Expert: Dan Smith - 1/24/2005

Question
Hi Dan,
I am a licensed acupuncturist having also completed my iridology certification. I should also finish with reflexology training in May of this year. I plan on opening a practice this Summer offering all three of the modalities mentioned above.
I desire to distribute two separate brochures; one for acupuncture & reflexology, & the other for iridology.
My question is (1)whether it would be more economical to hire someone professionally to create the content of the brochures, then printing them with my own computer, or (2)create the brochure's content myself and ask for help from persons like yourself or some type of editor to "proof read" or go over the material before printing. I think that I could publish the brochures with software such as M.S. Publisher or something similar.
I would appreciate your opinion greatly!

Sincerely,

Mike Eidson, LAc.

Answer
The economics of the project depend on how large a print run you will do at one time. With today's home-office printing technology, you can create very attractive brochures in multiple colors at very reasonable cost, but as the volume goes up the expense in both time and consumables can become a factor. If I were you, I would get pricing from a print shop on lots of 500 and up once the content of the brochure is done. It won't cost you anything to get a bid and might actually save you a few dollars and some hassle while giving you a really high quality print job. I'd get the content down and then check that out.

I, or lots of people, can work with you on content. I can work at several levels, from creating the entire thing to proofing and offering suggestions on design and content. I do that sort of thing for a fee, of course, but I try to keep it reasonable for people just starting out. Again, the quality and persuasiveness of the content is the real key. Since you are not an

What you will spend by going professional depends on which professional you use. If you go the ad agency route, you will spend a lot of money, but the results may be very good. If you hire someone like me, you'll spend less, and many of us do very good work as well. And if you do it yourself and just hire someone to go over it, you'll spend even less. I'm available for the latter two options, and if you'd like me to take a crack at it

dan@wordsmithofaustin.com
(512)451-2632