Planning a publication takes time, commitment and organization. The more you know about what you want before scheduling a meeting with Creative Services, the better off you will be and the faster we can get the publication process rolling.
Getting Started ...
Setting A Budget
Once you have decided to go ahead with a publication, you will immediately need to set a budget. Creative Services can help you develop one with the following items in mind.
Editing, design and most photography are free through Creative Services. Here is a checklist of items we use to determine budgets:
Illustration $________
Printing $________
Delivery Charge
to Mailhouse $________
Mail (labeling
and sorting) $________
Postage $________
Knowing What You Want
The following list of planning questions will help you decide what you want and will serve as a guideline for Creative Services.
What is the primary purpose of your publication?
What other purposes, if any, does it have?
What message do you want your piece to convey?
Who is the primary audience?
What do you want people to do as a result of seeing your publication?
What else can this piece do for you?
What information needs to be included?
How should the information be organized?
What kind of publication formats do you like?
What image do you want to project?
What will make the publication more attractive?
Are there any special requirements?
(i.e., will you need envelopes printed especially for this job?)
How long will you use the publication?
How will you distribute the publication?
Who will be responsible for handling the mailing of the publication?
How will you know if your publication has achieved its goals?
Writing Guidelines
Write a rough draft or outline of the publication. Note: If your project requires extensive writing or rewriting, a writer will be assigned to you. Usually this indivdual is your department's "beat" information officer from the University's News Bureau.
Here are several tips for effective copy:
- Be concise, direct and brief.
- Organize your copy with important information at the beginning.
- Include interesting facts.
- Use examples or anecdotes when possible -- showing is more effective than telling.
- Use a conversational but professional tone.
- Keep the writing timeless.
- Reinforce your writing with ideas for visuals (Creative Services will make suggestions.)
You will be asked to bring a printed version of your rough draft or copy and a Zip disk (WordPerfect or Microsoft Word file) to the initial meeting with Creative Services. Copy can also be sent via e-mail as a Microsoft Word attachment. For compatibility, all text should be unformatted without tabs, centering or bolding. Creative Services will edit and finalize your copy and return it to you for approval.
