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What Materials Do You Need to Bind a Book?

Some small publishers decide to forgo professional printers and make a go at binding their own books. In theory, anyone can bind a book by putting the pages together and either stapling the edges or spiral-binding it, but if you want a book that is perfect bound (like a paperback), you need a few special tools.

  1. Book Glue

    • PUR glue (polyurethane reactive) is a special glue that is used to bind book pages to the cover (see Resources).

    Book Cover

    • You have to get a book cover printed on cardstock (cover stock) paper that is large enough to cover the back cover, front cover and spine of the book.

    Scoring Tool

    • Once your book cover is printed, you have to make scored lines on the inside of each cover where the book cover will bend around the printed pages (designates the spine). Use a scoring tool or the dull side of a paper clip along with a ruler.

    Clamping Machine or Vise Grip

    • Purchase a clamping machine or use a vise grip to hold your book securely in place after it is bound to the cover with glue.

    Book Trimmer

    • You need a trimming machine that is heavy duty enough to make a clean cut of any jagged edges of your book once it is bound to the cover.

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Book Publishing

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