Book ahead for Christmas

It’s time to mention the ‘c’ word. Christmas.

Yes, I know you are reading this and thinking really?! But it’s only 33 weeks away and us designers will be getting booked up soon with requests for design work ahead of the calendar year end. If you want to get organised then now is a good time to start. Here’s some advice to help you.

Publishing books

If you’re planning to release a self-published book for holiday pre-sales then you’ll need to be approaching the end of the development edit now and booking the designer, proofreader and deciding on a printer, and planning the marketing. Most books go through at least three proofs stages so starting the design at the end of June is about right but the earlier the better. All printers including KDP and Ingram Spark get busy and waiting times can be longer. It’s good to get ahead.

End of September is the latest publication date that commercial publishing companies aim for in order to get their books in stores and into the book industry media.

The good news is that I have availability in July for publishing services including project management, image research, book cover design, interior pages design and author website and print packages.

Website design and launch

Websites can wait until autumn but you’ll need to be getting the copy together along with images, and thinking about domain names. A typical five page website can be done in a week. Here’s more information on what we can do together.

Pre-2023 marketing

Here’s some ideas for eye-catching marketing that you may want to consider sooner than later if you’re wanting to get 2023 off to a flying start. Do get in touch if you’d like a brainstorm, I love creating impactful marketing material.

  • year planners

  • customised diaries or wall planners

  • a social media makeover for the New Year

  • gratitude cards

  • holiday cards or Christmas cards

  • customised gifts for clients

  • customised gift vouchers.

Takeaway

Planning ahead for the holidays is great way to get focus but don’t leave it too late. If you’re worried about dates, then please get in touch and we can work on a schedule together and explore the options. You can also hire me for a day of dedicated design with a VIP day if you need a speedy turnaround.