While I was on the phone today, on hold for a half hour waiting to speak with a health insurance agent, I had plenty of time to look at the walls and ceiling. My gaze also fell on a collection of print book on a shelf, and more precisely on their spines.
A book printing client of mine, whom I have written about recently, just downloaded an InSite proof of the text of her and her husband's print book. She also received hard-copy proofs of the photo section of the book and a color Spectrum proof of the cover. Some questions arose, and I wanted to share these with you. I think they may be helpful in your print buying work.
Have you ever received a financial statement in the mail, perhaps a short (8- to 16-page) prospectus for a mutual fund, and noticed that it was not saddle stitched, perfect bound, or bound in any other usual way? The nested pages just stuck together and didn't fall apart. This is called paste-binding, and for the right commercial printing jobs it's a wonderful way to save money and time.
I spent some time yesterday reviewing a detailed printing estimate for a brokering client of mine. It was for a print book, but it just as easily could have been for a brochure, booklet, poster, or any other job.
A print brokering client of mine is just finishing up an anthology of poetry and prose, getting it ready for the printer. This small business local literary publisher and I are going through a few last minute checks that I think you might find useful and enlightening if you produce print books of any kind.