#bookbinding kit

My personal goal is to try and make fanfic binding as accessible to everyone as possible, so here are some resources on how to make a fanfic hardcover for under $25.

This is a barebones bind for the broke college students and such. Happy to field questions, too!

Here's a proposed budget breakdown:

Loosely organized thoughts:

Fanfic bookbinders often share typesets amongst each other. Never pay for a typeset for a fanfic. (A typeset is shorthand in fic binding circles for a fanfic that has been formatted/designed and paginated like a book, to be printed out.)

You'll hear a lot about grain direction for your printer paper, but as a newbie on a budget without your own printer, settle for some nice 92 bright or cream colored paper. If you like the hobby, splurge after but expect to pay at least 2-3x more for short grain paper.

Printing is a pain because some copy shops won't let you print intellectual property smut, and it's very expensive. You are better off bartering instead or looking for a free printer on Buy Nothing.

You know the thick paper wrapping that comes with online orders? It's a good weight for endpapers if you need to scrounge. Paper grocery bags or gift bags (birthday presents) might work, too.

Ask your local library to give you covers from books they are throwing out. Ask for outdated textbooks (those covers are built like tanks) or three-ring binders that are too busted to be binders anymore.

Obtain a used book that was mass produced (so your destruction of it does not impede anyone's access) and maybe even become a little vindictive with it.

If you can afford it, I recommend the Olfa SVR knife (~$10)

If you can afford it, upgrade your ruler to a t-square.

(Links to Amazon products above are affiliate links)

I really hope this resource is helpful! I want to stress how possible this is and encourage people to cherish what they love through art.

Yeah.

To that end, does anyone want a pony screw press? It's not an expensive piece nor is it new, obvs, but I'm happy to send it out if you're in the continental US. If you've got a drill and a couple specific drill bits (or spite), you can build a very good press. Maybe get a 4x4 for the support tho'.

I have also added my journal kits to the mix if you want to try out making your own and learning a little bookbinding! 

If you don’t see anything you like, I also do customs which are also on sale for 10% off

Sale runs through the end of August.

SHOP HERE

Fan Fiction Bookbinding is an act of liberation and self-determination.

So this is me trying to keep a 🕯️ in the dark. Something I can control--make the hobby of fan fiction bookbinding more accessible in United States. Archive the stories you love, tell the stories you want to tell, and feel empowered to keep creating.

This is a giveaway to try and reach folks in states who may have more difficulty accessing bookbinding supplies. There are 9 eligible states + US territories. The intention is to help folks who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford or access. (If you can afford a kit or are not in one of the states listed, you can consider buying a kit the next time they drop on Feb 14/15--proceeds are used for initiatives like this one.)

This is the bookbinding kit that I wish I had when I first started out. The goal was to put all of the hard-to-source supplies in one newbie starter kit--only the good stuff that we fanbinders actually use. (Also, I really, really wanted a storage pouch celebrating our hobby.) THE FANFIC BOOKBINDING STARTER PACK

So we've got:

Bone Folder

Awl

Hole Punching Guide

Bookbinding Needles

100% Linen Thread

Raw Beeswax

Linen or Ramie Tape

Mull

Pre-Made Endbands

Corner Miter

Resource Brochure

Fanfic Themed Pouch

Olfa Knife (optional, but so useful!)

I figure most people already have things like rulers and brushes at home, and other things like glue and boards are easier to source separately. I'm hoping this kit takes the stress out of finding all of the fiddly bits from people who are new to the hobby. (Seriously, why are Lineco products so expensive!!!)

Thank you for your interest in the Fanfic Bookbinding Starter Pack!

Hey everyone! I’m super excited to launch my first ever craft kit! 

You can now learn to make a coptic bound journal yourself with this kit. Everything is pre-cut and I have added a 13 page instruction book with both text instructions and full color photos. 

This would make a great summer project!

I also have 20 different cover papers for you to choose from.

You can order your kit HERE and you can use a special code just for my followers to get 10% off your order if you order before the end of June. Just use LADYW10 at checkout to claim your discount