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Database Publishing
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Database publishing is
also called by a number of other names including: database typesetting, database
composition, data conversion, computer conversion, computer typesetting, directory composition, directory typesetting, and text conversion.
Database publishing is the process of converting a database into a print-ready file with all typographic and graphic elements properly composed. The process begins with client-supplied database files, graphic images, and page layout specifications. The most common way for clients to furnish database files today is in the form of MS Excel spreadsheets. However, we accept a wide variety of file types. See our explanation of the
Composition Process. Wikipedia also has some helpful
information Database Publishing.
Using custom programming and various graphic arts tools we build books and directories electronically. Frequently several rounds of proofs are shown, and alterations are made. After the final proof has been approved, a press-optimized PDF file is sent to the client’s book printer.
The database publishing workflow is often used to produce: attorney or lawyer directories, doctor or physician directories, hospital directories, medical services provider directories, membership directories, photo directories or photo books, university directories,
rosters, and
white-page
directories. |
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Data Preparation
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Many database publishing
projects require data preparation, or data cleanup. Data preparation involves: special sorting requirements, caps to caps and
lowercase conversions, formatting phone numbers, and solving other data
problems. Over the years we’ve written hundreds of custom programs and utilities
for specialized data preparation.
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Book Composition
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By book composition
we mean all of the prepress services required to convert a manuscript plus all graphic elements into a print-optimized PDF file ready
for the printing process. Today virtually all book composition, or book typesetting,
begins with client-supplied data. In this respect, “database publishing” and “book composition”
are very similar. The distinction lies in the type of files furnished. Database
publishing begins with a furnished database. Book composition typically begins with
furnished MS Word documents.
See our explanation of the
Composition Process. Wikipedia
has a good explanation of what has been commonly
called
Desktop
Publishing.
Using QuarkXPress, InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and a number of other software packages we do book composition work for a wide variety
of clients: book publishers, printers, manufacturers, and anyone who needs
professional book composition services. Our clients include those wanting
assistance with typesetting: catalogs, scholarly books,
and textbooks. |
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Proofreading
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Some of our clients
need the help of a professional proofreader, and we offer proofreading along with composition. This benefits the client by
making our service a “one-stop” shopping experience. Another benefit is that we’re
able to provide a high level of style consistency. |
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Online Photo Directories
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publishing projects are photo books, or photo directories. Because of the power and convenience of the Web many of these photo books
are being published as online photo directories, or dynamic websites with a
searchable database. Data Management Inc. offers online photo directories as a link
off the client’s site, or as “framed out” content within
their site. |
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Photo Manipulation
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Photo books often involve
hundreds, and even thousands, of photo images. Often
these images vary significantly in tonal quality.
Our experiences dealing with
these issues enable us to offer cost effective
solutions when there is a large
number of halftone images that need to
be
adjusted.
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