This checklist is for anyone at the University who wants to produce a leaflet, brochure or any other kind of publication. It has been written to help you deliver something that looks good and achieves the desired effect, whatever that might be. You can contact us at x7228.

The suggestions below outline many of the questions that you need to consider before, during, and after producing a publication.

Stage 1: define the aims of the publication
These are the questions you need to answer before you start.

Who is your target audience? (eg prospective/undergraduate/postgraduate/mature students, staff)

What messages are you trying to get across and at what stage in the admissions cycle? If this is a new project, will it expand on existing materials (the prospectuses for example)?

If this is a recurring project, is the need for it still there?

Will your publication offer more than is already available, on the website or in the prospectuses for example?

What outcome do you hope to achieve?

Will the outcome justify the cost?

Stage 2: production planning
If, having answered all these points, you decide to go ahead, you need to consider the following at the earliest opportunity.

When do you need the publication delivered? (eg the start of term, a specific event, an open day)

What will the shelf life be? Will it be required all term, all year or longer?

How many copies do you need? (this may determine the type/cost of printing required)

Who will write it? How long will it take?

Who will create the artwork for it?

If you need a designer, who will you use and what is your budget? (Contact Don Ameye for guidance)

What materials will you need? (Copy/text, pictures)

What editorial help will you need? (Writing/editing/proofreading)

Do you need to commission new photographs?

What logos or generic University images will you need? (Contact Don Ameye)

Have you created a schedule, factoring in editorial timescales and delivery headlines?

What budget code will be charged?

Who needs to check the content?

Who will ultimately sign off and be responsible for the publication?

Stage 3: important final checks
Now that you have the materials together, does it fulfill your stated aims? If no, is it worth proceeding? And if the answer is yes, now is the time to make absolutely sure that nothing will delay delivery.

Has it been thoroughly proof-read and corrected?

Has the publication been approved by Don Ameye?

Has the budget holder agreed the cost?

Do you have the budget code to enable the Print Unit to process your job?

When and where do you need it delivered? (Your department, school, an event.)

Stage 4: post-printing
This is a good stage at which to evaluate your marketing strategy and ensure that you are prepared for producing your next publication.

Do you have a copy of the final artwork from the designer/printer, for future use?

How many copies are being used up?

What do the target audience think of the publication? How can you get feedback?

What would you change/retain next time?