Architectural publishing - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 11:01, 28 December 2021

2021-12-28T11:01:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:01, 28 December 2021
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	Some newly-established architectural publishers specialise in the publication of architectural essays. E-publishing has transformed the publishing industry, and it also has exciting implications for architectural publishing.		Some newly-established architectural publishers specialise in the publication of architectural essays. E-publishing has transformed the publishing industry, and it also has exciting implications for architectural publishing.

−	~~-----~~	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =
−	= Related articles on Designing Buildings ~~Wiki~~ =	+

	* Architectural communication.		* Architectural communication.
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	= External links =		= External links =

−	* RIBA ~~[http://www.ribabookshops.com/item/good-practice-guide-marketing-your-practice/69154/~~ Good Practice Guide: Marketing your practice.]	+	* RIBA Good Practice Guide: Marketing your practice.

	--[[User:Alex_Harvie\|Alex Harvie]]		--[[User:Alex_Harvie\|Alex Harvie]]

	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:Theory]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]		[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:Theory]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]

Designing Buildings at 07:11, 11 November 2020

2020-11-11T07:11:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:11, 11 November 2020
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	{\|		{\|
−	\| [[File:~~London tall buildings layout~~.jpg]]	+	\| [[File:London_tall_buildings_layout.jpg\|link=File:London_tall_buildings_layout.jpg]]
	\|}		\|}

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	--[[User:Alex_Harvie\|Alex Harvie]]		--[[User:Alex_Harvie\|Alex Harvie]]

−	[[Category:Theory]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:Theory]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]

Editor at 10:45, 1 July 2019

2019-07-01T10:45:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:45, 1 July 2019
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−	= [[File:~~London_tall_buildings_layout.jpg\|link=File:London_tall_buildings_layout~~.jpg]]~~Introduction =~~	+	{\|
		+	\| [[File:London tall buildings layout.jpg]]
		+	\|}

	If your practice is considering publishing a book, this article sets out some issues to consider and offers some suggestions for making the process as productive as possible.		If your practice is considering publishing a book, this article sets out some issues to consider and offers some suggestions for making the process as productive as possible.

−	== A brief background on architectural publishing ==	+	= A brief background on architectural publishing =

	Architectural publishing has a number of particular characteristics not found in other areas of publishing.		Architectural publishing has a number of particular characteristics not found in other areas of publishing.

Editor at 10:42, 1 July 2019

2019-07-01T10:42:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:42, 1 July 2019
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−	= [[File:~~London tall buildings layout~~.jpg]]~~Architectural publishing~~ =	+	= [[File:London_tall_buildings_layout.jpg\|link=File:London_tall_buildings_layout.jpg]]Introduction =

	If your practice is considering publishing a book, this article sets out some issues to consider and offers some suggestions for making the process as productive as possible.		If your practice is considering publishing a book, this article sets out some issues to consider and offers some suggestions for making the process as productive as possible.

Editor at 10:42, 1 July 2019

2019-07-01T10:42:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:42, 1 July 2019
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−	= Architectural publishing =	+	= [[File:London tall buildings layout.jpg]]Architectural publishing =

	If your practice is considering publishing a book, this article sets out some issues to consider and offers some suggestions for making the process as productive as possible.		If your practice is considering publishing a book, this article sets out some issues to consider and offers some suggestions for making the process as productive as possible.

Editor at 10:14, 1 July 2019

2019-07-01T10:14:39Z

Designing Buildings at 07:19, 14 December 2016

2016-12-14T07:19:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:19, 14 December 2016
Line 97:		Line 97:
	* Architectural communication.		* Architectural communication.
	* Architectural photography.		* Architectural photography.
		+	* Digital marketing for the construction industry.
	* Self publishing for architects.		* Self publishing for architects.
	* Technical notes on architectural publishing.		* Technical notes on architectural publishing.

