Planning a book project

First Steps
Decide on what form your project will take and who will need to be involved in order to make it a success. For instance do you have material already prepared that you could put together to make a successful fundraising book or will you need to collect this material. If this is a school project do you have the support of the Head Teacher and have you discussed what ideas may work best for the school?

When you are sure you wish to proceed you need to complete and submit a project registration form. This will alert us to the fact that you have a book in preparation and allow us to plan our workload to deal with all the projects we have on the go at any one time. When we receive your registration form we will send you some suggestions on timings to help you plan your book preparation.

Key Stages
In order for everything to proceed smoothly with your book you will need to plan carefully and make sure you keep to the deadlines. We will need you to supply your approved proof file of your book at least 3 weeks before you require printed copies.
  1. If you require your finished books for a specific date you should ensure that everyone who is involved with your project is aware of the key dates and deadlines that will need to be met. Also be aware that for very busy periods such as Christmas, you may need to submit your finished material several weeks in advance of the delivery date.

  2. Collect the material for your book. This is the real fun part of this fundraising idea; you work with the children to prepare your poems, stories, jokes etc. It is often worth considering a wide selection of subjects for the children to write about to create a book that is full of interesting and varied contributions.

  3. Create a submission file for your book using the schoolbook.com CD-ROM. You can type directly into the interface or prepare your material in a word processing package such as Word and then copy and paste into CD-ROM.

  4. Select the layout and presentational options for your book.

  5. Get several people to look at the finished material to check for spelling and grammar errors (if these are important) and ensure that the names of the children contributors are correct.

  6. Select cover design and collect together any pictures, drawings or photographs that are to be included.

  7. Submit the finished file, which should include a book title, and include any drawings/pictures that are to be inserted. (Please note that the process does not support colour inside the book and that photographs, other than on the cover, are not recommended).

  8. When the book has been processed you receive a proof file to check and approve. Please check this thoroughly as this is your last chance to spot any spelling mistakes.

  9. Once the final proof has been approved the book will be published and you will be able to place your first order.
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