We can bind just one book for you?
That’s right! You don’t have to be a big publisher or library to be able to bind at Grimm Book Bindery. Even if it’s just your favorite copy of “The Hobbit” that was ruined, or you wanted it in hard cover and only have access to soft cover, OR if your “dog ate the book” we can cover that too (pun intended). See below for a few single items we did for our customers. Then, if you want to proceed, choose one of the links below the photos to start the binding process. Thanks for stopping and have a great day!
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I have a classic history book whose cover is missing (1898)
First, I apologize for the delay in response. When we first set up this section, it was going to the wrong email account so we didn’t see the comments! (Blush) That’s all fixed now and hopefully you just gave us a call. That aside, we see cover-less books all the time! We can make a new cover for your book with the title printed on the spine, front cover or both. There are a lot of options available so if you just describe what you want, one of our Customer Service Representatives can help guide you to the right look for your binding. Often with a book that has no cover, we will follow the title page for the cover layout. And with the internet these days, you can also try to do a search to see what the old cover looked like. There’s an AWESOME site for “Project Gutenberg” (see http://www.gutenberg.org/catalog/). This non-profit organization offers over 54,000 FREE eBooks, most of which were older books, and are now copyright free. Through volunteers, they digitized & proofed them. So they have many old books, most of the classics, etc. free to download as well. It’s one of my favorite resources! You can search for the title of your book and on many of them, they have a scan of the front cover as well so we could try to match as close as possible (if you desire). Otherwise, you can just do a basic cover with the title & author on the spine. It’s up to you! Note: Project Gutenberg is also a great place to go if your book has missing pages as you can download & print – the format is not always the same, but better to at least have the words back in your book again! Please contact us by email (info@grimmbindery.com) or call 608-221-4443 or stop in and visit the bindery at 6880 Gisholt Drive in Madison, WI. We’re open from 7:30 am o 4:30 pm Monday through Friday and there’s always someone there to help guide you. We would love to help get your book back to being a fully covered book again! Again, my apologies for not seeing your comment sooner.
I am making a book about myths and legends dor my fiancée as a wedding gift. Can you guys help me to create this into a medieval leather bound book?
Hi Beandri – Thank your for your question. Yes, we can do that. If you have a design in mind, you can send us your ideas to info@grimmbindery.com and we can give a quote. If you prefer, we can send a few photos for ideas of what you can do. We do leather and can add metals or designs to the cover as well. Congrats on the engagement!
I have a classic pop up book and several of the pop up pages don’t work can you repair it?
Hi Carolyn – Usually we can repair the pop up books, but it all depends on how it was put together and how it was broken. The best thing to do it so send us a few photos, showing the damage. We’ll then let you know if it can be repaired and what the cost might be. You can email us at info@grimmbindery.com with a few photos. Thanks for the question!
I have a story that my Dad wrote about his experience in Vietnam for my sister’s history class quite a while ago. I thought it would be neat to get it bound into a pamphlet/book. I’m not exactly sure how long it is but I am sure we are not talking about a large book. I would be looking to do 5 copies. It is just printed on paper right now. I could either re-type it or scan it into a pdf. Whatever would be necessary. Is this something you can do?
Thank you for your interest in our services Karin. You can retype it or scan it into a .pdf. We have done both. Sometimes with something personal like this, it’s nice to see the actual handwriting. Or if it’s typed, the original typed document has a classic look as well. The only problem with scanning we see is if some of the text is not very dark to start with (such as with pencil). Then the printing can be problematic (but we can darken if needed). If it’s all clear, then you should be fine. For either method, we ask for a PDF as that prints best. Once you have it scanned, or typed out, you can send an email with the file attached. It’s best to then use the “rebind or new order” form, found by clicking “order now” at the top of any page. Fill that out and attach it along with your file and send to info@grimmbindery.com. If you prefer, you can also just print out your own copy and ship it in with the form. Take care, Tracy / Grimm Book Bindery, Inc.
