How can I, a normal everyday guy, print just one copy of a short story I wrote. (Must look professional)?

Question

I need to turn a 25 page Microsoft Word document into a healthy looking hardcover book in the next three days. Is there anything I can buy... special paper and binding glue, anything to print a copy that looks professional. It's a story I wrote for my girlfriend and I want it to look perfect.

Answer 1

Check out this site http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-bind-your-own-Hardback-Book/ which gives you step-by-step instructions on how to bind your own hardcover book. Hopefully this will help.

The first page says this:

"How to bind your own Hardback Book
The art of book binding is an ancient craft, but actually it is not very difficult to do and with almost no practice you can get really awesome results. If you are on the look out for fun craft projects or quick ways of making nice presents and gifts, then this could be the project for you.

I know that there are other instructables on the art of book binding but this project is meant to be a simple quick project that will give a very acceptable finish and a book that looks like it has been professional made, yet without the need for any special equipment.

All you will need is:

Some paper
minimum really is about 32 A4 or US Letter sized sheets, to make a half A4 (half US Letter sized book), although small books can be made as can ones with more pages. You can use tracing paper, thick or thin paper and of course colored or even preprinted or written on paper.

Some glue
You will need PVA (Elmer's White glue) or a rubber fabric adhesive (in the UK that is called Copydex, perhaps someone could tell me what it's called in the US), (a glue gun if you have it, would help with one of the stages, but is not mandatory)

Some stiff cardboard or corrugated (fluted) cardboard

Some fabric or leather
Any old stuff will do for the cover. I have used the fabric from some old pairs of trousers that were being thrown out (actually nothing gets thrown out in my house, just put to one side for later use). But you could use a bit of leather, some old curtains, cushion covers...etc etc, I'm sure you get the idea."

Answer 2

For optimum economy and quick results visit your local printing shop nearest a university or college. They may not be able to make it into a hardcover book, but they can make it attractive for you and your sweetie.

Office Depot and Kinkos are but two examples where they may meet your needs.

Answer 3

Sometimes I sit along on or a curb or curbside with my skinny arms tucked and my elongated fingers scratching crispy stuff in my oily, yet semi-glolly strands wonder - ing "why are Cherrios called Cheerios" ? Then I move to center line near a truck, with big wheels pull my tally hoo and aim at Good- Year. Cheers!

Answer 4

www.lulu.com does single print books in a variety of different finishes and options. You just upload your material, pay the publishing fee, and you can even purchase an ISBN which would be recognizable worldwide to see on lulu.com.

Hope this helps!