Editor at 15:19, 8 July 2016

2016-07-08T15:19:52Z

Designing Buildings at 07:36, 16 April 2016

2016-04-16T07:36:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:36, 16 April 2016
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	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===		=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===

		+	* Architectural photography.
	* Self publishing for architects.		* Self publishing for architects.
	* Technical notes on architectural publishing.		* Technical notes on architectural publishing.

Designing Buildings at 06:32, 23 March 2016

2016-03-23T06:32:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:32, 23 March 2016
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−
	= Architectural publishing =		= Architectural publishing =

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	In spite of this, there is a thriving trade. A significant number of interesting and innovative architectural books are published every year. It is a fundamental means by which professionals communicate their ideas in a fast-moving global arena. A thriving trade is found in:		In spite of this, there is a thriving trade. A significant number of interesting and innovative architectural books are published every year. It is a fundamental means by which professionals communicate their ideas in a fast-moving global arena. A thriving trade is found in:
−	*Specialist book shops.	+
−	*Booksellers over the internet.	+	* Specialist book shops.
−	*Specialist private libraries in some larger companies and trades associations.	+	* Booksellers over the internet.
−	*University libraries.	+	* Specialist private libraries in some larger companies and trades associations.
−	*Some larger public libraries.	+	* University libraries.
		+	* Some larger public libraries.

	= Issues to consider when embarking on an architectural publication =		= Issues to consider when embarking on an architectural publication =
−	*What are your practice’s aims in undertaking the project? Given that it is unlikely to be a lucrative undertaking, the criteria for judging the success of the project need to be outlined at the outset.	+
−	*Who is the audience? The kinds of book prepared for technical specialists are very different to those for clients or students or the general public.	+	* What are your practice’s aims in undertaking the project? Given that it is unlikely to be a lucrative undertaking, the criteria for judging the success of the project need to be outlined at the outset.
−	*What has the practice got to say? Is there anything new in the material?	+	* Who is the audience? The kinds of book prepared for technical specialists are very different to those for clients or students or the general public.
−	*Is the practice ready? Once published, a book remains in the market place for a long time. It is important not to rush into publishing as an underdeveloped first book may compromise a future publication’s commercial viability. Once a book is in the marketplace it can’t be retracted. An architecture practice in its early years might be better to first try the self-publishing route (see: Self-publishing for architectural practices), limiting distribution until it is time to make a lasting statement.	+	* What has the practice got to say? Is there anything new in the material?
−	*Is there an interesting way of structuring the content, for example by breaking it down according to theme or a linking concept?	+	* Is the practice ready? Once published, a book remains in the market place for a long time. It is important not to rush into publishing as an underdeveloped first book may compromise a future publication’s commercial viability. Once a book is in the marketplace it can’t be retracted. An architecture practice in its early years might be better to first try the self-publishing route (see: Self-publishing for architectural practices), limiting distribution until it is time to make a lasting statement.
−	*What is the budget? The practice needs to be very clear about how much money it is prepared to spend. The cost of different approaches to publishing varies significantly.	+	* Is there an interesting way of structuring the content, for example by breaking it down according to theme or a linking concept?
−	*What material exists? Publishers expect practices to provide imagery related to their work. The costs of securing photography rights or paying to have drawings re-sized or digitised can be significant and should be factored into budget planning at the beginning of the project. Contracts with existing photographers should be checked and discussions held on prices for using imagery at the outset. photography fees can be a significant element of a publishing project.	+	* What is the budget? The practice needs to be very clear about how much money it is prepared to spend. The cost of different approaches to publishing varies significantly.
−	*What skills are there in the practice? As well as the raw content provided by the practice, a book requires an editor, writer, proofer, designer and photographer as well as marketing and distribution services.	+	* What material exists? Publishers expect practices to provide imagery related to their work. The costs of securing photography rights or paying to have drawings re-sized or digitised can be significant and should be factored into budget planning at the beginning of the project. Contracts with existing photographers should be checked and discussions held on prices for using imagery at the outset. photography fees can be a significant element of a publishing project.
−	*What is the timescale? Publishing a book can take from 12 to 18 months.	+	* What skills are there in the practice? As well as the raw content provided by the practice, a book requires an editor, writer, proofer, designer and photographer as well as marketing and distribution services.
		+	* What is the timescale? Publishing a book can take from 12 to 18 months.

