Slide Set and Handout

Download the two-page PDF handout of best practices for digital workflow.

**slides to come**

DIGITAL = PROCESS and PRODUCT

Digital: any use of computer technology

Workflow: the sequence of processes through which a piece of work passes from initiation to completion

Digital Environment: computers are not just a tool to help with workflow, but the platform upon which all processes occur—and the product itself

Why You Should Know

You need an idea of systems that make a [car] work if you’re going to be a good [car] user. Even if you don’t [put in the oil] yourself, if you don’t know it needs to happen or how your use/actions affect that need, disaster is pending.

What to do with an edited Word file

or… how to clean up an edited Word file for transmittal to the designer/ production

How to Mark Up Corrections on a PDF

Instructional series starting with the basics.

“Don’t ditch the system when things get tight.”
—Steve Dunham, Editors’ Companion

Best Practices

• Understand what can’t vary in the workflow (e.g., no proofreading before layout)
• Start with the end in mind (i.e., medium, user, and purpose)
• Digital first
• Open the files
• Know when to stop tinkering — set limits

• Set up file management systems — manual or automatic (including naming protocols)
• Address/ mitigate pitfalls of “synced” files like Dropbox
• Backup redundantly
• Educate and orient the team to the tools, your workflow and expected processes (each time)
  • define roles and tasks, stages
• Communicate changes with compositor’s needs in mind
  • how will they input changes and verify accuracy?
  • video recordings and chat may increase understanding
  • visual specialists may communicate better with visuals (e.g., PDF markup)
  • feedback grids/ lists of changes may be best when editing database-driven content
  • provide coaching re markup (e.g., proofreader’s symbols, how to use Track Changes)
• Rethink the forest vs. trees (be alert to system-wide problems and limitations)
• Adhere to systems and processes (deviating opens potholes such as getting the wrong cover on a book)
• Use the right software for the job (especially layout and coding: InDesign, XML editors)
• Use the mark-up and commenting tools (not in-line comments and jury-rigged methods)

• QC in the final output medium (such as the courseware, printed page, or video game)
• Software and computer up to date and secure from viruses

Classic (pre-digital) Workflow

Presented at the ACES conference in Pittsburgh, PA, March 26, 2015. With Rachel Stuckey @RachelStuckey