Day 1 - 25th of March
After some introductions, we'll get stuck in with the following:
a) Why make a book at all?
We'll look at different types of books and projects and how each is unique, examining the pros and cons of different end results.
b) What does the process of publishing a book look like?
An overview of different stages and what gets done in each. We'll cover some basic book making vocabulary and expectations designers, publishers and printers would have of artists.
c) What do I need to know to get started?
We'll examine rationale, preferences and exemplars. Key to this stage is looking at existing books.
d) How can I get started with editing and sequence?
We'll look at the role of each and cover some tips and tricks to making this incredibly difficult stage easier and more joyful. We'll also do some editing and sequencing together.
e) How can I get started with design? Should I?
We'll cover some industry tools, some easier free tools and consider what a designer can add (and where to find one).
Day 2 - 26th of March
a) Dummy making: what and why
We'll look at some dummys and mockups from Matt's background. We'll also look at the role of dummies in showing potential publishers.
b) Should I self-publish or try and get a publisher?
A nuts and bolts examination of when each is good and how to judge for yourself what you want and if that's likely.
Matt will share some dos and don'ts of contacting publishers and we'll examine some effective ways to connect with publishers.
We'll look at a list of publishers as a way to analyse who may be a good fit.
c) What are the costs of publishing? How does the money work?
We'll break down the cost of publishing in Australia and internationally, examining some of Tall Poppy Press' publications.
Pricing, mark ups, discounts, launches, events and fairs will be covered.
Matt will also share some local printers and share books they've made.
d) How do I go from working on something to actually having it made?
We'll return to the self publish or publisher question in order to focus on: what needs to be done now to succeed in publishing.
e) Photobook: then what?
Some people might think that publishing is finished when the box of books arrives, but the much harder part is the promotion, selling, distribution - but the good news is there's tremendous potential for growth, fun and community.