	= The process of publishing =		= The process of publishing =
Line 40:		Line 41:
	A practice can help to seek the advice and input of a publishing consultant to help gauge whether the book is a viable proposition before they invest significant time and money into the project. This process might include:		A practice can help to seek the advice and input of a publishing consultant to help gauge whether the book is a viable proposition before they invest significant time and money into the project. This process might include:

−	== ~~'''~~Developing the concept~~'''~~ ==	+	== Developing the concept ==
−	*Create a long list of possible ideas around a theme.	+
−	*Research the market place to check of the idea has already been published. This process will start a long list of likely publishers.	+
−	*Attend a meeting with potential collaborators and contributors to consider the long list of ideas and flesh out ideas.	+
−	*Approaching publishers with an in-principle concept doesn’t guarantee a book, but it reduces the risk of a rejection.	+
−	*Editors can say straight away if they are not interested although they aren’t in a position to agree a title until it is developed to a point where they have something to put in front of their editorial board.	+

−	== ~~'''~~Developing the book proposal~~'''~~ ==	+	* Create a long list of possible ideas around a theme.
		+	* Research the market place to check of the idea has already been published. This process will start a long list of likely publishers.
		+	* Attend a meeting with potential collaborators and contributors to consider the long list of ideas and flesh out ideas.
		+	* Approaching publishers with an in-principle concept doesn’t guarantee a book, but it reduces the risk of a rejection.
		+	* Editors can say straight away if they are not interested although they aren’t in a position to agree a title until it is developed to a point where they have something to put in front of their editorial board.
		+
		+	== Developing the book proposal ==

	This process takes some time and would mean selecting and appointing a designer. The proposal sets out a practice’s thinking so that a publisher can judge proposed book’s commercial value. It usually includes an overview of the potential book’s concept, contents, visual approach (potentially with sample spreads), likely audience, timescale, and proposed team.		This process takes some time and would mean selecting and appointing a designer. The proposal sets out a practice’s thinking so that a publisher can judge proposed book’s commercial value. It usually includes an overview of the potential book’s concept, contents, visual approach (potentially with sample spreads), likely audience, timescale, and proposed team.

−	=== ~~'''~~Sending the proposal to selected publishers and negotiating a deal ~~'''~~ ===	+	=== Sending the proposal to selected publishers and negotiating a deal ===

	The proposal is sent to pre-selected editors who present it at internal board meetings within the publishing house.		The proposal is sent to pre-selected editors who present it at internal board meetings within the publishing house.
Line 58:		Line 60:

	= The publishing process =		= The publishing process =
−	#Once a publisher has agreed to publish a book they issue a contract setting out the financial and contractual terms of publication including the royalty rates to which the architecture practice (or named author of the book) will be entitled. The publisher may hold back a significant amount to offset real or calculated costs. This is a specialist document and needs to be read with care.	+
−	#Once the contract is agreed the publisher appoint a senior editor to the project to define the book's parameters in terms of content, scope and production specification, as well as to develop the design and texts.	+	# Once a publisher has agreed to publish a book they issue a contract setting out the financial and contractual terms of publication including the royalty rates to which the architecture practice (or named author of the book) will be entitled. The publisher may hold back a significant amount to offset real or calculated costs. This is a specialist document and needs to be read with care.
−	#The publication is often then handed over to a project editor who will see it through layouts, proofing, indexing, production and publication.	+	# Once the contract is agreed the publisher appoint a senior editor to the project to define the book's parameters in terms of content, scope and production specification, as well as to develop the design and texts.
		+	# The publication is often then handed over to a project editor who will see it through layouts, proofing, indexing, production and publication.

