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Q: How should I prepare my comics?
A: You should order your comics in the exact order you would like them bound, pulling any ads or front/back covers you do not want bound into your book. Some customers pull staples, which is a big help, but never required. Please flag gatefold pages with a post it note. Please be aware that each group should be no thicker than 2 ½” for oversew binds, 2” for hand sew binds, and 1 ½” for fan binding. Secure the stack with backing boards or other wrapping material and attach one completed copy of our order form per book.
Q: How can I get the look I have in mind for my bound comic books?
A: When you include the binding slip with each volume to be bound, literally print or draw out the configuration you would like (i.e., size lettering you'd like, all capital letters or upper and lower case lettering, etc.). This is where you'd also show panel line and/or die imprint placement. We will do our best to match what you have shown us.
Q: How can I match comic bindings from other binderies?
A: The best way is to include a photocopy of an existing spine whose lettering you'd like us to match. Please make sure that the bottom of the spine is visible on the copy. This is a reference point for measurements. Also, the copy or scan must be at 100%. We have many typefaces and can usually match the sample pretty closely. In some cases, customers send the actual book they would like us to try and match and we will return it with your completed order.
Q: If I want to include a Table of Contents page for my bound comics, would I be able to just send a PDF file, or do I need to print a TOC page and include it in the shipment?
A: Please print the table of contents and include it with your shipment. We can trim it to match the size of your comics. Please be sure and create your table of contents taking into account the actual size of your comics (not the standard 8-1/2” x 11” paper size). There may be an additional cutting fee for more than one custom cut page per book.
Q: For the spine lettering, what are the maximums in regard to how much can go on a spine?
A: That really depends on the width of the spine and what you want lettered. It's best to email us the specifics.
Q: What cover material can I chose from for the base price of $16.50?
A: Buckram, Arrestox, Imitation leather. Please see color charts.
Q: How does the custom cover process work?
A: Indicate on your order form that it will be a custom cover book. Once your book is sewn and cover boards cut, we will email you the exact dimensions for your artwork. (This is usually a couple of weeks after we receive your order.) Be sure and add to your image at least a ½” bleed all the way around your final artwork; this is the portion of your cover that will wrap the cover boards. Convert your final artwork to PDF format and either send the file(s) to us on a disk, email them (25mb maximum total), or link them to an image hosting site such as MediaFire. We will forward your PDF file(s) to our printers. We then laminate the artwork and use that as the cover material for your book. The total cost for a custom cover bind is $18.50. Custom cover oversewn books should not be thicker than 2”, and if a hand sew, no thicker than 1-1/2”. Please phone or email for oversized comics. We are unable to create a custom cover for oversized comics with a total “back cover + spine + front cover” width of 18”.
Q: Can I request a flat back with an oversewn book?
A: Yes, we can leave any oversewn book as a flat back, however the rounding and backing process produces a volume that will hold its shape over time.
Q: Do you do Smyth sewing?
A: Not at present. A handsew achieves better results.
Q: Can all comics or magazines be fan bound (DAFB)?
A: No. We are not able to fan bind high-gloss paper or stacks thicker than 1-1/2” with good results. Generally speaking, glue does not adhere well on glossy paper and pages may come loose over time.
Q: Which binding process keeps the most margin, oversewing or fan binding?
A: It is about the same. The fan binding process requires a little of the gutter margin be removed to get the issues being bound into individual sheets so that each page can receive an application of adhesive. In addition, shallow notches are sawed into the gutter margin so that more surface area can receive adhesive. With the oversewing process, each issue is sewn together “as is” without any gutter margin being removed. In both cases about ¼” gutter margin is lost in the binding process; with fan binding due to gutter trimming and notches, and with oversewing due to the stitching. A fan bound volume will open a little flatter due to the flexibility of the adhesive we use in the process. The oversewn volume is a more durable binding and is our preferred binding method. (Please note the question “Can all comic or magazines be fan bound?” above for more information.)
Q: Do you usually send back the bound volumes through UPS ground or media mail?
A: Our default and preferred method of mailing back orders is through USPS Media Mail with delivery confirmation. Media Mail can take up to two weeks but your package is trackable. We can also return your order via UPS or Federal Express upon request. Media Mail is the most economical method.
Q: When and how do I pay for my order?
A: Payment is required within 30 days of receipt of your completed order. We will include an invoice in with your order, but we can also invoice you through Paypal upon request. We accept check, money order, phone credit card payments, and Paypal. Please contact us directly for credit card payments. You can email us to let us know you’d like to be invoiced through Paypal.
Q: Do you have a minimum order?
A: No, we do not have a minimum order policy.
Q: I would like to have my dissertation bound. Do you have my school’s requirements?
A: We have bound for many schools in the SF Bay Area, but there can be departmental requirements we may not be aware of. It is best for you to check with your department and send those requirements to us.
Q: How do I get my dissertation/thesis to you for binding?
A: You can print out your document and send it to us. You can also email a PDF of your dissertation and we will send it out for printing. Be sure and let us know the number of copies to be printed. If there are color figures/graphs, etc, our printers will automatically reproduce those in black and white unless you say specify you would like full color copies. As of 2011, the cost per black and white page is 8¢ and color is 80¢. If original signature pages are required to be bound into your book, please be sure and let us know when we can expect those pages from you. In your email request, be sure and note your mailing address and phone number as well as the complete address of your school and contact person if we are also sending a copy to them. Indicate how many copies should be sent to you, and how many to your school. Payment is required upon completion of your order and prior to return shipping. We will email you with a total. Credit card, check, money order, or Paypal payments accepted.
Q: What is the printing fee for various paper types?
A: We do not print here at the bindery, but can send your PDF document (dissertation, thesis, etc) out for printing. As of January, 2012, the per-page printing cost (black and white, single sided) is as follows:
20# basic copy paper = $.08 per page (This is our default paper type and will be used unless you specify otherwise)
24# laser paper = $.10 per page
28# laser paper = $.11 per page
25% cotton rag paper = $.13 per page
100% cotton rag paper = $.20 per page
Color copies = $.80 per copy
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