When working with a commercial printer on a book or really any publication, requesting a mock-up that reflects your quote, printing paper and book design intentions is pretty common. I can also say it might be one of the more uninteresting aspects of book publishing. Just blank paper sheets of the intended book made from the paper they will print. In my case, of particular interest, was the confirmation of the double-gate fold design, with a mock-up also being sent to my designer on the East coast to ensure we are on the ‘same page’. It’s suppose to be a check-the-box sample from the printer.
To my surprise there were 10 each 4-page spreads in addition to the 8-page interior double-gate fold included in the mock-up, when I was only expecting 8 each 4-page spreads. The mock-up I received was for 48 pages, not 40 pages. Huh?
Since the mock-up arrived by mail late last Friday, knowing that the printer had closed-up shop for the day, I sent an email asking for clarification. Thus, I was anticipating an answer the following Monday, today. I also stated that if in fact the printing that they had intended to complete was for a total of 48 pages, not 40 pages, that was okay with me. LoL
So today I received wonderful news. It turns out that is what they had determined: they could provide 48 pages on their litho press with my book’s trim size. Best of all, for the same cost! Totally freaking Cool!
So I have a bonus of eight additional pages more than what I had designed, which will increase the total page count to 52 when I factor in the 4-page spread I am printing. And I will be able to include another four photographs in my narrative as a result, which I think provides me with an opportunity to tweak and improve my visual narrative. I really had to trim the book down when I had earlier determined that I was not going to have a 96 page book, but something smaller. Which I think was actually a great aspect for this project, since I really had to focus and concentrate on creating a concise and elegant narrative.
This now means that I need to work on the book design as where to include the four additional photographs in the book related the eight extra pages. This could affect the sequencing and flow of the other photographs and pages, while realizing that the double-gate fold will still be centered in the book will remain unchanged. This is the type of unanticipated and unplanned events that I do not mind making accommodations for. Not at all.
So if you have been thinking you wanted buy my artist book for the pre-publication price, below, you now have even more incentive. Thank you for your consideration.
Happy Earth Day. Every day.
Doug
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New artist book: The Flow of Light Brushes the Shadow
Pre-publication Sale: Artist book $50.00 USD & Artist Special Edition (book + print) $100 USD, plus CA taxes for US sales and shipping. Message me (doug@douglasstockdale.com) or singularimagespress@gmail for shipping details and PayPal invoice. Your name will be listed in the book as one of the supporters! Thank you.
Book publishing details here and book portfolio here.
List price after publication is $60.00 USD and for the Artist Special Edition, $125.00 USD.
An artist book made in the USA.
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Book Workshop:
Colorado Photographic Arts Center (CPAC): Developing a Creative Photo Book, a virtual (Zoom) workshop I will be leading on: May 14 & 15 – 21 & 22nd, 2022, from 1PM-4PM (Mountain Time). More details and sign-up available now at Colorado Photographic Arts Center.
Singular Images 