The Ultimate Guide to Producing Documentary Books

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This haunt must have an interesting story. It’s where I’ll be if I write this series!

Yesterday’s post on Book Production Schedules led to a reader asking me to write a blog series on producing documentary books. I’m flattered! Well, it would be a long series and something tricky for a blog format but it’s not a bad idea. This morning I came up with 33 chapters and I know I am missing a few.

The documentary book is vastly different from publishing a solo photographer’s images in a large format book. I’ve done both and can assure you that documentary titles have unique parts that require a professional, experienced producer. In publishing lingo, this role is also called a book packager and I’ve learned from the best in the business.

The Ultimate Guide to Producing Documentary Books

by Jain Lemos

1. Getting Started
2. Shaping the Subject
3. Planning Distribution
4. Planning Sales
5. Figuring Timing
6. Setting Absolutes
7. Determining Specifications
8. Developing a Budget
9. Organizing Systems
10. Scheduling Production
11. Building a Team
12. Assigning and Structuring Photography
13. Hiring a Printer
14. Finding Design Concepts
15. Creating Marketing Materials
16. Editing Images
17. Sequencing the Book
18. Writing a Manuscript
19. Writing Captions
20. Licensing Supplemental Content
21. Designing the Pages
22. Designing the Cover
23. Reviewing Layouts
24. Dealing with Changes
25. Proofing Everything
26. Getting Approvals
27. Submitting Mechanicals
28. Going on Press
29. Shipping Books
30. Launching
31. Managing Fulfillment
32. Coordinating Publicity
33. Starting the Next Book

While we’re on the number, here is a list with 33 ways to stay creative. Naturally, “finish something” is last!