BIC's An Introduction to Production Training Course (online) Feb 2025

BIC An Introduction to Production training course (online)

#bictraining

Aimed at those new to book production, this online course (which will be delivered in two, half-day sessions) provides an introduction to how books are made, looking at the whole process including repro, colour management, the different print and binding methods within the book industry, and the language used. It focuses on the role of production, how decisions in production can support the publishers’ sustainability and social responsibility targets, how individuals can add value to it, and how to avoid some of the potential pitfalls of the production process.

Delegates will hear from an industry expert on a broad range of subjects and learn how to apply this knowledge in their day-to-day role. They will be provided with the tools to be proactive in their role, better express requirements, and solve or even prevent problems efficiently.

This course has a practical emphasis, ensuring that all theoretical elements are accompanied by a practical application. Where appropriate, each section will contain a problem-solving element to enable delegates to gain an understanding of the potential pitfalls, how to avoid them and how to spot them if they do occur.

To ensure our attendees get the most out of the day, we limit the number of delegates for this course to 10.

This course is aimed at those who are new to book production, those who have learnt ‘on the job’ and those who would like to work in this field. It will provide a deeper understanding of the techniques and processes involved in the production and manufacture of books.

The topics covered will include:

• The publishing business model and how you can affect its profitability
• Where production fits into the business and how you can influence it
• How the decisions made in production can support the publishers sustainability and social responsibility targets
• Pre-press and how decisions made at this point can impact the print cost and the quality of the finished book
• The different print methods, when to use them and how to choose the right one for your book
• The different types of paper available and how they can impact the cost and look of your book
• The different binding methods, their pros and cons, and the impact they have on design
• The cover finishes available, their uses and limitations
• How a book gets to the customer
• How to select a supplier and request a quote
• What to consider when scheduling a book
• How to solve problems at each stage of the process

Full course outline here.

Heather O'Connell

Consultant

Heather has more than 20 years’ experience in book publishing. Specialising in book production, she has held various positions including Production Director for Penguin UK and HarperCollins Publishers. Heather now runs a consultancy, using her passion for and knowledge of the industry to support a broad range of print and publishing clients and industry initiatives.

“I have been very impressed by how the course was run, the knowledge of those running it and the careful and considered way the information was imparted [...] A very good general overview. I would recommend it to all those starting in publishing.” - Helen Peatfield, HarperCollins Publishers

“This course has been very useful and well explained, and has added to my industry knowledge.” - Yasmine Aichaoui, Printondemand-Worldwide

"Very informative. The structure [of this course] is brilliant because each section nicely builds on top of the previous section and therefore takes one through the entire production process. [...] I found it all very effective but particularly because terminology was explained very well." - Rebecca Cachia, HarperCollins Publishers

Wednesday 12th February and Thursday 13th February 2025

BIC is committed to providing high quality, accessible training for the book industry. We are able to provide both bespoke courses and in-house training to suit your requirements. This course is suitable for in-house training so please do contact us to request further information or to make a booking: [email protected]

Online / Virtual Training.

This is a full day course which will be delivered in two, half-day sessions, 1:30pm-4:30pm (GMT) on the dates specified, above.

BIC Members £320.00 + VAT

Friends of BIC £375.00 + VAT

Non Members £435.00 + VAT

Please note: the price does not include the Eventbrite processing fee

Discounted rates apply to BIC members only.

Not sure if your organisation is a BIC member? Check BIC Membership and/or EDItEUR membership.

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

Created by the book industry, for the book industry

For an empowered, informed supply chain

Established in 1991, BIC is an independent, not-for-profit organisation at the heart of the book industry. We pride ourselves on working collaboratively with key stakeholders in the UK book industry to produce quality training courses that are created and delivered by expert, highly respected trainers on a wide range of supply chain topics. Being a not-for-profit organisation, BIC is able to offer all of its training at highly competitive rates. If there is a topic that you would like us to provide training on, that we do not provide at present, get in touch; we also welcome enquires about the provision of bespoke in-house courses.

All BIC Production courses are designed in conjunction with a panel of Production Directors from leading publishing houses to ensure that they focus on what you need to know. Each course contains a formal assessment recognised by many of the UK's publishing houses.

Please note: as we price our training courses so competitively, the running of them is dependent on there being a set minimum number of delegates registered by the time the booking period ceases. For this reason, please be aware that unfortunately some courses may be cancelled if this requirement is not met. Should this happen, BIC will arrange for full refunds for all training courses booked. We will liaise with registered delegates at least 2 weeks prior to each course date regarding this. BIC apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Please take a few moments to familiarise yourself with our refund policy.

Should you need to cancel your ticket, refunds may be given as follows:

• Up to 6 calendar weeks (i.e. 42 calendar days) before the event: full refund minus the Eventbrite fee
• Less than 6 calendar weeks, but more than 2 calendar weeks (i.e. 14 days) before the event: 50% refund
• Less than 2 calendar weeks before the event: no refund

If you (or a colleague in your place) do not attend the training course you have booked, no refund will be given.

Please note: Tickets are transferable within your organisation.

Host or Publisher Book Industry Communication