Working with Publications: Getting Started
An editor and designer team will meet with you to discuss your project. At this initial meeting, we will ask you about the kind of print or electronic publication you want, what you want it to achieve, your budget, and your timeframe.

We will discuss design preference and photo possibilities. We can work with you to arrange photo shoots with Photo Services.

Please note that in most cases Publications does not supply copy for brochures or periodicals. Most of the offices we work with write their own copy, or we can help find freelance writers who specialize in these types of communications materials.

Production Schedules
Timelines for a project are called production schedules. Schedules can range from a week for a one-color ad or invitation, to 6 to 12 weeks or longer, depending on the complexity of the project and the number of times it is reviewed and changed. Here is a typical schedule for a multiple-page brochure, assuming photos and copy are available when the project is initiated.

We can discuss a workable time for your project during the initial meeting.

Photos
We can help arrange for Photo Services to take photographs for your brochure or other project. Photo Services typically needs two weeks' notice to schedule a photo shoot. This process works best if you can help us set up the photos. For instance, if you want students in the photos, you will need to contact the students and tell them where to be. If you want a classroom photo, you should make sure the professor knows when the photographer is coming.

Photo Services charges fees for processing film and printing photos. Also, occasionally, you may have to pay for a freelance photographer if a staff photographer is not available. If you have questions about working with that office, please contact Photo Services directly at (314) 935-5244.

Costs for Outside Vendors
Our design and editing services are free, however, we do use outside vendors to help us complete your job.

Production
Publications staff designers do initial designs on projects and when the designs are approved, they hand off the production work to freelance artists. These production artists do the non-design computer work, such as flowing in copy, tagging headlines and body copy, and scanning, cropping, and placing photos. They make corrections to text and images as changes are received from you, the client. This leaves the designers more time to work on the creative aspects of their projects, and to handle a larger body of work. You will be given a cost estimate for the freelancer's work. Alterations to the initial layout are usually billed at an hourly rate.

Printing
We will obtain bids from three printers chosen because their capabilities best fit your project specifications. You will then be given a cost estimate based on the lowest bid.

Illustrations
We can contact freelance illustrators and obtain bids.

Writing
We can help find appropriate freelance writers for brochures or newsletter features.