The Process of Creation and Publication of Educational Fairy Tales

Finding the topic

As every project is unique, we need to have a creative idea, which would start the entire creative process just like an engine. Sometimes the idea just falls down from the sky unexpectedly, and yet sometimes we need to look for it for a long time while analysing the activities of a person or a company. However, when a descended idea does not leave you alone both during the day and the night, this means that it is about time to present it to you, i.e. to request a meeting face to face.
There is another option as well: you have a great idea but you struggle with its implementation. Then do not hesitate writing or calling us and we will arrange a meeting.

Presentation and discussion of the idea

We never show up empty-handed to a meeting: we prepare a presentation, show examples of success stories. We present the idea during the conversation and then it is up to you to decide whether it is right for you or not. There is no need for answering this question right away, you need to “sleep on” the proposition, and, since the morning is wiser than the evening, you may reconsider it again with your colleagues in a calm environment. We will wait for your response for 3-4 days. If your response is positive, we will make arrangements for the second meeting.

Analysis

There is nobody else who knows your business better than you do, thus your contribution to the creative process is very important. Therefore during the meeting we would ask you some questions and at the same time we would:

• determine the objectives and tasks of the project;
• identify the target audience of the project (which group of people it is oriented to);
• evaluate, if any additional studies of the situation would be needed (market researches, customer behaviour studies, competitive analyses, etc.);
• discuss preliminary budget – your financial investment;
• make an action plan and anticipate stages of work.

Signing the contract

Active creative work starts after both parties sign the contract. The obligations approved by it allow expecting the best result. Naturally, trust is a prerequisite encouraging us to start the work, thus your advance payment is necessary and welcome: it motivates us to take specific actions without further ado.

Creative process

• Writing the text. “The wheels are turning” – this is how we could refer to this stage when creative struggles and the bliss of writing await for the author of the text. First of all you are presented with a plot line, which allows outlining the main characters and deciding how action would evolve in the fairy tale. Characteristics of the main characters are supplemented with sketches drawn by a painter. If the creative concept is approved, we move on to create the final version of the text of the fairy tale.
• Drawing the illustrations. After the text of the fairy tale is approved (after any comments and requests given by you), a painter draws illustrations within the scope of the book arranged in advance (number of pages). This stage involves a very close cooperation of the author of text and the painter, which, by the way, stays invisible to most people – this is a creative workshop of two people. While creation of illustrations is still in progress, any remaining time is used for making minor refinements and editing of the text.

Technical process: typography and layout

When the text of the fairy tale has been written, edited, and arranged, when the illustrations have been created and approved, a designer lays down the creative work of two artists (the author of the text and the painter) onto a paste-up. The paste-up is formatted, proper arrangement and font of the text are selected, etc. The paste-up is reviewed and approved.

Publishing process

• Paper version – work done by a printing-house.
• If the contract includes plans for publishing of the book at a printing-house, the paste-up is specifically prepared for press and sent for printing an established edition (number of copies of the book: the available options for edition from one copy to thousands of copies).
• E-book.
• If the contract includes plans for uploading the prepared book to a virtual space, an electronic version of the book is created, which is “accommodated” on websites, social networks, etc.
• Both options are available: both printing and the virtual one.

Distribution and publication of the book, evaluation of the result

• Distribution. Printed edition of the book is taken from the printing-house to the client to the office or to a distributor, who takes care of distribution of the book (at book shops, shopping centres, during events, etc.).
• Publication. At the same time the creative project – the new book is presented to the general public (media, community, customers, employees, etc.) based on the prepared communication plan.
• Evaluation. After all major work has been done, the project has been implemented in full, the certificate of acceptance – transfer of the work has been signed and final settlements have been made, it would be a good idea to organize evaluation of the achieved results and expectations: e.g., to conduct monitoring/ survey (of the target audience, feedback and evaluations from entities forming views, etc.), to organize a business meeting – discussion or a cosy informal evening during which we could appreciate the success of the project.