- There are many different books, websites,
and in-person courses that provide tools for
writing books, getting the right PR,
and finding ways to have your work published
in print or online.
Many of these are useful.
In the end however, the way to do it
is not too complicated.
With good work, effort, and some thought,
you'll find a wide range of opportunities.
Here is the basic fact.
Books, magazines, and websites need content.
They all need an ongoing source of work
that reinforces whatever story is being told.
Here is another fact.
A tiny percentage of the design profession
responds in a timely manner with that content
and is published.
When I get an email from someone writing a book
or article asking for work, I send those images
to that writer immediately.
This goes back to having that strong
and well organized image asset library.
This is a place where size matters.
The images need to be large enough to reproduce well.
You should have a 72 dpi,
1500 pixel wide or tall version for online use.
And a 300 dpi, 10 inch wide or tall version
for print use.
VSA in Chicago is a great source for me
when I need work for a book.
I can count on images from them that
are big enough for a double spread.
When you're designing a book or magazine,
you know how valuable that is.
Timely responses are one part of the story.
But first, a writer or publisher needs to know you exist.
A clear online presence helps with this.
But a strong network of other designers
and clients is better.
In almost every instance, I have been contacted
by someone I know or through a referral
from another designer.
It's a good practice to send out an email blast
periodically.
You can talk about a new project, an interesting news.
Once a month is a good goal.
Any more and it becomes spam.
MailChimp is a great resource to create
and send these.
I'm not waiting breathlessly at my computer
for them to come in.
But it's good to see new work.
And the next time I'm writing an article or course,
I remember it and use it.
The next component is the story.
I'll be frank.
Your portfolio may be amazing, but it is meaningless
without a story.
Nobody will publish a book, magazine,
or online article with simply pretty pictures.
What is the story that sets that project apart?
Was it made with a new process?
Is it challenging expected norms?
Does it address a current issue in a compelling way?
There are many ways to craft a story.
What would interest you?
Getting published is like dating.
If you're a shut-in, bore people with stories
about your cat, and wear laundry day sweats to a party?
You may not be successful.
You need to be out there, meeting people,
on time for a date, be interesting,
and look your best.