	The traditional roles are that the publisher undertakes the design, production and distribution while the architecture practice provides the content. However the architecture practice is often now asked to support marketing efforts by holding an event and providing mailing lists, but the publisher usually controls the marketing strategy.		The traditional roles are that the publisher undertakes the design, production and distribution while the architecture practice provides the content. However the architecture practice is often now asked to support marketing efforts by holding an event and providing mailing lists, but the publisher usually controls the marketing strategy.
Line 73:		Line 76:

	== Common mistakes ==		== Common mistakes ==
−	*Underestimating the budget.	+
−	*Referring to projects in the future tense (This building will provide....) which dates a book as much as including some dates and costs, policy and legislation information, or naming individuals who may leave.	+	* Underestimating the budget.
−	*Disappointment with the design/final production of the book. It is important to discuss every element of the production, including details such as layout, covers and paper stocks and even price point.	+	* Referring to projects in the future tense (This building will provide....) which dates a book as much as including some dates and costs, policy and legislation information, or naming individuals who may leave.
−	*Poor negotiation with the publisher over marketing.	+	* Disappointment with the design/final production of the book. It is important to discuss every element of the production, including details such as layout, covers and paper stocks and even price point.
		+	* Poor negotiation with the publisher over marketing.

	== Alternatives to traditional architectural publishing ==		== Alternatives to traditional architectural publishing ==
Line 84:		Line 88:
	Producing information for the digital marketplace. Some newly-established architectural publishers specialise in the publication of architectural essays. E-publishing is transforming the publishing industry, and it has exciting implications for architectural publishing.		Producing information for the digital marketplace. Some newly-established architectural publishers specialise in the publication of architectural essays. E-publishing is transforming the publishing industry, and it has exciting implications for architectural publishing.

−	----	+	-----
−		+	This article was created by --[[User:Alex_Harvie\|Alex Harvie]] 16:18, 2 July 2013 (BST)
−	This article was created by --[[User~~%3AAlex%20Harvie~~\|Alex Harvie]] 16:18, 2 July 2013 (BST)	+

	= Find out more =		= Find out more =

	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===		=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===
−	*Self publishing for architects.	+
−	*Technical notes on architectural publishing.	+	* Self publishing for architects.
−	*Writing technique.	+	* Technical notes on architectural publishing.
−	*Brand guidelines.	+	* Writing technique.
		+	* Brand guidelines.

	=== External links ===		=== External links ===
−	*RIBA [http://www.ribabookshops.com/item/good-practice-guide-marketing-your-practice/69154/ Good Practice Guide: Marketing your practice.]
−	*The Author’s Society is a membership organisation which provides useful resources and fact sheets as well as an advice service - [http://www.societyofauthors.net/resources http://www.societyofauthors.net/resources]

−	== ~~<br/>~~ ==	+	* RIBA [http://www.ribabookshops.com/item/good-practice-guide-marketing-your-practice/69154/ Good Practice Guide: Marketing your practice.]
		+
		+	== ==

−	[[Category:Theory]]	+	[[Category:Theory]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]
−	[[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]]	+
−	[[Category:Roles_/_services]]	+

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:14, 1 July 2019
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	== A brief background on architectural publishing ==		== A brief background on architectural publishing ==

−	Architectural publishing has a number of particular characteristics not found in other areas of ~~Publishing~~.	+	Architectural publishing has a number of particular characteristics not found in other areas of publishing.

