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• The Process of Printing by Hand

The Process of Printing by Hand

After a manuscript has been accepted and edited, and the illustrator has developed initial concepts, the process of producing a book begins. The number of letters, lines, and pages of the text are counted. The design of each page, and order of pagination are assembled in a large-scale thumbnail layout. Typeface, paper, and binding are chosen; illustrations are prepared and their placement planned; the type is hand set. As sample sections are test-printed and corrected, the mock-up dummy is organized as a guide. Final printing begins, with one run through the press for each color used. The printed sheets are then folded, stitched, cut, and bound. The limited edition of between 100-250 copies is ready for distribution.

Press of Appletree Alley Exhibits