Limited Edition Book Launch in San Francisco

First Bite Press was honored to play a part in the first book launch for San Francisco based author, Theodore “Ted” Gioia. The event featured an interview between Ted and designer and writer, George McCalman, about the publication of Ted’s first novella, The Token of Dorian Gray. The illustrator, Laurelin Gilmore, was also present at the event. It was great to be in the same room with both the author and the illustrator having worked with both in collaboration to design the book.

Ted discussed his writing process and inspiration for the book, as well as his desire to continuing writing with San Francisco as the backdrop to his novels.

Many thanks to Ted for a wicked fun story. As a private press publisher, when you design a book and then hand print it, you become intimate with every phrase and part of the story because you are working with the author’s words throughout the entire process. It is a pleasure to be able to share Ted’s satirical sense of humor that comes through in this gothic novella about a newly married gay couple living in San Francisco.

For the many people who have purchased orders of the Limited or Deluxe Editions of The Token of Dorian Gray, thank you for supporting this small, private press! I am mostly a one-woman operation. I have a couple of bookbinding assistants who make it over to the studio once a week to help me bind. The book is completely printed, the sheets are collated, and I am in the process of sewing and binding them all.

I will share some videos of that process below so you can see the work that is involved and hopefully understand why I’m slower than traditional publishing companies. Rest assured, you will have a beautiful, handmade copy of Ted’s book to enjoy reading. Have any questions about the book making process? Or about this book in particular? Feel free to reach out!

With Gratitude,

Stephanie