	Architectural books are expensive to produce because they need to hold their own in a design-conscious and visual marketplace. Their cost comes from their high production values as well as the large amount of team work which goes into designing and writing them. Architectural publishers find ways of offsetting these high costs. Some limit the range of their list to books on well-known companies and common topics and theories, others subsidise their architecture books from other more commercial areas of their business because of the kudos associated with architects. Most ask for a contribution towards the production costs of the book. Other sectors of the industry frown on this and call it 'vanity publishing' and this stigma means that even though the biggest publishing houses are known to ask for contributions, few admit to the fact.		Architectural books are expensive to produce because they need to hold their own in a design-conscious and visual marketplace. Their cost comes from their high production values as well as the large amount of team work which goes into designing and writing them. Architectural publishers find ways of offsetting these high costs. Some limit the range of their list to books on well-known companies and common topics and theories, others subsidise their architecture books from other more commercial areas of their business because of the kudos associated with architects. Most ask for a contribution towards the production costs of the book. Other sectors of the industry frown on this and call it 'vanity publishing' and this stigma means that even though the biggest publishing houses are known to ask for contributions, few admit to the fact.
Line 24:		Line 24:
	* Who is the audience? The kinds of book prepared for technical specialists are very different to those for clients or students or the general public.		* Who is the audience? The kinds of book prepared for technical specialists are very different to those for clients or students or the general public.
	* What has the practice got to say? Is there anything new in the material?		* What has the practice got to say? Is there anything new in the material?
−	* Is the practice ready? Once published, a book remains in the market place for a long time. It is important not to rush into publishing as an underdeveloped first book may compromise a future publication's commercial viability. Once a book is in the marketplace it ~~can't~~ be retracted. An architecture practice in its early years might be better to first try the self-publishing route (see: Self-publishing for architectural practices), limiting distribution until it is time to make a lasting statement.	+	* Is the practice ready? Once published, a book remains in the market place for a long time. It is important not to rush into publishing as an underdeveloped first book may compromise a future publication's commercial viability. Once a book is in the marketplace it cannot be retracted. An architecture practice in its early years might better first try the self-publishing route (see: Self-publishing for architectural practices), limiting distribution until it is time to make a lasting statement.
	* Is there an interesting way of structuring the content, for example by breaking it down according to theme or a linking concept?		* Is there an interesting way of structuring the content, for example by breaking it down according to theme or a linking concept?
	* What is the budget? The practice needs to be very clear about how much money it is prepared to spend. The cost of different approaches to publishing varies significantly.		* What is the budget? The practice needs to be very clear about how much money it is prepared to spend. The cost of different approaches to publishing varies significantly.
−	* What material exists? Publishers expect practices to provide imagery related to their work. The costs of securing photography rights or paying to have drawings re-sized or digitised can be significant and should be factored into budget planning at the beginning of the project. Contracts with existing photographers should be checked and discussions held on prices for using imagery at the outset. ~~photography~~ fees can be a significant element of a publishing project.	+	* What material exists? Publishers expect practices to provide imagery related to their work. The costs of securing photography rights or paying to have drawings re-sized or digitised can be significant and should be factored into budget planning at the beginning of the project. Contracts with existing photographers should be checked and discussions held on prices for using imagery at the outset. Photography fees can be a significant element of a publishing project.
	* What skills are there in the practice? As well as the raw content provided by the practice, a book requires an editor, writer, proofer, designer and photographer as well as marketing and distribution services.		* What skills are there in the practice? As well as the raw content provided by the practice, a book requires an editor, writer, proofer, designer and photographer as well as marketing and distribution services.
	* What is the timescale? Publishing a book can take from 12 to 18 months.		* What is the timescale? Publishing a book can take from 12 to 18 months.
Line 44:		Line 44:

	* Create a long list of possible ideas around a theme.		* Create a long list of possible ideas around a theme.
−	* Research the market place to check of the idea has already been published. This process will start a long list of likely publishers.	+	* Research the market place to check if the idea has already been published. This process will start a long list of likely publishers.
	* Attend a meeting with potential collaborators and contributors to consider the long list of ideas and flesh out ideas.		* Attend a meeting with potential collaborators and contributors to consider the long list of ideas and flesh out ideas.
−	* Approaching publishers with an in-principle ~~concept doesn~~'t guarantee a book, but it reduces the risk of a rejection.	+	* Approaching publishers with an 'in-principle' concept does not guarantee a book, but it reduces the risk of a rejection.
−	* Editors can say straight away if they are not interested although they ~~aren't~~ in a position to agree a title until it is developed to a point where they have something to put in front of their editorial board.	+	* Editors can say straight away if they are not interested although they are not in a position to agree a title until it is developed to a point where they have something to put in front of their editorial board.

