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Directories can be big money makers and big editorial headaches.
Normally, a publisher decides to put out a directory, and just considers it one more issue for the existing editorial staff to produce.
That's great for the publisher but
not for the editors. If your directory is going to be any significant size at all,
the very first priority must be: do you have a data base programmer
involved in designing a data base structure and data dictionary?
If you will just be using a word processor to create and edit the text
files, you will not be leveraging the data you are about
to collect. Once you've selected the appropriate data base
manager, you must next proceed to the planning stage. Directories need planning and a lot of coordination.
Listed here are some of the steps to consider:
- Design of directory components, including corporate or primary listings and indices;
- Development of listee questionnaire;
- Sourcing a list for the potential listees;
- Mailing of questionnaire, covering letter and return envelope;
- Creation of a data base for the
questionnaire responses;
- Follow-up to individuals who do not respond to your first mailing;
- Keying
in the responses and editing data entered; and
- Generation of listings and cross references through indices or other means ready for typesetting.
You might want to consider a follow-up confirmation letter with a printout of the entered data, especially if the listee is paying to be in the directory. And don't forget to set things up so that you can follow-up for next year's directory. A directory is a major undertaking. The mailings alone can be very time- consuming. It is not surprising then that of all the editorial contract services we provide publishers, directories is our largest area. We have been involved with dozens of directories, many of which are now
back with the publisher after we set up systems for them and their own internal resources grew. All
of our systems are designed for a computer data base for quick and easy processing of information.
Index creation is a simple matter in a data base
as well. Whether you are publishing a directory with thousands of listees, or just a
few hundred, our computerized directory systems can save you time and headaches. If you are looking for a sub-contractor or a complete turnkey solution, call us to see what the possibilities are. |
