First Proof

Latest publication is all but complete. Another year book for the Royal Southampton Yacht Club, due to be issued to members next month.

The first proof has arrived from the designer and needs to be checked, not only by myself as editor, but also by the Club Commodore and Flag Officers. So while the initial work, of commissioning, editing, where necessary writing and re-writing, sourcing photographs and a hundred and one other things have now all but come together in a 52-page publication which will detail the activities and facilities at the Club, and will double as a member recruitment tool.

Having been brought up on daily newspaper publishing as well as news magazines and periodicals, with 24 hour, and often much less, moving deadlines on a continuing basis, annual booklet publication should be relatively relaxing. But the same disciplines apply.

And production slots on presses wait for no-one. If deadlines are missed, the knock on impact can be just as frustrating as though you were competing on news-stands.

This time all so far looks good! And our new publisher and its graphic artist and designer who has interpreted my wishes and instructions and just as importantly made words and pictures fit into a visually aesthetic design, has done a grand job in a rapid turnround.

Little time to relax for me though – a members Handbook for distribution in January is already under way.