The oldest and largest composing room- occupation is that of Hand Compositor. He works in a composing room of a letter press printing press and composes (assembles) the printing material by hand according to the manuscript or typescript.
The original copy of the manuscript and other instructions (e. g. the size of the page, the class of book, etc.) are studied to determine the length of lines and the size and families of types to be used. Picking up relevant types from appropriate cases, the type is set by hand, letter by letter and line by line, with proper and uniform spacing, and assembled into words and lines, in an oblong adjustable metal device called a “composing stick”, for holding type in place.
He follows the manuscript rigidly, but breaks up words at the end of a line, when necessary. As the matter is being composed, lines of type are transferred from the stick to be placed and arranged, in the correct order, in metal trays, called ‘galleys’. The composed type is arranged in the galley, providing proper spacing between words and lines. Then, a proof (sample) copy of the type is ‘pulled’ (taken).
It is checked (by a Proof-reader) with the original copy, for removing typographical, composing and grammatical errors. A Copy Holder assists the proof-reader in proof-reading, by reading out the manuscript. Corrections are then carried out in the composed matter (according to corrections made in the proof copy) by the compositor; after which a Make-up Man (who is also a compositor) divides all the type-set matter (and any needed engravings), placed in a ‘galley’, into pages of specified measure, introducing page number®, headings, etc. according to instructions and by positioning blocks and arranging type for effective display.
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A Lock-up Man:
The Impostor or the Imposer transfers the pages to a stone table (called the imposing surface), in a prescribed pattern so that, when printed, pages will have proper margins and be in the correct numerical sequence. Patterns often differ according to number of pages on each printing sheet. He fixes spaces of margin using wooden pieces and lead; then using a planer, he levels the pages, and locks them in position in a metal-frame called the ‘chase’. A final check is made, and proof is taken out, to ensure that the material is securely locked, that the type is firmly upright, and that levels and margins are correct. The complete type matter known as the ‘forme’ is then sent to the printing section for printing.
After final printing, a Distributor who is usually a junior compositor, unlocks the chase, breaks down the type ‘forme’, separates spacing material, types and blocks and returns the types and other material used in composing to their respective places in the type cases and racks for re-use.
A compositor is expected to possess a fair knowledge of different sizes and families of types, spacing material, various signs and correction marks used in proofs. He is also very often expected to possess some knowledge of scientific symbols for composing mechanical publications. On the top of it all he has to acquire a certain degree of speed and accuracy.
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In small printing shops, he is usually an all-round printer and also performs the functions of a ‘Proof Reader’, Compositor, “Lock-up Man’ and ‘Distributor’.
Compositors have often to work, along with other workers, in composing rooms, which are usually small and congested besides being noisy on account of the working of the printing machinery. The work involves lifting of light weights, continuous standing for long hours, and contact with dust, lead, ink and cleaning fluids. Working hours are fixed at 48 a week. In newspaper offices, night work is often required.