Suggestions for writing a method book?

[cprescott1972]

Hey there. I am putting together a book for my students and was wondering if anyone here has gone that route. I'm going to be stocking it in the store where I work so it needs to look fairly pro.

I am making the examples in Finale and then exporting them as EPS graphics. So the question really is what publishing program is the one to use? I have used Quark in the past but thought perhaps Illustrator could work for this layout too? I am a novice at both of these programs though so either way I am gonna have to read up... What do you think?

Also, any other ideas of essential content would be appreciated. Just wondering what other people's thoughts on the matter are.

Take care!

[magno3025]

Illustrator could work, but you're probably better off using actual publishing software like Quark or Adobe InDesign. Are you planning on getting it professionally printed or are you going to do it yourself? If you're doing it yourself just do whatever is easier/more comfortable for you. If you're going pro I'd recommend heading out to what ever printing store you plan on using and asking them for some advice in this area. Good luck.

[jeffwj]

If it is only for your purposes and to stock in just one store, you can even do it in Word. That's what I've done for my handouts and even a book that I've submitted to a major publisher. With correct placements of the Finale files and other graphics/pictures, it can still be impressive.

This will get your book out to your students soon. In the meantime, you can read up on the other programs. You may want to do a second edition using one of the other publishing alternatives.

Jeff