Print and Bind Your Family History Book
Photocopying and Binding Tips and Suggestions
Many family history books are simply photocopied. When only a small quantity is needed or when you can't afford other options, this is perfectly acceptable. There are ways to give your family history book professional polish, even with low-tech reproduction methods.
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- Although almost the last step in the process, think about your printing and binding method before you start your book project. Talk to a printer. They can give you advice on low-tech and new technologies that will yield good results at the lowest costs. Sometimes the printing and binding methods will dictate certain design and layout requirements. For example, sidestitching requires extra room for the inner margin and some binding methods don't allow you to open the book flat or are better for books with fewer pages.
- Discuss both photocopying and digital printing options for small runs with your printer. Docutech printing (a cross between printing and photocopying) is one possibility that yields good results for black and white photos and is not as expensive as other traditional printing techniques.
- For photocopying from your printed original, it's usually best to use a laser original for the sharpest results. Print some test text and photos and photocopy them before you proceed too far. It may take some experimentation to get you photographs to copy well.
- While color may not be an option for the book itself, a color cover can dress up your book. A good heavy stock will help your labor of love withstand wear and tear. You may even want to expend a little extra on the cover to have it embossed with the family name. Another nice option would be a diecut where a photo of the family shows through.
- Some fairly inexpensive binding options include saddlestitch (for booklets, small histories), sidestitching (you'll need to allow extra inner margin room), various spiral bindings, and thermal binding.
