Many newspapers in India, particularly small ones are still printed by the letterpress process. This process begins in the composing room. It is the composing room where the manuscript or typescript matter called ‘copy’ is set in type, by hand in small presses, and on type-setting machines in large presses.
It is here that the composed matter (whether hand or machine set), blocks, photoengraving cuts, etc., for the printing jobs are assembled and got ready for the machine room.
Composing is the art of setting up ‘types’ and lines with equal space between words. In letterpress printing, a ‘type’ is used for each letter of the alphabet. A ‘type’ is a rectangular piece of lead alloy, on one end of which is cast or engraved a character, sign, letter, etc. for use in printing.
Types are available in different sizes and designs. Composing is done using different sizes and shapes of ‘types’ for composing matter, tabular matter, textbooks, magazines, account books, advertisements, letterheads, labels, etc. These types are stored in a particular order in a ‘tray’ which is usually made of wood. This tray is called the ‘type case’, and has a small pigeon hole (compartment) for each character in the script of a language.
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Composing room workers include compositors, and type setters, (lino-type operators, monotype key-board operators, monotype casters, tele-type setters), photo-compositors, and proof readers.