Tooling is the process and materials used to create the physical text block of a book. This includes the cover, spine, and pages. The term can also refer to the decorative elements added to the book after the text block is complete, such as embossing, foil stamping, and die-cutting.
There are two main types of tooling: die-cutting and embossing. Die-cutting is the process of cutting shapes into the cover or pages of a book. This is often used to create decorative patterns or to highlight certain elements of the text. Embossing is the process of raising the surface of the cover or pages to create a three-dimensional effect. This can be used to create textured patterns or to add dimension to certain elements of the book.
Tooling can be used to create a wide variety of effects, from simple decoration to complex three-dimensional designs. It is an important part of the book-making process and can be used to create unique and eye-catching designs.
Without tooling, a manuscript would never be able to become a published book. It is the tooling process that takes a book from being an idea to a reality.
Tooling is important because it ensures that a book is of the highest quality before it is published. It is the tooling process that catches errors and makes sure that a book is ready for publication.
Tooling is also important because it can make or break a book’s success. If a book is not well-tooled, it is likely to be rejected by publishers or fail to sell well. On the other hand, a well-tooled book has a much better chance of being published and becoming a bestseller.
In short, tooling is essential to the publishing process and is something that should not be overlooked. It is the difference between a book being an idea and a book being a reality.