At Innovative Publishing, we have a proven process to move publications through production. We can work with our clients on timeliness to allow the process to run smoothly. Here is an at-a-glance look at what clients can expect:
1. Collecting content – Your Innovative editor will provide reminders four weeks and then two weeks before your content is due, with an additional eight-week reminder for less frequent projects such as annual directories. It’s best to start collecting content early so when the due date arrives it’s simply a matter of turning it all in. (Need help coming up with content? Innovative can help with brainstorming, editorial planning and writing!) Your editor will confirm that all of the content is submitted so we can start production.
Your editor will follow up with any questions that could affect production, so it’s important to answer these as soon as you can.
A note on photos: Be sure to submit them as individual files and identify which article they belong to. Embedding photos into the Word docs can compress your photos, so they won’t look as clear in print. See How to Choose High-Quality Photos for Your Publication and How to Take Great Photos for Print
2. Receiving a first proof – For a magazine, you will receive the first proof 7-10 business days after the content is called in-house.
3. Editing proofs – You’ll want to send your corrections to your editor via email. Edits can be made by marking up PDFs, emailing a list, sharing a Dropbox link or any other method that’s most convenient for you. Your editor will work with you to determine the best method for you and your organization.
4. Approving proofs – Ideally, it should take approximately three rounds or fewer of edits for you to sign off on a magazine or directory. This ensures the content is timely when it gets to readers. This means there is about a month between when content is sent to your editor and when a proof is approved for press.
5. Sending mailing lists – Mailing lists can be sent to your editor at any time during the production process. However, it’s ideal for your editor to receive a mailing list by the time your product is approved for press as it will allow enough time to have your list processed and sent to the printer. It also lets us flag you in advance about any undeliverable addresses.
And with that, you’re good to go! Knowing the process and deadlines allows production to run smoothly and results in a clean and polished print product. Happy printing!
Emily Gist is an editor at Innovative Publishing. Reach her at emilyg@innovativepublishing.com.
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