The Book Binding Guide for Self-Published Authors
Whether you are drafting the next great American novel or presenting high-level company data, holding your own publication is a moment in which you should take great pride. Seeing those accomplishments move from screen to print is an exciting experience. That’s why book binding and printing are so important to get right for your project.
In this guide, we will dive into some of the most common booking binding techniques and what projects they are most suited for. For self-published authors looking for a way to print their books for the masses, we can help get your words into the hands of your readers.
Designing Your Own Book Cover
When you’ve crossed every “t” and dotted every “i,” it’s time to dive into the exciting process of designing your book cover. Your design choices are vast and will entirely depend on what type of book you’ve written and how it will be used. Also, consider your budget, page count, and size when choosing a design. These are just a few of the decisions you’ll need to make:
As your bookbinding and printing experts, we can help guide you through the design process to choose the right options for your publication.
Booking Binding and Printing Options
There are dozens of options when it comes time to print your book. Each has its own purpose and strength. Take a look at what binding might work for your project.
Simple, Cost-Efficient Bookbinding Techniques
Tape Binding
How it’s done: With tape binding, the page pages are held together with a strip of adhesive tape along the spine. This method can be combined with other bookbinding techniques.
Best for: Quick reports, booklets, and manuals
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Comb Binding
How it’s done: Comb binding uses a plastic spine with flexible, curved teeth that fit into rectangular holes punched into the pages. Pages are threaded onto the teeth and the comb is closed to secure the pages.
Best for: Reports, workbooks, manuals, presentations, and reference materials
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See also: Plastic Grip Binding. Plastic grip binding works well for temporary documents without as many pages. It’s quick, inexpensive, and perfect for first drafts and small reports. If you need a quick, cost-efficient way to present smaller documents, give plastic grip binding a try.
Saddle Stitch Binding
How it’s done: Saddle stitch binding is when pages are folded in half and then stapled along the fold line. Staples are visible on the spine of the book and clenched on the inside.
Best for: Brochures, catalogs, magazines, and small booklets
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Versatile and Moderately Durable Bindings
Big projects, presentations, and manuals that need a little extra support for longevity do well with these bookbinding and printing techniques.
Perfect Binding
How it’s done: Perfect binding uses flexible and strong adhesive to secure pages with a wraparound cover. Its strong durability makes it a great choice for a wide range of page counts.
Best for: Large manuals, graphic novels, paperback books, and annual reports.
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Lay flat limitations
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Not refillable
Spiral Binding
How it’s done: For spiral binding, pages are punched with holes and then threaded onto a plastic spiral/coil.
Best for: Instruction books, coloring books, manuals, and calendars.
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Multiple color options
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Books can open 360 degrees and lay flat
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Great for books with tabs
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Versatile for a variety of page counts
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Wire-O
How it’s done: The sophisticated cousin to spiral binding, wire-o binding punches holes through the pages and then binds them with a metal coil, which allows the book to open 360 degrees and lay flat.
Best for: Large manuals, graphic novels, paperback books, and annual reports
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See also: Concealed Wire-O binding. Get all the flexibility of Wire-O binding, but hide the binding with an aesthetically pleasing wraparound cover. Great for professional reports, notebooks, and presentations.
High-Quality and Durable Bindings
With these options, you can print your own book with the same look and feel as a big-name publisher. Self-publishing can give you more creative control and flexibility for sharing your book. These options can help you create an aesthetically beautiful book that will last.
Rivet Binding
How it’s done: Rivet binding is done by punching holes through pages and securing them with metal rivets (like a metal pin). The rivets are then flattened on both sides.
Best for: Documents, workbooks, and industrial manuals that need extra durability for long-term use
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Side Sewn Binding
How it’s done: With side-sewn binding, the pages are sewn together through the entire book block. The stitches will be visible along the side of the book.
Best for: Notebooks, journals, and art books
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Screw and Post Binding
How it’s done: Pages are punched with holes and held together with metal screws and posts that are then tightened.
Best for: Photo books, portfolios, and presentations that might need updating
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Hardcover Binding (Adhesive or Smythe Sewn)
How it’s done: Adhesive Binding: Pages are glued together at the spine with strong adhesive and glued to the hardcover. Smythe Sewn Binding: Pages are sewn together and then attached to the hardcover. This is considered the highest quality for hardcover books.
Best for: Novels, coffee table books, and academic texts
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Extremely durable and long-lasting
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Premium, professional design
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Smythe sewn books will lay flat
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Finding Book Printing Options for Self-Publishing
By working with the professionals at AlphaGraphics, you can confidently design and print a project that you can be proud of. Our marketing experts can help you put the final touches on your book so you can get it in the hands of those who need it the most. From manuals and presentations to novels and coffee table books, self-publishing can give you a fast track to a beautiful final product. Let us help you carry your project over the finish line.