Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Binding Your Book

When it comes to binding your book, you have quite a few good choices. You will want to check out all of your options for binding so you can determine what will work best for your book. A good binding will keep the pages of your book together for many years to come, that is the main goal. A hard binding that is sewn AND glued will last for a hundred years without falling apart and loosing pages. It will give your book a better look and feel, but will be more expensive. The coil or comb bindings have some advantages in that they are inexpensive for short runs and will lay flat on the counter or your lap (great for cookbooks). You can also add or subtract pages from the book in the future. The disadvantages to this type of binding are that the holes make the pages weaker so that they can tear out easier and sometimes the coil/comb will break after time and use. Perfect binding can be very inexpensive for long runs and will work with the right glues, but it won't last as long as hard binding before breaking apart. The strongest and most flexible glue for binding is PUR glues. If you are going to have a perfect bound book, check to be sure they are using PUR glue so your book will last. I hope this helps you decide which binding will work best for your book.
Chris Stevenson
Email questions and I’d be happy to help.

2 comments:

  1. Hi Uncle Chris - Do you have any recommendations for specific publishing places? One of my 2010 goals is to publish 2 years worth of family journals (aka - my blog) that I've finished, but I really do want them to 'last forever'.
    Thanks!
    Mary Johanson

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Mary,
    Yes, we publish books all the time. Send an email to me with the details and I would be happy to help you.
    Chris

    ReplyDelete