If one were going to publish a book, what software possibilities are there? It's a coffee table book, with full color management implemented.

The book will need a table of contents and at least one index. Probably some cross-indexed indices too.

Thanks.

InDesign is pretty much the perfect program to do this with.
Actually Creative Suite has the whole compliment of programs,
for a project such as this.

So, can I do the following with InDesign & Adobe products?

If, on page 24, I have an image with some caption (i.e., some subject, with multiple categories, with photo credits), I can somehow indicate to InDesign that:

1. that subject is on page 24 in an index
2. cross-index the multiple categories in a second index, or even a tertiary index
3. generate chapters automatically, and create a table of contents automatically
4. if necessary, create 4-up, or 16-up pages
5. if necessary, create registration marks
6. create appendices, prefaces, footnotes without major problems
7. color manage each page
8. send to digital printing press
9. create a 1-off color proof of the book

Also, is Markzware Flightcheck necessary if you know what your doing, or is it a helpful tool? It appears to be highly QuarkXPress oriented.

Finally, is Adobe FrameMaker a better tool for books than InDesign? This isn't a fiction novel. It's more like a textbook in format and layout.

Thanks for your assistance.

Yes, you can primarily accomplish your line items in InDesign
or there are third party plug-ins for InDesign that accomplish
the task, e.g. item 4, better than the programs 'lite' version.

InDesign has a built-in 'Preflight' command for checking the
document and file status.

There is also a Package command, that will assemble the document(s)
and files for you in a folder for you to then send to your printer.

FrameMaker is more geared toward large textbook, manuals, mass
text oriented, etc., creations. It's been a few years since I worked with
FrameMaker, but what I do remember is that it they do differ.

My perspective is from a 'creative point of view.'
I found FrameMaker rigid and InDesign flexible.
But I liked them both, each has a purpose.
Also, InDesign can handle large amounts of text.
It is by no means a lightweight when it comes to text.
InDesign has the most elegent text engine of any programs
that do page layout.

If you like I can demonstrate some of the capabilities to you at the
next meeting.

Chuck,

Professional page layout programs like InDesign or QuarkXPress will create what you are looking to do. Of course, you must keep in mind that you only get out what you put in. Both programs, in the hands of a capable person, will offer the flexiblity of a creative design that will be accepted by quality printing firms.


I wholeheartedly suggest you take Chita up on her offer on reviewing her work

Just a little idea - but check with Chita:
Don't put the whole book in one document file. Consider making each chapter a separate file, so that when you open the project to work on it, you aren't opening one enormous file. - Especially with a lot of photos/graphics.

Chita can probably help you with how to manage the project, but still incorporate the indexing.

Just looked: InDesign CS2 Help has a "Books" topic, and a "Tables of Contents and indexes" topic.