~ by Donovan Bergman, Friesens Prairies & Territories Sales Representative
When you look at a book, what do you see? Do you view it primarily as a functional tool to share information…or do you take in some of the more subtle aesthetic attributes?
When I first started working at Friesens in 2002, I was amazed to see all the options available to authors and publishers. Having just graduated from university, I was coming from a place of being solely focused on the practicality of the books I read. More specifically, the question was: how long would it take before my heavy accounting textbook would fall to my chest as I dozed off while studying?
My first few weeks at Friesens were a crash course in book production. Moving around from department to department helped give me a sense of how the puzzle pieces came together. I remember in those early weeks asking myself the question “who knew books were so complicated?” many, many times. So many details, so many options!
Being in the book industry for over 20 years now, I can tell you that many of the details the average book reader doesn’t pay attention to are often obsessed over by designers, authors, and publishers. And with good reason. Choosing just the right paper, using an emboss on the cover to add some subtle texture, or selecting a unique binding style that suits a publication can all add to the reader’s experience.
Many publishers have found their own “secret sauce”…the right mix of paper, cover lamination, and trim size (among other details) that work well for them. So, they stick with those choices for their books without thinking too hard about the details. From time to time a special title comes around that needs a little more to catch the reader’s eye, so they add sprayed edges or a place marker ribbon.
But what if you don’t have a decade long backlist of titles to model your next book after? What if you have a specific audience in mind for your next title? This is where your sales representative can be a valuable resource.
When I first talk to someone about the book they’re working on, I always try to get a really good sense on what their goal is…and who their target audience is. If someone just wants to get their book out to as many people as possible, at the lowest price as possible…that helps guide my recommendations.
But more often than not, people are willing to put a bit more money into the project if they are able to get a finished product that hits the right notes with their audience and enhances the reader’s experience.
Without a doubt, the quality of book printing significantly impacts the reader’s experience by enhancing visual appeal, engaging tactile senses, ensuring durability, and reflecting professionalism. Readers may not always consciously recognize these elements, but they collectively contribute to a richer, more immersive reading experience. If you want to create a lasting connection with your readers, these are things to consider:
- Whether it’s a striking cover design, intricate illustrations, or captivating typography, the visual appeal of a book is significantly heightened by the precision and clarity achieved through quality printing.
- The choice of paper stock, finish, and binding all contribute to the feel of a book in the reader’s hands; a well-printed book with a smooth, substantial paper weight and a pleasing texture invites us to immerse ourselves in the story.
- Meticulous attention to detail, precision in colour reproduction, and commitment to excellence all combine to create a tangible masterpiece that reflects the author’s vision.
- A book that withstands the test of time, maintaining its visual and structural integrity, becomes a treasured keepsake that can be passed down from generation to generation.
Understanding how your book will be used by the end customer is critical. Knowing this information helps to define decisions that are made early in the process. And your Friesens sales rep is the person who can walk you through the various options available to you from choosing the right binding process to selecting the perfect text stock and cover laminate. We’re here to help…every step of the way.
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