Clarify the purpose and readers
Will the book preserve memories, tell a story or share knowledge? Will it be given away, sold or distributed within an organisation? These questions influence format, scope and design. An approximate print quantity and budget range also help narrow down suitable options.
Begin with a contents outline
An initial chapter list shows which content exists and what is missing. Assign responsibility for the text and images in each chapter. Page numbers do not need to be fixed yet. The final extent depends on the material, format and layout.
Collect an agreed version of the text
Provide editable text files with clear headings where possible. Identify the current version clearly to prevent confusion. When several people contribute, nominate one person to collect content and consolidate feedback. Content changes after typesetting can require further layout work and should be accounted for in the schedule.
Label images and provide captions
Name image files clearly and identify their chapters. Original files are more useful for assessment than images embedded only in a text document. Print suitability depends in part on the intended reproduction size and needs to be checked against the actual file. Captions, credits and cleared usage rights also belong in the preparation.
Review sample pages before full typesetting
A few representative pages allow typography, hierarchy, image treatment and recurring elements to be assessed. Include different page types, such as a chapter opening, a text-heavy page and an image spread. This provides a basis for agreeing the design before the whole book is laid out.
Allow time for corrections and approval
Check text, names, image placement, page numbers and the contents page before printing. Consolidate feedback and mark each correction clearly where it applies. Agree who approves content and design, and how additional changes will be handled.
Consider print from the beginning
Discuss format, paper, binding, quantity and delivery with the printer. Final files are prepared to that printer’s specifications. Whether a physical sample or another approval process is appropriate depends on the project. Preorders can inform quantities, but they do not replace a confirmed production costing.
What is needed for an initial estimate?
A short book description, chapter outline, sample text and images, approximate print quantity, budget and preferred deadline are enough to begin. Identify content that is still missing. This helps establish what the design commission includes and what needs organising first.