binding options

Binding Options

Large Runs Small Runs Print-On-Demand

P	erfect Bound
		books have glued spines. They are sturdy and can withstand hard use. The covers of perfect bound books are usually coated with a varnish, and ultraviolet (UV) coating, or a plastic film laminate. The laminate offers the most protection from wear and tear. The biggest complaint about soft cover books is that their covers tend to curl over time, but there is now a non-curl laminate on the market that controls that problem.


C	ase Bound
		books can have either a glued or a sewn spine. The best looking, as well as the most secure spine, is one that is Smyth sewn, a method which first sews each individual signature and then sews all these signatures together. A case bound book is more expensive than a perfect bound book because of all the extra work and materials that go into making it.


O	ther Bindings
		There are other kinds of binding including wire stitching (also called "saddle stitching"), spiral wire, and plastic combs, but most books that are sold in bookstores or on the shelves of libraries are either perfect bound or case bound. That is because books with other types of binding are hard to shelve.

	Back to Production Tips

Often self-publishers want case bound (hardcover) books because they think they will sell better at the bookstores or that libraries will not buy perfect bound, soft cover books. This was true in the past, but not any longer. In fact, libraries, with their continuing budget cuts, appreciate that a perfect bound book is less costly.
Other than appearance, which can be important in certain circumstances, the only other reason for opting for a case bound book is that you can sell it for a higher price than a perfect bound book.

HOME PRODUCTION TIPS MARKETING TIPS PRICE LIST BOOKSTORE
E-BOOKS SPECIAL REQUESTS PUBLISHING A COOKBOOK AUTHORWARE
CLIENT COMMENTS EVANSTON PROFILES CONTACT US

We help authors and companies self-publish books.