Well shaders are pretty new to 3dgs, so it's just a matter of time until someone starts a tutorial for newbs.
I guess it's best you read that book you ordered then, Wizrealms
Another good way to learn shaders is the way I would have done it, get info on some of the guy on this forums, get his msn email, get to know the guy, and have him teach you the basics of shaders if he's nice enough.