Another good software development from Steve Mcconnell. Although, I only read part of the first chapter, I already learn and agree some things. As a good software estimator, you should aware the differences between tagert, estimation and commitment. Most of the time, project sponsor would like to ask you for an estimation by telling you that they want to finish that many features within a certain time with no additional resource. If you are careful enough, it is actual ask you to commit to a target. As a good software project estimator, you should always remember the 3 key dimensions of the trade-off triangle, as indicated in Microsoft solution framework (msf). The 3 dimensions are resource, schedule and feature. You should go back to ask the project sponsor which dimension is the most important factor and adjust the other two. So if schedule is the most important, then feature may have to cut or resources have to be added. I highly recommend any IT professional to read and own this book.
Steve Mcconnell has others book called: Rapid development and Code Complete.
“Estimation is a process of refinement” from chapter in Rapid development