In publishing, camera-ready copy (CRC) is text and illustrations ready to be transferred to photographic film or paper for printing without undergoing extensive typesetting or other preparation.
The term is most commonly used in connection with printing books and magazines. In contrast to typeset copy, which a typesetter creates from a manuscript copy supplied by an author or editor, CRC is created by the author or editor using a word processor or desktop publishing software and is then submitted to the printer.
The advantage of CRC is that it can be submitted directly to the printer, without the need for typesetting. This can save time and money, particularly for short print runs. The disadvantage is that the author or editor needs to have a good understanding of typography and layout to create CRC that is well-designed and easy to print.
There are a few things to keep in mind when creating CRC:
1. Use a common, standard font such as Times New Roman or Arial.
2. Use a font size that is easy to read, such as 12 point.
3. Keep the layout simple and uncluttered.
4. Use generous margins to allow for printer’s marks and trimming.
5. Number the pages consecutively.
6. Include a table of contents and an index, if desired.
7. Make sure the text is spell-checked and proofread carefully.
8. Save the file in a common format such as PDF or Word.
Once CRC is created, it can be submitted to the printer along with a print order. The printer will then produce the desired number of copies, using the CRC as a guide.
Camera-ready copy is an important part of the book printing process, as it ensures that the printer has all of the necessary materials to produce the book. It also allows the author to see what the final product will look like and make any necessary changes before it goes to print.