TMG-L Archives
Archiver > TMG > 2000-05 > 0957371353
From: "Mills" <>
Subject: [TMG-L:] Re: TMG-L: Re: -printing from computer input
Date: Wed, 3 May 2000 11:29:13 -0500
References: <4.3.2.20000503081057.00a9a330@popd.ix.netcom.com>
Frank wrote:
> I would point out that few books are printed on a page as large as 8.5x11.
> (Unless they are picture books or something like that.) Hence,
readability
> can be maintained with a point size much smaller than 12 point (or even 10
> point).
You make a very germane point, Frank. Many authors who produce books to be
published in 6" x 9" or similar size (a much-more economical size than the
"standard typing paper" size of 8.5" x 11") will set their margins and crop
marks appropriately in their software program so that the 8.5" x 11" paper
can be trimmed down to proper size for the 6" x 9" (let's say, a 4.5" x 7.5"
or 5" x 8" typing block, allowing for the trimming plus the .5" to .75"
margins that are common in small books).
All is well and good up to this point. However, during their copy prep they
type their manuscript in 11 or 12 pt. size and it looks just great on that
8.5" x 11" master sheet. Then when the finished book comes back from the
printer they are horrified. The type seems so huge it jumps off the page and
looks like a "kitchen-table-press job."
The reason it looks amateurish is a matter of proportion. A big page that's
not subdivided into columns requires bigger print. A smaller page or a big
page that carries 2 or more colums requires smaller print. All of this is
one reason why a lot of speakers gulped and yelled when syllabus
instructions were sent out a while back for one of the conferences, telling
them to prepare their material in 12 pt. Times Roman. Those who have studied
typesetting principles and effectively use tables and side-bars and
double-columns and similar devices to provide their audiences with a
significant amount of written data in an attractive format were horrified at
the thought of having their work look amateurish.
For those who are interested, an absolutely wonderful little manual,
beautifully rendered and chock-full of examples is Judy Stopke and Chip
Staley's An Eye for Type, 3d expanded ed. (Ann Arbor: Promotional
Perspectives, 1992). I haven't checked on it in a couple of years, but it
has likely been updated again. I also haven't checked to see if it's
available from Amazon.com. at a discount. I ordered mine in pre-Amazonian
days directly from the publisher at 1955 Pauline Blvd., Suite 100-A, Ann
Arbor, MI 48103-5003 (313/994-0007) for $22.95.
Elizabeth Shown Mills
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