Why Your Book’s Binding Matters
Learn More About Book Binding Choices
The type of book binding you choose says a lot about your book. Hardcover bindings give a stately, higher-quality appearance, paperbacks are lighter to carry, and spiral bindings mean a book is used often and kept open. The right binding matters for all self-publishers, whether individual authors or businesses publishing books.
When you decide to work with us at Acutrack to print your book instead of going with print-on-demand, you enjoy the full range of binding options. We help you compete with traditionally published books full-stop, with no limits. It’s a significant advantage you don’t have with on-demand printing schemes.
Acutrack’s affordable book printing allows you to choose any binding.
If you’re weighing your options about printing and book fulfillment and want to learn more about book bindings, this article describes each in detail. The most important consideration as you decide is who is reading your book and how they are using it. Answering those questions will help you make the right binding choice.
Case Binding
Case binding, also known as hardcover, is the gold standard of quality and durability for books. In the earliest days of publishing, nearly all books were considered significant and were case-bound.
How is it done? Case binding is achieved by gluing the inside pages in sections that adhere to the endpapers and are ultimately attached to the cover’s spine. Although they command higher retail prices, they are exceptionally durable and regarded as the highest quality.
- High-end look and feel
- Multiple cover options: heavy paperboard, cloth, leather
- Spines can be flat or round
- Other options: headbands and endbands, bookmarks, embossing, foiling
Are there any cons? The weight of case-bound books may pose logistical challenges, such as increased shipping costs. While the upfront cost is higher, particularly for smaller quantities with digital printing, economies of scale kick in for larger orders of 1,000 copies or more with offset printing.
Perfect Binding
Perfect binding, frequently called paperback, is similar to case binding but with a lighter-weight paper stock cover. It’s finished by gluing the cover and pages together with a durable, long-lasting adhesive. Typically, the cover is printed larger than the inside pages, then trimmed so the entire volume is symmetrical and the same size.
Paperback books are an economical alternative to hardcover for production and shipping without significantly compromising quality. Perfect bound is the most popular binding choice and well-suited for a diverse range of books, many of which become bestsellers.
Saddle and Pamphlet Stitched
Saddle Stitch is popular for comic books, coloring books, event programs, and thinner catalogs and magazines. They are printed, neatly folded to create books, and bound with staples, generally two but possibly three, depending on the size.
Pamphlet stitch binding is slightly more refined than saddle stitched and uses thread passed through an odd number of pierced holes. The ends of the thread meet in the middle and are tied into a single knot.
Spiral or Wire-O Binding
Spiral binding uses a plastic spiral or coil inserted through drilled or punched holes to bind the book. Its primary advantage is that books can open a full 360 degrees and lay flat on surfaces. It is the binding of choice for many often-used books.
- Instruction manuals
- Cookbooks
- Craft books
- Guides and directories
Books bound with metal wire, known as wire-o bound books, are an alternative to plastic coils and have a similar look and functionality. However, the wire can bend, whereas the plastic coils are more durable. Some people feel the metal wire-o binding has a higher-end appearance.
Ready to Choose Your Book’s Binding?
If you’re looking for pricing on various book binding options or want to learn more about book printing and binding, our customer service specialists are ready to help. You can call or contact us online for more information about choosing the best binding for your book.
