What will I be doing?

Computers have revolutionized many businesses, including the publishing business. A growing field is that of computer-aided or desktop publishing. With the help of computers, thousands of people are starting part-time and full-time businesses in their homes to design and produce printed materials.

Computers are used to produce fliers, letterheads, brochures, business cards, slim jims (narrow brochures), envelopes, community newspapers, com-
mercial newsletters and many other creative products.

What will I need to start?

Desktop publishing requires skills and knowledge in a variety of areas, including design, computers, papers, colors business documents, as well as some writing or editing skills. For equipment, you'll need a computer, desktop publishing (DTP) software, a printer and some supplies such as printer paper and toner cartridges. DTP software includes a page design program (Aldus Pagemaker, Microsoft Publisher, Corel Ventura) and/or a word-processing program (Microsoft Word, Corel Word Perfect, Lotus Word Pro) and some drawing programs (Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, Paintbrush).

Who will my customers be?

Customers for your desktop publishing service include businesses, associations and individuals. DTP services in smaller towns offer a wide variety of documents designed on computers while those in larger cities tend to specialize. One service may specialize in producing association newsletters while another offers small business startup sets that include letterheads, envelopes, business cards and brochures or fliers for a set price.

How can you reach your customers? That, of course, depends on who they are. The best way is to develop your own creative business documents using your DTP skills and system, then mailing them to prospective customers. You may also want to place a small service ad in the business section of your local newspaper.