Overmatter is a term commonly used in the publishing and printing industries to describe additional material or content that exceeds the intended length or dimensions of a publication. It refers to any surplus text, images, or other elements that are not meant to be included in the final version of a printed piece, but are produced or submitted nonetheless.
The term "overmatter" can encompass a range of materials such as articles, advertisements, images, or any other content that exceeds the available space or limits set by the publisher or designer. This surplus content can result from various factors, including misjudgment of available space, changes in design or layout, or the submission of extra materials by authors or contributors.
In the context of a magazine or newspaper, overmatter typically refers to articles or content that cannot be accommodated in the current issue and may be considered for inclusion in future editions. In the case of books, overmatter may refer to additional chapters, appendices, or bonus features that are not part of the main text but are included nevertheless.
Managing overmatter effectively is crucial in the publishing industry to maintain the desired structure and aesthetics of a publication. Publishers, editors, and designers must carefully review and assess the surplus content, deciding whether it can be edited, redesigned, or saved for future use. This process ensures that the final product reflects the intended content and meets the established publishing standards.
