The printer takes the designer's files and "Hey Presto" you have - a book. Well, not exactly "Hey Presto".
What does the printer do?
- First the printer carefully checks the designer's file to make sure it will print with no problems. The book is laid up in special imposition software that optimises page order before printing so that it prints economically, depending on its size and the kind of spine that has been chosen for the book. - ie spiral, perfect bound, hard cover etc
- The designer has already been in touch with the printer to make sure appropriate paper and card stocks have been selected from a wide range for both the cover and pages.
- Printing of internals and cover takes place and the pages are stacked into order for binding.
- Most books are "perfect" bound meaning all pages are trimmed and glued with very strong flexible adhesive into the spine. This is done by a high precision machine that snatches the cover, creases it precisely at the spine, picks up the pages, brings both cover and pages together and drops the pages into the spine. Then it spits out a book that only needs trimming to final size.
- Glue needs to dry and then the book will be packaged and despatched to the author's address.
- The next step will be the delivery of a printed proof that will look exactly like the finished book. It is then the author's (and designer's) task to check everything for errors. Corrections can be made by the designer and revised files sent to the printer.
- Briar's Books is not a printer, but works with trusted printers.
