Truck Arrives

The truck finally arrives with the full shipment of AMERICAN GODS. The books, which were printed in mainland China, took almost eight weeks to make the trip from the printer to our door. Unfortunately, even though we had supposedly set up arrangements with the trucking company, they sent too big a truck. As a result, we had to carry by hand 214 boxes with a total weight of 4,400 pounds (over two tons) up a long driveway covered with ice.

Basement Distribution Center

After too many trips to count (and an untold number of aspirin), the books are finally conveyed to our basement distribution center. (This photo shows only one of the four pallets.) We decide not to think about the fact that these books will have to be brought back upstairs for shipping.

Individual Cartons

The boxes are unpacked and the individual cartons await the numbering process.

Unpack to Number the Signature Page

Each book must be taken out of its carton, then slid carefully out of the slipcase, so that we can number the signature page. We also mark the corresponding number on the side of the cardboard carton. This is the stage where we also do our final quality control inspection—given the delicacy of the fabric, we make sure that there are no stains or other flaws on the book. Such flaws occur, of course, but any book that is not perfect is set aside for return to the printer. Fortunately, the cardboard carton surrounding each book provides sturdy protection against any harm.