They're printing my book

Thursday, 08 September 2011 8:50am

Several months ago, after completing the first draft of my manuscript, I had one thought on my mind: To see my book in print. I think most authors feel the same rush to get their work printed; their ideas are fresh, enthusiasm is high, and they are certain everyone wants to read what they have written.

Then reality set in. While publishers were interested, the contracts they offered seemed offensive. In exchange for granting them the rights to publish I would only receive a fraction of the any potential income generated from the sales that were mostly generated by me. In addition, due to their publishing schedules, I’d have to wait upwards of three years to see my work in print. The traditional publishing process seemed weighted totally in favor of the publisher’s bottom line.

My experience became the stimulus to find a better way to publish. Something better than all the run-of-the-mill self-publishing conglomerates who promise the world but deliver what is often referred to as “junk in, junk out.” What if a publishing company allowed its authors to keep their rights while offering a truly customized publishing program along with a community to support their distribution and marketing efforts? That was the spark that created Principia Media.

Authors published by Principia must meet our strict criteria. First, their book has to fit our niche market as defined by our Basic Principles. In addition, they must be willing to produce a book that measures up to our quality standards which includes content and literary editing, professional cover design, custom interior layout, and world class printing processes.

My book was no different. Last week The Non-Religious Christian was printed and is now awaiting the final hardcover binding process which will be completed the week of September 12 and made available on our web site the following week.

While having dinner one evening, Irene casually said; “Wouldn’t it be fun to see your book being printed?”  We have both had the pleasure of seeing other books printed, but not my own. Would our printer, Color House Graphics, actually let us watch as my book came off the press? I called the next day and not only would we be welcome, but so would our daughter and grandchildren.

For those who have never witnessed the printing process, it begins with etching the text onto paper-thin aluminum plates. Each plate contains 16 pages. Using a huge duplexing press, that prints on both sides of the sheet at once, two plates are fastened onto rotating plate cylinders which apply the ink to paper as large sheets of paper stock are fed through the press. Since my book is a standard 8.5 by 5.5 inches, each sheet measured approximately 23 by 35 inches. As each sheet of paper was exposed to the top and bottom plates, simultaneously 32 pages were printed. This process was repeated multiple times until the entire text of my book was printed.

Once each large sheet is printed it is then accordion folded until the sheet is the size of one page with a little excess on all sides. These folded 32 pages are called a signature. The signatures are then gathered to form a complete book. Once gathered the excess paper is then trimmed to size leaving the text of the book ready for binding. Since my book is a hardcover, the cover is printed and laminated before being applied to the case boards which are bound to the text.
     
While I had dreamed that my book would someday be in print, I never imagined I would actually witness my book being printed. Now, just like our other authors, I anxiously await the delivery of the final product.

Love,
Vern

By: Vern Jones, CEO/Publisher