The Virtual Toolbox

Swift Publisher

Swift Publisher is an easy page layout program for the Mac. Although it's not a substitute for a professional designer, it sure makes it much easier for us do-it-yourselfers to do a simple flyer, newsletter, etc. According to their web site, the program offers "23,000 high quality images, 100 unique masks and about 130 professionally designed templates (flyers, brochures, booklets, letterheads,  newsletters, catalogs, etc.)."

Dash on over to the Swift Publisher site to take a look at this low cost desktop publishing software!

Easy Audio Recording

Interested in making Podcasts, recording a class, or an interview? I've been using a great system called Audio Acrobat. You can record by either calling into the system or recording directly from your computer (using a microphone). After the call, you just sign in using their web interface to access your audio file -- files are usually accessible within minutes of ending the call.

Audio Acrobat makes it easy and affordable (plans start at $19.95 per month) for everyone to digitally record information and share it.

Professional Book Covers

It’s important when self-publishing to produce a product as professional looking as the large publishers. It is possible to do this without spending thousands and thousands of dollars. Start your project on the right foot by hiring a professional designer for your book cover. Cheryl Klinginsmith of Klinginsmith & Company has delivered “big agency” quality at a “not so big” price to many of my clients. Cheryl has the talent to make your book look like it came from a big publishing house.

Short Run Book Printer

Several of my clients publish their own books and thanks to Fidlar Doubleday, Inc., they don’t have to order thousands of copies of their book in order to get a good price on printing. You can order as few as 50 copies of your book.

Business Cards, Postcards and more...

There are a lot of good printers out there, but I’ve been using VistaPrint quite a bit lately and have been very pleased with the results. I started by ordering their “free” business cards and quickly realized I needed something without the “advertising.” I then ordered their premium cards which I was very pleased with the quality (they even did a custom layout for me). Since then, I’ve ordered postcards, flyers, and brochures – all four color – and have been extremely happy with the results. Now most of my clients are using VistaPrint for their short run printing needs.

CD and DVD duplicatiaon

In my Rolodex National Media Services wins hands down for CD, VHS, Cassette, and DVD duplication. I searched and searched and have not been able to beat their prices or customer service. 

They offer complete retail ready packages -- not just duplication. Currently they are offering 100 retail ready CDs for $249 -- price at time of this posting. This  2 panel CD package includes offset printed insert (4/1), Offset printed tray insert (4/0), silver diamond disc, black thermal imprint, standard jewel box with black or clear tray, cellophane over wrap, and free UPC bar code (upon request). If you need graphic design and layout work done the charge is slightly higher.

National Media can print 4-color, as well as B&W, directly on a disc. (This looks much more professional than sticking paper labels on a CD.) They print 4-color inserts, brochures, bumper stickers, pressure sensitive labels, business cards, and posters.

Oh yes I almost forgot to mention, you can order almost everything in quantities of 50.

National Media Services
613 N Commerce Ave
Front Royal, VA 22630
Toll Free 540-635-4181