Communications Works for Those Who Work At It
I’ve learned it’s not enough to hear that everything is going smoothly. You have to ask exactly where the project stands in the process. Are there any snags to this point? Are any anticipated?
Of course, there is a fine line between communicating and hand-holding, between looking at the procedure and looking over someone’s shoulder. No matter how large or small the printer, how long they’ve been in business, or how many people they employ, printing a book these days is a complicated business, and it’s up to the publisher to make sure they find a company that can adequately communicate throughout the entire process. Those that avoid, or lack, basic communication skills are often companies you need to avoid as well, and the sooner you find that out the better.