Introduction
A high-end restaurant brand in India commissioned a 100-copy offset coffee-table book to showcase its culinary journey, interior design, and signature dishes. The book featured high-gloss pages and full-colour photography, demanding flawless print quality.
The brand faced a challenge: past print runs had banding issues and colour inconsistencies, leading to customer complaints and reprint costs. They approached Write Right to oversee the production, proofing, and QC, ensuring the first-run edition was flawless.
Step 1: Pre-Press Analysis
Write Right began by reviewing the manuscript, image files, and proposed layouts, focusing on:
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High-resolution imagery (minimum 300 dpi at print size)
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ICC colour profiles for accurate colour reproduction
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Gutter and margin integrity for full-bleed spreads
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Artboard and pagination accuracy
The goal was to anticipate and prevent common offset printing errors, especially banding on high-gloss coated pages, which can ruin photographic clarity.
Step 2: Press Proof Implementation
Write Right introduced a tiered proofing system:
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Digital Preflight: Checked for missing fonts, image resolution, and colour profile compliance.
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Press Proof Run: Printed a full-colour proof on the actual stock, allowing live inspection for banding, ink coverage, and sheen issues.
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Bound Sample Check: Ensured that binding and page alignment met the premium presentation standards expected for the brand.
During this phase, the team identified banding on key pages, which could have caused a costly reprint.
Step 3: Corrections and Adjustments
Write Right coordinated with the printer to:
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Adjust ink density and halftone screening
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Fine-tune colour curves for uniformity across high-gloss pages
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Re-align register marks to prevent ghosting or misalignment
These adjustments were verified with a second press proof, confirming that the final run would meet premium quality expectations.
Step 4: Outcome
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Reprints avoided: Corrections caught at the press-proof stage prevented a ₹48,000 expense.
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Flawless first-run: All 100 copies were delivered on time, maintaining brand credibility and aesthetic standards.
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Consistency: Future runs could replicate the specifications without re-testing.
The brand credited Write Right for comprehensive oversight, combining production expertise, attention to detail, and proactive quality control to safeguard the project’s success.
Key Takeaways
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Proof early, save money: Press proofs catch issues before full production, avoiding significant reprint costs.
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High-gloss needs special attention: Photography and vibrant colours are prone to banding; expert supervision is critical.
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Professional guidance matters: Write Right’s experience with offset and high-quality coffee-table books ensures first-run perfection.
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Scalable specifications: Once validated, these specs can support larger batches without compromising quality.
