
I asked the same question not long ago and a great "duh" reply was to go to the library and check some out. That way, you don't end up spending money on the ones that you don't like.
I usually have so many books on cake decorating checked out that they are forced to remind me that only 4 books are allowed per subject 
My favorites are Wedding Cakes you can make by DeDe Wilson and also I really love the Whimsical Bakehouse..... these books are very down to earth with main emphasis on taste. I love Colette but her books are all about amazing design and gravity defying shapes.. there is something refreshing about books that remember that we all have to eat this cake when they're done
If your library doesn't have a specific book just ask at the reference desk for an inter-library loan, they will check libraries in surrounding areas and will get the books for you! I always check out a book at the library or bookstore before making a commitment.
Whats wrong with the library suggestion? Why pay for a book that either you find out you dont care for or that it is too advanced for you at the moment. Whomever suggested the library was correct in doing so, unless you have alot of money to spend(some books go up to $65.00). Another good way to find a book is to search on line for one then read the reveiws on it. They are usually pretty accurate and will give you a good feel for whats in the book. Cheffie 
I love Toba Garrett's The Well Decorated Cake!! I first found it at my local library (I live in a town of ~20,000) and I use our library a lot as I stay at home and dont have a lot of $$ for books. Toba's book filled in a lot of gaps for me about "the basics", her instructions and pictures were very helpful. I used it so much that I ended up buying it (with a gift certificate from my SIL )
Libraries are a great start but I find the info out of date sometimes. I started with Wilton magazines which are ok but a little to commercial -- I recently found the American Cake Decorating magazine -- AN AWESOME SOURCE OF IDEAS. Im in Canada and bought my first issue through Ebay, and then many more. I now subscribe. The ideas that come out of the pages and the imagination and ease to replicate is amazing.......cant wait to get my next issue. Maybe your library stocks back issues -- try to find one -- you wont be disappointed. 
Speaking of Toba Garrett, she has a new book coming out this month (the 18th!) that is going to be like a complete and very thorough guide to cake decorating from beginning to very complicated. The book is NOT cheap, but Toba is a VERY VERY good teacher and is an amazing decorator.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/047170136X/?tag=cakecentral-20
I have this book on reserve and will have it the day it comes out. I'm also a member of a cake club and the hostess went to school with Toba, so she's going to get the book autographed for me!
*swoon*
Rachel
The library is great idea and don't forget to check out the videos. My library system has 3 or 4 on decorating instructions, both on VHS and DVD. I just picked up one on wedding cakes, which may be a little advanced for a beginner, but so far has had some interesting tips.
Checking the book out from the library is a great idea. Another idea is if you are near a Barnes & Nobles or Borders Store, just take the book off the shelf and curl up with a cup of coffee. If you really like the book--and want to continue to use it as a reference, then you may want to buy it.
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