We work regularly with a number of university presses and other small publishing houses on thematic maps and other graphics in many forms.
Typically we work with the project editor, illustrations manager, and/or author to define the appropriate geographic coverage area, labeling scheme, and other design details. These are often built in grayscale mode for black-and-white printing and cover a wide range of themes. We enjoy the challenge of designing clear, visually appealing maps to support the accompanying text.
Adobe Illustrator is usually used for all map production work, with Photoshop imagery as needed. Proofing is done in stages via PDF deliveries.