Summary of non-standard page size responses and another ?

["Kathleen T. Alt" <Kathleen_Alt_at_SRA-ROCKVILLE -at- SMTPLINK -dot- SRA -dot- COM>]

     Thanks to all who provided a response to my question about
     non-standard page sizes.  The information was invaluable.  The
     following is a summary of the responses that I received.  Sorry I did
     not provide a summary earlier, but I have been crunching towards a
     deadline.  BTW, I presented a template including the non-standard page
     size to the client yesterday and they were THRILLED.  Thanks again for
     all the input.

     Summary:

     1. While no standard exists, the most common non-standard page size is
     7 inch by 9 inch.  However, Microsoft uses a 7-3/8 inch by 9 inch page
     size.

     2. Everyone suggested setting the page size in the software.  Do not
     change the printer drivers.  If your software does not let you change
     the page size without modifying the printer drivers, adjust the page
     size by changing the margins.

     3.  Everyone suggested talking with the print vendor early on in the
     development process.  Some print vendors require crop marks for
     non-standard pages.  The crop marks tell the print vendor where to cut
     the page.  Other print vendors have machines that automatically
     measure the page and determine where to cut.  Some print vendors
     require post script files.  It is imperative that you talk to the
     print vendor up front.

     Note:  Luckily my print vendor does not require crop marks.  I was
     unable to easily add crop marks in my WordPerfect 6.0 document.


     4.  Determine the page size that the printer vendor uses. Some print
     vendors use large sheets of paper.  For example, 36 inches by 48
     inches.  The print vendor will print 16 pages on one of these large
     sheets and then trim the pages to the correct size.  You want to make
     sure that you minimize wasted paper.  The print vendor can help you
     determine the page size that will maximize paper usage.

     Another question:

     Does anyone know of any templates or references for quick reference
     guide formats?  While my client was very pleased with the 7 by 9 inch
     user's guide template, they were not very impressed with my quick
     reference guide template.  I used a landscape 8.5 by 11 page that I
     folded in thirds.  The client was concerned that users would not know
     the page order of the quick reference guide.  In other words, users
     might have trouble flipping thought the guide in the correct order.

     Any advice?  You can email me directly and I will gladly summarize for
     the list.

     Thanks again,
     Kathleen Alt
     kathleen_alt -at- sra -dot- com