Hey Karin, I saw your post and would bet anything that my sister posted this… Until I saw your pic! Me and my sister are wanting to do the exact same thing. Was going to ask if you had this done yet but it looks like you just posted this… I. Couldn’t find a way to message you directly, but if you find this you can look me up on Instagram and contact me from there! (Carbon_CBR) or email from my site http://www.NoUgaming.com. Would love to hear your dads story!!
Merry Christmas, Nd have a grand New Years!!
I have 2 soft cover books of the same size that I would like to get bound together in a hardcover leather volume. Is that something you can do?
Hi Alex, Thanks for the question 🙂 Yes, we can do that! The best way to send it in is through our new Make A Book link (found at the top of any page). You’ll choose “existing book or pages” right at the beginning and then you can choose all the options for your cover. Once complete, you print out the order form and send with your 2 books. Be sure to mention in the comments (towards end of process) that you want the 2 books bound into one. When entering thickness, enter the thickness of the 2 books together. There is no additional charge to put the 2 together. (So don’t say “2 copies” at the end, that would be if you were doing 2 fully bound identical books). If you don’t like dealing with computers, you can also send your order in using our paper order forms (found in the “ORDER NOW” link at the top of any page). There you can print out a form to send in with your books. And, if you’re totally “old school” you can just send your books in with a letter describing what you want done. We have humans opening and looking at every order that comes in and we’re happy to work with your personal preferences 🙂 It just might take a little longer as then they have to contact you for details. The Make A Book streamlines it so your order is handled immediately.
I’m very old and want to make a book for a great granddaughter who is not here yet. Would put pictures and comments about large immediate family as child will live away from many of us and I’d likefor her to know her family. I can do it on publisher but don’t know what kind of paper or binding would be suitable and childproof. I probably won’t be around for too many more years and would like to give her something to remember me by. Can you advise me?
HI Ellen – What a nice idea for your future great granddaughter! We can print on a heavier paper and use “centerfold sewing” to sew in signatures that will lay open nicely. You can create in Publisher and then just save as a PDF for us to print. We have hardcover cloth bindings, or “color copy” covers that are a laminated full color cover. That might be nice for a child. Either method wipes up nicely with a damp cloth. If you would like pricing, you can email us with the number of pages. Or, just give us a call to discuss.
I have A old family bible that needs some care and attention
HI Kevin – Thank you for your inquiry! When you say “old family Bible”, we see two types. A hand Bible, apx 6″ x 9″ that you would bring to church with you. Those currently run apx. $60-$75 depending on what you want done (in imitation leather). If it’s one of the big old family Bibles that are 3″ thick, pages of about 9″ x 13″ with heavy covers, a lot of decoration & in leather, then we restore the cover. Often needing to build a new spine, glue the old spine over the new and refinish the leather and more. Those currently run between $250 and $500 depending on work needed. The $250 would be if it was in pretty good shape, with just the cover loose or broken. The $500 range would be where pages are coming out or torn and with other issues needed like a pretty rough cover, etc. I hope that helps! If interested in sending, you can go to “order now” at the top of any page, you’ll then see PDFs to send your order in. “Rebind” for the first type or “Restoration” for the 2nd type. If you’re local, you can also just drop off your order. Thanks again for the inquiry!
I have completed ancestry research on my father’s family and have one spiral copy. I would like 3 copies bound in leather or faux leather as gifts for my sons.
Hi Theresa, Thank you for the question. If you have the file for your ancestry, we can print the copies and bind in leather or faux leather for you. The best way to order is to use the Make-A-Book link (found at the top of any page) to set up your order and upload the file for printing. You’ll be able to make all your choices for color and material through that link! You can also just email the file to us or mail a flash drive in the old fashioned way with a letter explaining what you want done 🙂 Colors & Materials can be seen by clicking on the Colors & Materials tab.
