Purpose of the Course

BIC’s commitment to a sustainable book industry is reflected in our training where sustainability, ethical and environmental considerations are front and centre. On this course we look at the production methods, materials and processes involved in the creation of monochrome books, giving you practical, up-to-date information on their environmental impact, helping you make informed, ethical, sustainable and practical decisions.

This two-day course can be taken as one comprehensive programme across both days, or you can join us for just one of the days. Each day stands alone, the first focuses on the process, how monochrome books are made and the second on managing that process. No matter where you are in your production career, there is something here for you.

Benefits of Attending

All our courses focus on the practical application of knowledge and this one is no exception. You will spend time in the press-room and bindery, seeing first hand how books are produced and learning how to apply this knowledge in your day-to-day role.

This course will provide delegates with the tools to be proactive in their role, better express their requirements, choose the right supplier for their project, and solve or even prevent problems. As the factory can be very noisy and to ensure our attendees get the most out of the day, we limit the number of delegates for this course to 6.

Course Level

Day One: Making Monochrome Books

  • The components of a book
  • Things to think about when requesting a cost and placing an order
  • How to prepare files for press
  • The fundamentals of litho text printing
  • The essentials of digital printing
  • When to use litho or digital printing
  • How covers are printed and finished
  • How books are bound
  • How special editions are produced

Day Two: Managing Monochrome

  • An overview of the market
  • What can you control/adjust on press
  • How to spot a printing error and what may have caused it
  • What to consider when designing a cover
  • How to get the best out of cover finishes
  • Colour management
  • The advantages and limitations of the different digital technologies
  • How to choose the right binding method
  • The pros and cons of buying your own paper
  • How to calculate paper usage
  • How to spot a paper problem
  • How to manage the costs of your project
  • How to make your books more sustainably
  • Understanding auto stock replenishment (ASR)
  • Managing zero inventory and print on demand

View course outline here.

The Trainers

Greg Manterfield-Ivory, Clays Ltd and Heather O’Connell, Consultant. (Read about BIC Trainers, here).

Feedback for this Course

Read the feedback received from previous attendees of this course,

Date and Frequency of this Course 

The next course will be scheduled for 2025; for the latest updates, contact us or join the BIC Training Course mailing list.

To register your interest in attending this course on an unspecified date in future, please see the ‘Registration’ section, below.

Course Location

Clays Ltd, Bungay, Suffolk.

Course Length

The two-day course can be taken as one comprehensive programme across both days, or you can join us for just one of the days.

On the Day 

All of BIC’s full-day courses include refreshments and a full working lunch. 

Dress Code 

Please be aware that delegates will spend time in the factory at Clays, so we ask that you should please dress appropriately, i.e. no open-toe shoes / sandals. 

Prices (2024)

Single Day

BIC Members £360 + VAT

Friends of BIC £420 + VAT

Non-Members £490 + VAT

NB: Eventbrite fees, travel and accommodation costs are not included in the ticket price.

Both days

BIC Members £635 + VAT

Friends of BIC £745 + VAT

Non-Members £865 + VAT

NB: Eventbrite fees, travel and accommodation costs are not included in the ticket price.

Discounted rates apply to BIC members only. Not sure if your organisation is a BIC member? Check our members list here.

Registration

Please register here. Update: This course is fully booked, however please add yourself to the waiting list in case of any cancellations.

Alternative Payment Option: If you would prefer BIC to invoice your organisation directly, please contact us. Please note that this process will incur a £25.00 administration fee.

Read BIC’s Course Cancellations & Refund Policy here.

Please note: The date of this course may change if absolutely necessary, as its running is dependent on Clays’ availability and schedule. Clays on occasion produces sensitive books which may prevent us from entering the factory. In this circumstance and to ensure that delegates get the most out of this course, BIC will reschedule. We will endeavour to give delegates as much notice as possible if the date of this course is changed due to unforeseen circumstances and will reschedule the course as soon as possible thereafter.