sktop publishing produces immediate results and offers you the ability to control the production from beginning layout and design to the end resultprinting and distribution. However, desktop publishing and traditional publishing work well together. A project may begin on a desktop where the document is designed and created, but an illustrator may be commissioned to create some artwork, or it may end up at a commercial printer for printing and binding.Initiating the Desktop Publishing ProcessThe beginning process of creating a publication involves two stepsplanning the publication and creating the content. During the planning process, the desktop publisher must make decisions such as the purpose of the publication and the intended audience. The content of a publication must get the intended message to the reader. While the design of a publication is important, the content is the purpose of the publication.Planning the PublicationInitial planning is probably one of the most important steps in the desktop publishing process. During this stage, clearly identify the purpose of your communication. The more definite you are of your purpose, the easier it will be for you to organize your material into an effective communication. Are you trying to provide information? Are you trying to sell a product? Are you announcing an event?Assess your target audience by asking such questions as, who do you want to read your publication? What will your target audience expect out of your publication? Do they expect a serious, more conservative approach? Or an informal, humorous approach?Determine in what form your intended audience will be exposed to your message. Will your message be contained in a brochure in a packet of presentation materials for a company seminar? Or will your message be in the form of a newspaper advertisement, surrounded by other advertisements? Will your message be in the form of a business card that is to be distributed when making s...