	== Developing the book proposal ==		== Developing the book proposal ==

−	This process takes some time and would mean selecting and appointing a designer. The proposal sets out a practice's thinking so that a publisher can judge proposed book's commercial value. It usually includes an overview of the potential book's concept, contents, visual approach (potentially with sample spreads), likely audience, timescale, and proposed team.	+	This process takes some time and would mean selecting and appointing a designer. The proposal sets out a practice's thinking so that a publisher can judge the proposed book's commercial value. It usually includes an overview of the potential book's concept, contents, visual approach (potentially with sample spreads), likely audience, timescale, and proposed team.

	=== Sending the proposal to selected publishers and negotiating a deal ===		=== Sending the proposal to selected publishers and negotiating a deal ===
Line 57:		Line 57:
	The proposal is sent to pre-selected editors who present it at internal board meetings within the publishing house.		The proposal is sent to pre-selected editors who present it at internal board meetings within the publishing house.

−	If it is accepted the publishing house will propose a deal. In the positive event of receiving more than one deal, a negotiation over terms follows.	+	If it is accepted, the publishing house will propose a deal. In the positive event of receiving more than one deal, a negotiation over terms follows.

	= The publishing process =		= The publishing process =

−	# Once a publisher has agreed to publish a book ~~they issue~~ a contract setting out the financial and contractual terms of publication including the royalty rates to which the architecture practice (or named author of the book) will be entitled. The publisher may hold back a significant amount to offset real or calculated costs. This is a specialist document and needs to be read with care.	+	# Once a publisher has agreed to publish a book it issues a contract setting out the financial and contractual terms of publication, including the royalty rates to which the architecture practice (or named author of the book) will be entitled. The publisher may hold back a significant amount to offset real or calculated costs. This is a specialist document and needs to be read with care.
−	# Once the contract is agreed the publisher ~~appoint~~ a senior editor to the project to define the book's parameters in terms of content, scope and production specification, as well as to develop the design and texts.	+	# Once the contract is agreed, the publisher appoints a senior editor to the project to define the book's parameters in terms of content, scope and production specification, as well as to develop the design and texts.
	# The publication is often then handed over to a project editor who will see it through layouts, proofing, indexing, production and publication.		# The publication is often then handed over to a project editor who will see it through layouts, proofing, indexing, production and publication.

−	The traditional roles are that the publisher undertakes the design, production and distribution while the architecture practice provides the content. However the architecture practice is often ~~now~~ asked to support marketing efforts by holding an event and providing mailing lists, but the publisher usually controls the marketing strategy.	+	The traditional roles are that the publisher undertakes the design, production and distribution while the architecture practice provides the content. However the architecture practice is often asked to support marketing efforts by holding an event and providing mailing lists, but the publisher usually controls the marketing strategy.

	== How to make the process productive ==		== How to make the process productive ==
Line 84:		Line 84:
	== Alternatives to traditional architectural publishing ==		== Alternatives to traditional architectural publishing ==

−	Self publishing an architectural book ~~can be cheaper, quicker and easier to control and may be better suited to up-and-coming practices. (See related article, Self-publishing for architectural practices)~~	+	=== Self publishing an architectural book ===

−	~~Producing information for the digital marketplace. Some newly~~-~~established architectural publishers specialise in the publication of architectural essays~~. E-publishing ~~is transforming the publishing industry, and it has exciting implications~~ for architectural ~~publishing.~~	+	This can be cheaper, quicker and easier to control and may be better suited to up-and-coming practices. (See related article, Self-publishing for architectural practices)

−	~~-----~~	+	=== Producing information for the digital marketplace ===
−	~~This article was created by --[[User:Alex_Harvie\|Alex Harvie]] 16:18, 2 July 2013 (BST)~~	+

−	~~= Find out more =~~	+	Some newly-established architectural publishers specialise in the publication of architectural essays. E-publishing has transformed the publishing industry, and it also has exciting implications for architectural publishing.

