A Publisher's Conversation with Authors: Offset Printing vs Digital Printing
It is Tuesday. Monday's madness is over, and Wednesday will take us over the hump, so Tuesday it is--for some serious discussion with authors. Tuesday talks mean to address authors in waiting and self-published authors who would like to go a more traditional route or who would at least like to take their steps with a publisher by their side. This week we respond to the question kinds of printing: offset vs digital. What is the difference? When should you choose one or the other? Here are some things to consider. Offset printing and digital printing differ not just in technology, but in temperament. Offset is the old-school artisan: precise, consistent, and cost-effective at scale. It uses metal plates and ink rollers to transfer images onto paper, which means setup is expensive and time-consuming—but once it’s rolling, the per-copy cost drops dramatically. Offset shines when you’re printing thousands of copies, especially if you want rich color, custom finishes, or bookstore-read...