Are you good at writing? Desktop Publishing just might be a Great Small Business for you!

What is Desktop Publishing and
Who Can Do It?

Many are predicting that the occupation of Desktop Publishing, or DTP will continue to be one of the fastest growing small business vocations in America. That's because new publishing tools has put such things as book making, newsletter publishing, magazine design, ad layout, manual production, and promotional literature

publishing, into the hands of personal computer users who never before had the opportunity to do these things. Where years ago DTP was really only for a select few, today almost anyone with a love for computers and the graphic arts, sufficient knowledge of writing and web page design, and a desire for this particular field can do it.

Knowledge and Skills You Will Need To Be Successful at Destop Publishing

• Excellent computer skills, ability to design web pages, and familiarity with basic designing techniques is a must.

• Willingness to further your education by taking courses in college, either at a university or community college, in desktop publishing and related subjects.

• This is a high energy occupation. Therefore, you need to be a person who is rather active and who loves a challenging vocation and lifestyle.

• Know WYSIWYG page layout software thoroughly.

• Excellent communication skills in order to both obtain clients and to be able to discuss with them their objectives and then bring them to their goals. And you will need flexibility and patience in dealing with clients who often change their minds.

Start-up Costs
and Potential Earnings

Your initial investment will probably be beteen $8, 000 and $20,000 or more depending on the quality of the equipment you purchase. However, if you already have much of the equipment needed, your initial outlay may be much less than even the minimum of $8,000. But try to go as cheap as you can until you decide for sure that a small business in Desktop Publishing is right for you.

The following equipment would make for a good starting point:

• A Mac or PC computer with a large hard disk, a full-page monitor, and removable hard drives.

• A high-resolution color printer.

• Desktop pulishing software that includes a minimum of web page design, page layout, word processing, graphics and photo editor, digital camera, drawing, fonts, and clip art.

• An excellent digital camera. You can pick up a Canon or Nikon digital camera for about $300. Both would make a great starter camera for you.

Typical earnings will range from 40K to 80K per year depending on hours worked. The key to higher earnings is to offer additional services, such as high quality printing, pick-up and delivery, extra-fast service.

First Steps

• Visit the library, buy books on Desktop Publishing on eBay.com or Amazon.com.

• You will need to thoroughly learn DTP software, plus photo editing, drawing, and web page design software.

• Research the subject at the library or on the Internet, take some college courses, or perform intensive self-study. Courses and study material are widely available.

• Before setting out, determine at least one specialty market that is not being served.

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