The Process

Our first task is to determine which books will be selected for publication. God provides these titles from a number of sources. Our readers suggest many of them to us, while others might be stumbled upon while Mark is browsing through a pile of books at an antique bookshop. Once a book is selected for possible inclusion into the Rare Collector Series, several trusted individuals are asked to review the content. If the book meets with their approval, Mark Hamby personally reads the story with a critical eye to ascertain that biblical truths are being communicated and that the text meets Lamplighter's standards. Upon Mark's approval, modifications are sometimes considered for each of our books. Mark sometimes recommends changes to assure that each book contains biblical themes and that the spiritual messages within are theologically accurate.

Once the review process is complete, production can begin to bring this book into full publication. Each book is scanned into a digital file using software that converts scanned text into editable documents. Any images found in the original text are scanned separately into high-resolution files so that they can be prepared for digital entry into the printing process. These illustrations are meticulously cleaned and restored digitally to bring out the full splendor of the original. Each piece of the digital book is scrutinized to ensure that the digitizing process is true to the original.

Next...

Once digital files have been created for the book, they are put through a rigorous editing process. Each book is edited by at least two experienced editors. Minor adjustments are made to improve the readability of the text, although it is our goal to maintain the style and grammar rules held by the original author whenever possible. Footnotes that might provide historical or geographical context for the story are considered, as well as notes to explain archaic or difficult words. When changes to any content elements are proposed, they are vetted by Mark and the editors. Modifications on this level are deliberated over intently, as it is not our desire to change the original author’s content.

Finally

Once the text editing process is complete, the book layout begins. The text is laid out on the page in a manner that will ensure readability. The spacing, fonts, and font sizes chosen are all intended to provide the most readable book possible. Literary details such as orphan lines, awkward spacing, and end-of-page hyphenation are all addressed. Intense labor is invested into making sure that no detail is left unattended. Artistic elements such as chapter headings, drop caps, and images are selected so that we can emphasize certain aspects of a chapter. We deliberate over page numbers, title pages, headings, margin sizes, and page counts because we want our craftsmanship to shine through on every page.