What is a book?

When you think about writing a book, what do you see as your end product? Most of us visualize a standard-size (8 ½” x 5 ½” or 6” x 9 “) paperback of 150-200 pages or a hardback with colorful dustcover and 200 or more pages. Right?

But the exciting truth is that a book is any “bound document” of 49 or more pages. The size can range from the tiny, gift books at the bookstore check-out counters to over-size full-color coffee table books.

When you feel strongly about a topic and the book-writing urge grows, consider these alternative binding styles:

Saddle-Stitched Short Book: these are half-size – standard 8 ½” x 11” sheets folded and stapled in the middle. (Saddle-stitched means stapled, but sounds so much more impressive.) You can produce these in your home office if your printer produces sharp, clear copies and you have a deep slot stapler. The latter can be found in any office supply store or web site.

This ease of production allows you to create a huge variety of business, hobby, informational, and promotional books. I’ve even tossed together coloring books for my grandchildren, although I wasn’t particular about whether they contained 49 or more pages. This style and size slips easily into a 6” x 9” envelope for mailing.

Plastic Comb Bound or Wire Bound Books: Are you thinking about producing a workbook or manual? The text pages and front and back cover pages generally fall into the standard paper size and can be bound at your local print shop. Or you can invest in a small comb binding machine. The 11” plastic combs cost less than 10 cents each, and the finished book looks great.

Loose Leaf Binders: For teaching guides, thick class manuals, and workbooks that you plan to add to or to update periodically, loose leaf binders can’t be beat. Select the kind that has a clear plastic compartment on the front into which you can slip a well-designed cover sheet. These binders allow the user to add and replace pages, and even tuck in some blank worksheets for note taking.

If you plan to use this format, watch for the back-to-school sales for bargain prices, and stock up.

All three styles lend themselves to in-house production which is both handier and more profitable than a trip to the neighborhood copy shop. They also allow you to be far more flexible in your book planning. And we creative people do like to have options!

~ Linda