| Glossary
Saddle
A style of binding with typically 2 metal stitches (like staples).
The name is derived from the equipment that makes it- all
pages lay over a piece of metal (like a saddle on a horse).
In this style binding the signatures are not next to each
other as complete signatures, but rather as open signatures.
(For example, pages 1-8 and 17-32 would be the outside signature
in a 32 page saddle stitched book.)
Sheetfed offset
See offset.
Shrinkwrap
To wrap a book in a transparent plastic material which is
shrunk by heat to form a sealed tight fitting package. Note:
Most books are not shrinkwrapped. It is a costly addition.
Some printers try to push shrinkwrapping because of durability
or curling problems that they may have with the cover laminates.
And many bookstores do not like it either, because it confuses
customers. What did you do the last time you were in a bookstore
and picked up shrinkwrapped book? Did you unwrap it and leave
trash, or skip the book entirely?
Signature
A signature is a sheet of paper upon which a number of pages
in some multiple of four are printed. This sheet is then folded
to page size and forms a section of a book. Interestingly,
this term dates back to the time when monks copied by hand
numerous pages. Each sheet was "signed" and therefore
when folded became that monk's "signature".
Smyth sewn
A style of hardcover binding where on signature is stitched
to the next signature. The signatures stay intact. The backbone
is not ground off as in adhesive or perfect binding. Note:
Unless you are publishing a hymnal, prayer book or coffee
table book there is no reason to spend the money on sewing
if you are manufacturing in the US. Offshore, smyth sewing
is not as expensive an option.
Spine
As in a person, the spine is the backbone. Typically the title,
author and publisher may be identified on the spine of a book
regardless of whether it is paperback or hardcover.
Spiral binding
A type of paperback binding. A book bound with wires in spiral
form inserted through holes punched along the binding side.
Spiral is often a colored plastic covering the wire.
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