Writing and Training

Managing the Publication Process: The Basics

If you manage the print publication process, here’s your chance to learn the essentials using real-life examples and hands-on activities. During this one-day course, we’ll teach you how to schedule and plan publications, negotiate changes with authors and reviewers, supervise translations, manage design and layout, arrange printing, check preliminary proofs (blues), do press checks, arrange distribution and monitor costs.

Though managing a publication may seem daunting, a clear understanding of the process will help you deliver a quality project on time and on budget. This practical, hands-on workshop familiarizes you with the stages of the publication process—from analysing a request for proposals to printing the final product.

Topics include:

• Analysing the request for proposals

  Most publication projects begin with a request for proposals from the client. Learn how to use this document to develop your schedule, your budget and your approach to managing the work.

• Scheduling

  Preparing a detailed schedule is key to the success of your project. Learn how to create a list of tasks and assign a timeline for each, while keeping the major project milestones in mind.

• Budgeting

  Whether you’re working with a large or small budget, accurate and realistic costing is essential. We’ll show you how to prepare a general budget based on your desired profit margin.

• Writing and briefing the editor

  Each draft of a document should be edited. Learn to identify what kind of editing—substantive, stylistic, copy editing—different documents require, what instructions to give the editor, and how many pages per hour your editor can complete.

• Design and layout

  A comprehensive layout (comp) includes the overall look and feel of a project as well as layout treatment. We’ll show you how to present comps to your client and how to handle typical questions and concerns.

• The print process

  Learn how to check the preliminary proofs (blues) of your document and what to look for at a press check.

To find out more, contact Diana Berris at 613-234-8468, ext. 230, or .