Desk top publishing recommendations?

[Eleanor]

I have been nominated to edit a small hard copy newsletter.
Please will you recommend a suitable software program so that I can lay out the newsletter in a professional way. The previous editor used a PC (ugh)!

I have photoshop elements and adobe on my mac but I don't think they will do the job. I've had a look around on the net but there are so many to choose from, I'd prefer something that somebody knows will work! Also, not too complicated!

I live in a remote area but will be visiting Perth (Western Australia) at the end of the month and will make my purchase then.

Eleanor

 

[Egidio]

Eleanor,

When you say a small hard copy newsletter, are you talking about a one-page or two-page document? When I was editor of my outdoors club, I used to do our newsletter in MS Word. I used photos, graphics, columns, banners, etc. Pages (part of iWork) is also another simple option. There are also more robust options. I'm certain someone here will offer other choices.

 

[Eleanor]

Hi Egidio

Thanks for your reply. The newsletter is usually around 8 A4 pages (so that would be 2 A3 folded and stapled). The layout is fairly simple; the previous editor boxed some of the content - which is simple enough on MS word - and there are a few columns (would have to use tables for those?). I had a look on the web and found software called Swift Publisher http://www.belightsoft.com/products/swiftpublisher/overview.php
which looks quite useful. I'd be grateful if you would have a look and tell me what you think.

I'd like to lift the game in the newsletter which depends, at the moment, on changing fonts and those little drawings - can't remember what they are called at the moment but everyone uses them!

BTW it is for a Yoga association.

Eleanor

 

[zoe fitz]

Hi Elanor

I create a newsletter for my company and use QuarkXpress which is excellent. I taught myself how to use it and discover new things all the time. You can download a manual from the Quark website.
Good luck and enjoy
Zoe

 

[Eleanor]

Hi Zoe

Thanks for the recommendation. I think that QuarkXpress may be the way to go - there seem to be heaps of tutorials offered and lots of good stuff. I'm not sure of the availability in Australia but will make more enquiries - the online shop says 'not in my region' but I guess I can overcome that!!

Thanks again

Eleanor

 

[dashford]

I used to use Quark Express but these days I use Adobe InDesign. I personally find it a lot easier to use (I am not a designer and most definitely an amateur when it comes to this sort of thing). I think there are only two leaders in this area - Quark and InDesign - and this article seems to compare the two:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3065/is_11_32/ai_109384464/pg_1

Hope this helps!

 

[Eleanor]

Hi Dashford

Thanks for your recommendation of In Design. I'm flabbergasted at the prices - AUD1,245 before shipping. The QuarkExpress is even dearer!

Thanks also for the article comparing the 2 programs. I guess I'll have to weigh up the pros and cons and have a look at my bank balance - I doubt the yoga association will come up with the full cost!

Mmmm ... something to ponder.

Eleanor

 

[Kyomii]

Pages, which is part of Apple's own iWork program will do the job you want and is not expensive. It includes two other programs too, Numbers and Keynote.

http://store.apple.com/133-622/WebObjects/australiastore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=7E4F2D7D&nplm=MA790Z/A

 

[Eleanor]

Hello again Kyomii

I knew about Pages but didn't know it did all those things! I've actually got it on this computer but haven't purchased it yet. I had a look at it some time ago apropos of something completely different. I think the price is excellent - more than a thousand dollars cheaper!

Mac-help.com is a fantastic website and I don't know why I've never found it before!

Once I figure out what the heck I'm doing I'll be in touch via the forum!

Thank you everyone for your amazing generosity and time.

Eleanor

 

[Kyomii]

Eleanor, make sure the one on your system is the up to date version - that is iWork 08 as there is no point purchasing an earlier version for the same price

Pleased to hear you like the site

 

[Eleanor]

Hi Kyomii

I nearly missed that! The one on my computer is iWork 6 - so a bit out of date.

I've bookmarked mac-help on the toolbar (Firefox).

Peace

Eleanor