Getting Started
The first point to consider when planning a printed publication is, "are you sure you need one?" To decide on whether you need a printed piece or some other means of communication, consider these questions:
- What is your goal? What message are you trying to convey, and what response are you expecting to receive in return?
- Who is the intended audience? What is the best method for reaching them, and what do you want them to do after receiving the printed piece?
- What is your budget? How much can you afford to spend on printing/mailing?
- What is your deadline? How quickly must you have the entire job (including the approval process and mailing) completed? Is the project tied to a scheduled event? How long will the production process take (writing, photography, graphics), and how many people need to approve it before it is printed?
- How will the project be printed? Will the job be run at the campus Copy Center or be sent to an outside printer?
- What type of format will the project require? Will the job be a standard size or a custom design (more expensive)? How many colors of ink do you wish to use?
- How will the finished piece be distributed? If the piece will be mailed, have you factored the cost of postage into your budget? Does the piece need to fit into a predetermined size envelope?
- Is this piece part of the university identity package? Will it be shared by more than one department? Is there an existing publication that can achieve your goal?
Public Relations and Publications edits, designs, coordinates, and shoots photography for the production of non-academic publications and web sites for external and internal audiences. We ensure accuracy, conformity to ASU and University System of Georgia standards, and consistency with editorial styleguides. We offer assistance in preparing major recruitment projects; advertising; web pages; departmental brochures, posters, flyers, maps, etc.; and alumni relations materials. Services are free of charge, but because of the workload and other mission-driven priorities, deadlines must be negotiated.
Working with Our Editorial/Design Team
The Office of Public Relations and Publications offers the services of a team of editors and designers who will:
- help you define your audience and suggest the most effective type of communication tool to reach that audience;
- suggest a paper stock, ink colors, format, type faces, and artwork that fit within your specified budget;
- coordinate and shoot photos;
- write and/or edit your copy;
- execute the actual design production (conforming to university identity standards and standards of the University System of Georgia);
- write printing specifications and obtain a cost quote*;
- prepare electronic files and disks;
- check printing proofs for editorial and color accuracy.
*If the project is a brochure for an academic program, Public Relations may fund the publication.
Submit your copy in Microsoft Word or through e-mail. Copy should not be formatted with tabs or have two spaces between sentences. Submit photos and artwork as EPS or TIFF files at high resolution, 300 dpi. The timeline will vary according to the number of projects currently in progress on our schedule. The more notice provided, the easier it will be to accommodate your deadline.


