What material will the supplier receive?
Describe the audience and purpose, then state text length, image and table counts, languages and expected page count where known. Supply a representative sample. Page count alone does not explain the complexity of a publication.
State whether text is edited, captions are complete and images are available as separate source files. Assign responsibility for content approval and permissions. Translation and editorial work should be listed explicitly if required.
How should printing be specified?
Give the finished dimensions, interior page count, cover construction, binding and print quantity. Describe colour use and paper properties. Paper weight is the mass per square metre, not a complete description of thickness or opacity.
Include packing, delivery addresses, samples and any cover finishing. A delivery deadline should mean receipt of finished copies. If alternatives are allowed, make their treatment clear within the commissioning organisation's rules.
Should design and printing be combined?
A combined order can simplify coordination. Separate suppliers can also work well when file requirements, handover dates and responsibility for production approval are defined. The choice depends on your organisation's process and available coordination.
How I work on these publications. My catalogue and album layout starts at PLN 75 net per page. Commemorative brochures start at PLN 70 net per page, with covers from PLN 200 net. Printing is quoted against the specification; client feedback is available in my references.
What should revisions and deliverables cover?
A revision round is an agreed stage for collecting and implementing feedback. Identify the coordinator, response deadlines and treatment of changes to previously approved content. Distinguish those changes from correcting production errors.
List the final print and digital files, and specify editable source files separately if needed. Agree usage rights and relevant licensing terms. For accessibility, define the applicable standard, checks and responsibility for image descriptions; see the ebook and accessibility guide.
How should the schedule and acceptance work?
Plan material delivery, layout, revisions, approval, manufacturing and transport as separate stages. Include the commissioning team's response time. A supplier cannot release a book to print while approval is outstanding.
Define measurable acceptance requirements and relevant experience. Your procurement team determines the procedure and evaluation method. I take part in requests for quotation from institutions and submit offers in the required form. My guides to exhibition catalogues and anniversary brochures explain the production context.
What belongs in a working brief?
Use the following headings to collect the project information before preparing the formal request. Complete each point with the details of your publication.
Publication
Purpose, audience, languages.
Content
Text volume, images, tables, editorial status, supplier of each item.
Printing
Size, pages, cover, paper, binding, colour, quantity.
Production work
Design, layout, image processing, revisions, accessibility.
Deliverables
Final files, source-file and rights agreement, acceptance method.
Schedule
Materials, approvals, delivery dates, addresses, coordinator.
Check that the brief and contract describe the same task. Page counts, quantities and required editions should match across every document.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, for comparable print pricing. Define any permitted quantity options clearly.
Use samples or preliminary advice to establish the properties before issuing the final specification.
Only if it is part of the order. I can handle ISBN and legal deposit formalities, so identify the publisher and who approves the edition details.
State the number of feedback stages, response dates and handling of content changes. Avoid assuming unlimited revisions.
I provide free service quotes within 1-2 business days based on the supplied information. I also take part in requests for quotation and submit formal offers in the required form.