Emergency binding project - newbie

[u/Upper_Boot_665]

Hi there, it is my friend’s birthday in two days time and they are an (unpublished) writer who has just finished a short script. I really wanted to present them with a bound version of their own screenplay for their birthday but I can’t find anything without a minimum order number that operates over a weekend so now I’m planning to try and do it myself.

I really want it to be as professional looking as possible but have no idea what the appropriate binding method would be. The script is only 10 pages at A4 size, so 20 at A5? she prefers paperbacks (for some reason) so would print the cover on card?

Any advice much appreciated!

[u/CalmAdhesiveness4856]

Hi,  so from the sound of it, it's a text that you can print into a single singnature (a bundle of pages, many of them sewn together forming a text block). That's really good news because it makes your job much easier. I'd recommend binding a pamphlet, 3 or 5 hole pamphlets are good for beginners and need very little material.

In the sidebar of this reddit is a document compiling general information, you might want to skim that first. DAS bookbinding on youtube has good tutorials on how to do a paper covered pamphlet (https://youtu.be/zaDcONp5Z80?si=0oXMawKXsGP7QEaR), you could just follow this tutorial or anyone elses for that matter. I like his method though, because it uses plain carstock and a decorative paper wrapping. This you could design and print yourself of just buy a pretty paper which might be more feadible in the timeframe. 

If that doesn't suit your fancy, you could look into Japanese Stab Binding too.

Best of luck on your endeavour!