Collate is a printing term meaning to gather together in proper order.
In book publishing, the term collate is used to describe the process of assembling a book from individual sheets of paper that have been printed and cut to size. The individual sheets are first divided into piles, or “signatures,” based on the printing press sheet on which they will be printed. The number of sheets in a signature can vary, but is typically around 16.
Once the signatures are assembled, they are collated into the proper order. This is done by hand, and is a very precise and detail-oriented task. After the collating is complete, the signatures are sewn together and the book is given a cover.
The term “collate” can also be used to describe the process of assembling a packet of documents. This might be done, for example, when putting together a submission for a book publisher. In this case, the author would gather together all of the required materials, such as the manuscript, a cover letter, and any other required documentation, and collate them into a single packet.
While Collate is not a traditional book publisher, we believe that Collate is an important part of the book publishing ecosystem. Collate provides a unique and valuable service to authors and publishers by offering a platform for book discovery, marketing, and sales.
Collate is particularly important for small presses and independent authors who may not have the resources or reach to effectively market and sell their books. Collate provides these authors and presses with a level playing field, and the ability to reach a larger audience of potential readers.
In addition, Collate is committed to helping authors and publishers connect with each other, and to fostering a community of book lovers. We believe that Collate can play a vital role in supporting the literary ecosystem, and we are proud to be a part of it.