Are You Using a Publishing Software Solution?

[Diane]

I'm looking for software for accounting and tracking purposes. Until now, I've created my own databases and templates to track books sold, what's out at book stores and wholesalers, printers delivery dates, marketing/publicity plans and more. Something that will follow the entire project through distribution.

I'm using Quickbooks Pro for the general accounting needs. I need something more robust for the publishing business. I've found something called 'knkPublishing', but cannot find it's feature set online. There is also something called JAYA that costs $14.95 per month - forever.

Any experienced users out there?

[Author Londa B.]

Ofice 2007 Accounting is the bomb! It's an awesome tool and it has a hell of a tracking program, payment reminders, invoice reminders as well. It is AWESOME. Go to microsoft.com to get a free 60day trial to see how much you like it.

[Diane]

I'm currently using Quickbooks Pro for accounting purposes. I'm looking for something a bit more specialized to the publishing industry with modules/features on consignment sales, inventory, royalty calculations and backorders.

[Dyahnne]

Hi, Diane,

I created an Access database that tracks just about everything (inventory, sales, consignments, royalties, purchase orders, invoices, cash flow, etc.). I use Outlook to schedule and track promotional activities. Let me know if you'd like more information.

Dyahnne

[Diane]

How is the Outlook working? I have several different versions - the best was the one that worked with the small business contact support. Microsoft is no longer offering that in new versions. I'm currently using Office 2003, but haven't bothered to create any scripts or macros to work with multiple contact lists.

That's one of my biggest problems - knowing what contacts are are what lists - libraries, bookstores, schools, authors, editors, publishers - you get the idea. I used ACT! for years for contact management and separation of lists, but I haven't upgraded since 2001.

The very thought of creating another database makes me queasy and reminds me too much of my previous vocation (computer consultant and trainer for over 25 years). Let's just say I am supremely lazy now and save my development time for web projects.

Dyahnne, if you could save me even a minute of time I'd be grateful.

[Dyahnne]

Hi, Diane,

Outlook is basically my "tickler" system. I record all of my contacts there by contact type, and record all of my events in my calendar, both without all of the details.

My real treasure is my Access database. I am able to obtain any information about my authors, my illustrators, my books, my vendors, my customers, and my events almost instantaneously. It was a bear to create, but well worth the effort.

I have also created a Project template file, but my Access database works better for me.

I've never been an ACT! fan, but that's probably because I'm a Microsoft instructor. (smile) I teach all of the Microsoft applications, although I'm doing a lot less of that now as I devote most of my time to my publishing company.

If you would like to take a look at my database, let me know.

Dyahnne