−	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===	+	-----
		+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

	* Architectural communication.		* Architectural communication.
Line 103:		Line 103:
	* Brand guidelines.		* Brand guidelines.

−	=== External links ===	+	= External links =

	* RIBA [http://www.ribabookshops.com/item/good-practice-guide-marketing-your-practice/69154/ Good Practice Guide: Marketing your practice.]		* RIBA [http://www.ribabookshops.com/item/good-practice-guide-marketing-your-practice/69154/ Good Practice Guide: Marketing your practice.]

−	~~== ==~~	+	--[[User:Alex_Harvie\|Alex Harvie]]

	[[Category:Theory]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]		[[Category:Theory]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:19, 8 July 2016
Line 7:		Line 7:
	Architectural publishing has a number of particular characteristics not found in other areas of Publishing.		Architectural publishing has a number of particular characteristics not found in other areas of Publishing.

−	Architectural books are expensive to produce because they need to hold their own in a design-conscious and visual marketplace. Their cost comes from their high production values as well as the large amount of team work which goes into designing and writing them. Architectural publishers find ways of offsetting these high costs. Some limit the range of their list to books on well-known companies and common topics and theories, others subsidise their architecture books from other more commercial areas of their business because of the kudos associated with architects. Most ask for a contribution towards the production costs of the book. Other sectors of the industry frown on this and call it ~~‘vanity publishing’~~ and this stigma means that even though the biggest publishing houses are known to ask for contributions, few admit to the fact.	+	Architectural books are expensive to produce because they need to hold their own in a design-conscious and visual marketplace. Their cost comes from their high production values as well as the large amount of team work which goes into designing and writing them. Architectural publishers find ways of offsetting these high costs. Some limit the range of their list to books on well-known companies and common topics and theories, others subsidise their architecture books from other more commercial areas of their business because of the kudos associated with architects. Most ask for a contribution towards the production costs of the book. Other sectors of the industry frown on this and call it 'vanity publishing' and this stigma means that even though the biggest publishing houses are known to ask for contributions, few admit to the fact.

	Sales are relatively limited because it is a specialist market. Hardly any architectural books make it to the high street. Most book shops interpret the built environment through history or lifestyle (books on interior design are placed alongside the built environment on the architecture shelf).		Sales are relatively limited because it is a specialist market. Hardly any architectural books make it to the high street. Most book shops interpret the built environment through history or lifestyle (books on interior design are placed alongside the built environment on the architecture shelf).
Line 21:		Line 21:
	= Issues to consider when embarking on an architectural publication =		= Issues to consider when embarking on an architectural publication =

