Getting Pitch Ready Day Three: Making Dummies
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Let's assume you will be doing a 32 page book... I make dummies with a either a center seam or a side seam. I use copy paper in letter, legal, or tabloid size and cut it down to the size I want. If you don't want to cut the paper you can block off the extra paper to take notes, especially early in the process.
For the center seam technique:
A 5" x 5" book would be 5" x 10" paper size.
I use:
8 pages for the interior.
1 different color page to indicate endpapers.
1 different color page to indicate the cover ( I like to use cover stock for the cover).
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I draw a line down the center, clip or just hold the papers together, and run them through my sewing machine. I used to visit my kids' classrooms and sit with each child in the class as they sewed their own book dummy... (I recommend this activity as a nice author program for when your book is published.)
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When I didn't have my sewing machine, I made holes with a nail and hand stitched my books. I used a longish brad nail so the hole is relatively small. Hammer through the paper along the seam at one inch intervals.
(note: hover over the right of the image to scroll through examples)
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Use a dummy like this to figure out the layout and flow of your book.
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Center Seam Dummy
Side Seam Dummy
For the side seam technique:
A 5" x 5" book would be 6" wide x 5" tall.
I use:
16 pages for the interior.
1 different color page front and back to indicate endpapers.
1 different color page front and back to indicate the cover. ( I like to use cover stock for the cover.)(note: hover mouse on right to scroll images.)
I draw a vertical line down the left side, an inch in from edge, and bind with:
1) Butterfly Clip or Staple:
•Start with stack of paper.
•Draw a line 1" from left. You may want to score the left side for a cleaner fold. •Clip or Staple.
2) Thread—Sew on Sewing Machine:
•Start with stack of paper.
•Draw a line 1" from left side. Feed through the sewing machine.
3) Thread—Nail and Hand Sew:
•Start with stack of paper.
•Measure and nail holes along the seam 1" from left side.
•Sew seam anyway you like. Shown is blanket stitch.
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Waalaa!
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(Note: The dummy is just for working images, ideas, and sketches. You can also use color prints to create a more finished dummy to pitch your book to a publisher. The dummy is not for your finished art. You will need to keep your original art flat and unmarked for photographing or scanning to go to press.)
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k@kristenbalouch.com | Brooklyn, NY
© 2018 by Kristen Balouch