A method and system are provided for preparing printed matter. The method is particularly well-suited for the Internet. Herein, an account holder provides information related to a desired type of printed matter to a printer. The printer collects data from a user to complete a template, and from the completed template, a viewable proof of the printed matter is instantaneously provided to the user. If the viewable proof is approved by the user, the printed matter is ordered to be printed. If not approved, the user makes changes to the data provided to instantaneously generate a new viewable proof. The process is repeated until the printed matter is ordered to be printed.