How to get your papers bound as a book

Following on from lynner's question at DisplayAnswers.go question_id=4238&category_id=2&index=6

here's a guide to having your letters or anything else printed and bound.

The following presumes that you don't want to bind the originals; if, however, that's your intention, then you will probably need to have the papers mounted on to card or paper (you can do this yourself with spray-mount or glue or a bookbinder will probably do it for you). Once this is done, find a bookbinder you're happy with and give them your mounted pages to trim and bind, having first taken the precautions in Step 5 below.

It's unlikely that many printers will be interested in taking on such a small job, it just wouldn't be financially viable for them, so you'll probably have to undertake some of the preliminary work yourself.

Here's what you do:

1. You will need to have the originals scanned. If you don't have facilities at home or at work there's a fair chance a friend will. Or go to a high-street print shop such as Kall Kwik. They'll do it for a fee. Make sure that they are scanned to print resolution, so at least 300dpi, preferably higher. These can then be stored to disk or CD.

2. You'll then need to make up a 'digital' book. If you don't have access to Photoshop, QuarkXPess or Pagemaker or other desk-top publishing packages, then there are plenty of DTP shops around. Think about the format that you want, how you want the book to look, the layout and design.

3. Find a bookbinder. Many places will print and bind, but if you want specialist binding, particularly leather, you'll need to go to a craftsman. Discuss what you want and, equally importantly, what they need from you. It is likely that they will want the printed paper ready for them to trim and bind.

4. If you are only going to produce a single copy - or very few - the only economical way to print anything reasonably decent-looking is from a laser printer. Again this can be done at a high-street print shop or DTP shop. This does limit your choice of paper, however, as there are limits to what a laser printer will handle. Few laser printers are likely to be able to print on to bulky hand-made paper, for example, but you can get good quality stock paper that will give a classy result. It also means that you'll probably be limited to black and white - though, on the right paper, laser colour can be pretty good

5. With the right advice you should be able to produce a handsome volume. On a cautionary note: before you commit yourself to anything - particularly the binding, as that will be the most expensive part - ask to see samples of their work. And ask for a quotation on the cost rather than an estimate; the latter tend to rise as the work proceeds.

http://search.yell.com/search/DoSearch

(online Yellow Pages) is your best bet for finding printers and bookbinders in your area.

See also the articles on how books are made and getting published

For more on Arts & Literature click here

By Simon Smith