yaoi.caPreparing the Scans
Introduction
Please click on images to view its full sized version (so you can see all details).
Previewing the Scans
I use ACDSee for the following tasks:
- previewing images,
- creating ZIP files, and
- batch renaming.
I like the flexibility of this program, although it is a bit resource intensive (unnecessarily so, in my opinion).
At this point, I don't worry about the name of the images. I do write down the numbers of any double pages (both pages scanned at once) that need to be separated, and ignore (for now) the double pages containing artwork spread across both pages.
Separating the Scans
During this process, separate the pages of double-page scans. Crop and save each page with a new name, and therefore I suggest working from the highest number backwards towards the lowest number to minimize the amount of scrolling you'll have to do in the open file dialog box (every time you create two pages from one, you add two images to the folder).
Open up your choice of graphics programs (Adobe Photoshop, Macromedia Fireworks etc.). I prefer to use Macromedia Fireworks 8. Open up the last double-page file (highest number) and select the first page. Then you will wish to crop that page according to your selection. Whenever you select a page, you can always crop out any unwanted edges (sometimes you end up scanning more than the actual page), or a blank gutter that has been darkened from being in the curl of the book.
Export or save the file with the same name except simply add the letter "a" after the filename (before the extension). Make sure that you save or export the file in a lossless format (not JPG) -- TIF or PNG.
Back in the graphics program, undo the last action which should be the crop. You should then have the double-page returned to you.
Select the second page and crop.
Export or save the file with the same name except simply add the letter "b" after the filename (before the extension). Again, make sure that you save or export the file in a lossless format. Close the original file (without saving), open the next one and repeat until you have performed the same task with each double-page that requires separation. I use speech-recognition to automate the process for me, but there may be other automation programs out there that you can take advantage of for redundant tasks as this.
Delete all of the original double-page files (double-check that you have created separate files from the originals).
Use a batch rename program (i.e. Lupus Rename) or similar feature in any of the programs that you have (I use the batch rename component that comes with ACDSee).
Use whichever naming convention that works for you. I usually use the first one or several words in a title, followed by volume number if necessary, and then the sequence numbers. It is suggested to always use only lower case for filenames and extensions.
You should now have a nice sequence of filenames in their proper order and still in the original lossless format in which they were scanned.
preparing the scans 