−	* What are your ~~practice’s~~ aims in undertaking the project? Given that it is unlikely to be a lucrative undertaking, the criteria for judging the success of the project need to be outlined at the outset.	+	* What are your practice's aims in undertaking the project? Given that it is unlikely to be a lucrative undertaking, the criteria for judging the success of the project need to be outlined at the outset.
	* Who is the audience? The kinds of book prepared for technical specialists are very different to those for clients or students or the general public.		* Who is the audience? The kinds of book prepared for technical specialists are very different to those for clients or students or the general public.
	* What has the practice got to say? Is there anything new in the material?		* What has the practice got to say? Is there anything new in the material?
−	* Is the practice ready? Once published, a book remains in the market place for a long time. It is important not to rush into publishing as an underdeveloped first book may compromise a future ~~publication’s~~ commercial viability. Once a book is in the marketplace it ~~can’t~~ be retracted. An architecture practice in its early years might be better to first try the self-publishing route (see: Self-publishing for architectural practices), limiting distribution until it is time to make a lasting statement.	+	* Is the practice ready? Once published, a book remains in the market place for a long time. It is important not to rush into publishing as an underdeveloped first book may compromise a future publication's commercial viability. Once a book is in the marketplace it can't be retracted. An architecture practice in its early years might be better to first try the self-publishing route (see: Self-publishing for architectural practices), limiting distribution until it is time to make a lasting statement.
	* Is there an interesting way of structuring the content, for example by breaking it down according to theme or a linking concept?		* Is there an interesting way of structuring the content, for example by breaking it down according to theme or a linking concept?
	* What is the budget? The practice needs to be very clear about how much money it is prepared to spend. The cost of different approaches to publishing varies significantly.		* What is the budget? The practice needs to be very clear about how much money it is prepared to spend. The cost of different approaches to publishing varies significantly.
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	Commercially-published books can be instigated by a publisher approaching an architectural practice, or by architects themselves deciding they have an idea and approaching a publisher.		Commercially-published books can be instigated by a publisher approaching an architectural practice, or by architects themselves deciding they have an idea and approaching a publisher.

−	In the second scenario it is important for the architectural practice to prepare their ideas to a stage which suits a publisher. Over-developing ideas will result in a publisher feeling they cannot shape the book and insufficient development makes it impossible to judge a ~~book’s~~ commercial viability.	+	In the second scenario it is important for the architectural practice to prepare their ideas to a stage which suits a publisher. Over-developing ideas will result in a publisher feeling they cannot shape the book and insufficient development makes it impossible to judge a book's commercial viability.

	A practice can help to seek the advice and input of a publishing consultant to help gauge whether the book is a viable proposition before they invest significant time and money into the project. This process might include:		A practice can help to seek the advice and input of a publishing consultant to help gauge whether the book is a viable proposition before they invest significant time and money into the project. This process might include:
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	* Research the market place to check of the idea has already been published. This process will start a long list of likely publishers.		* Research the market place to check of the idea has already been published. This process will start a long list of likely publishers.
	* Attend a meeting with potential collaborators and contributors to consider the long list of ideas and flesh out ideas.		* Attend a meeting with potential collaborators and contributors to consider the long list of ideas and flesh out ideas.
−	* Approaching publishers with an in-principle concept ~~doesn’t~~ guarantee a book, but it reduces the risk of a rejection.	+	* Approaching publishers with an in-principle concept doesn't guarantee a book, but it reduces the risk of a rejection.
−	* Editors can say straight away if they are not interested although they ~~aren’t~~ in a position to agree a title until it is developed to a point where they have something to put in front of their editorial board.	+	* Editors can say straight away if they are not interested although they aren't in a position to agree a title until it is developed to a point where they have something to put in front of their editorial board.

	== Developing the book proposal ==		== Developing the book proposal ==

−	This process takes some time and would mean selecting and appointing a designer. The proposal sets out a ~~practice’s~~ thinking so that a publisher can judge proposed ~~book’s~~ commercial value. It usually includes an overview of the potential ~~book’s~~ concept, contents, visual approach (potentially with sample spreads), likely audience, timescale, and proposed team.	+	This process takes some time and would mean selecting and appointing a designer. The proposal sets out a practice's thinking so that a publisher can judge proposed book's commercial value. It usually includes an overview of the potential book's concept, contents, visual approach (potentially with sample spreads), likely audience, timescale, and proposed team.

	=== Sending the proposal to selected publishers and negotiating a deal ===		=== Sending the proposal to selected publishers and negotiating a deal ===
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	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===		=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===

		+	* Architectural communication.
	* Architectural photography.		* Architectural photography.
	* Self publishing for architects.		* Self publishing for architects.