My mom bible is falling apart id like to get it fixed so I can keep it it’s been around longer than me and I’m 63
Hi Sonya – We would be glad to bring your Mom’s Bible back to life! I actually had a Bible that belonged to my Grandmother, she gave it to my Mother, then my Mother gave it to me. It was pretty worn. When I rebound it, I added my Grandmothers name, my Mom’s name and my name to the front lower corner. Both of them would write notes in the margins, or highlight things in the text. They have both passed away now, so when I read it, it’s like having them there with me showing me their thoughts from when they read it way back when. We can do a totally new cover, or we can save the old cover. It’s more costly to save the old cover (as it takes extra labor). We can do a “rebind in old cover” – the current cost for that (Nov 2023) is generally $100-$122 depending on the time it takes to rebuild. To bind in a new cover is less, currently starting at $60 for a hard cover in imitation leather or $80 for a flexible cover (many Bibles have flexible covers). We can also bind in genuine leather for additional cost. To send in, you can use the Make-A-Book link at top of page to pay and print an order form. Or, you can also just send the Bible in with a letter explaining what you would like done. We’re fine with modern or old fashioned ways of communication
We printed a book with a book company for our retiring CEO. We regret not having printed it with a company that binds w/ leather covers. This said, I’d like to understand what it would cost to rebind a book in leather with embossed lettering and design.
First, I apologize for the delay in response. When we first set up this section, it was going to the wrong email account so we didn’t see the comments! (Blush) That’s all fixed now and hopefully you just gave us a call 🙂 That aside, to answer your question, we have 3 different grades of leather, currently (Oct 2017) pricing starts at $90 for a basic book in Bonded Leather (actually a manufactured leather, made from leather, but not a skin) and goes up to $165 for a basic book in Glaze Leather (very thick & luxurious feeling) – there’s also Cowhide, Pigskin & Kidskin available that land in between those costs. You can see the leathers we offer if you click on the “Colors & Materials” button toward the bottom of this page. And you can get full pricing by just calling, sending an email or stopping in. Give us the details of your order and we can let you know the costs. We can either use one of our Standard Bindery Typefaces (Ludlow or System III machines) or if you want to follow exact artwork or add a logo, then we can have a stamping plate made from your artwork. Thank you for your comment and again, my apologies for not responding sooner! I’m happy to say we are up and running correctly now 🙂
I have a culinary arts institute encyclopedic cookbook and the cover is completely off . Can you rebound this and how do I get it done? I think it’s a 1950s copy.
Hi Shona – Thank you for the question. If you want it “rebound in old cover” and the cover IS OK, normal cost would be $80 (in 2021) plus shipping if needed. While it’s off, we will check existing sewing and backing and reinforce the cover if it’s needed. To send the book in, you’ll find a form to use at https://grimmbindery.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/Misc.pdf. Leave cover material unchecked and in the area for description, just say you want to bind in the old cover. Or, you can just mail the book to us with a letter describing what you want done along with your name, phone and email. We’ll then contact you when we get the book.
I have a first edition copy of “My Colonel and His lady” by Archibald Rutledge. The cover is not in good shape and one page is loose. Could you give me an estimate for the cost of recovering? I can send pictures.
Hi Ann – Thanks for your interest! It all depends on what we need to do to it. You said “first edition” and asked for cost of recovering. Usually with first editions, restoring the old cover is preferred. But perhaps it doesn’t have value “as is”. That said, to restore an item, depends on how much work and it’s condition, so we would need to see the book or a photo to give any estimate. You can send photos to info@grimmbindery.com and ask for an estimate to restore. If you just want it recovered with a new cover, then it depends on the detail of the cover you want. Lowest cost (as of June 2018) would be $47 for a new cover with the title printed on the spine or front in gold, black or white, basic text. This cost includes basic resewing if needed. But, it can go up from there depending on condition, if additional handwork is needed due to poor margins or other items. We can do a “color copy cover” if it’s a book with an illustrated or full color cover (for an additional cost), you can also choose full leather binding, decorations, plates, etc. As you can see, best thing to do is to send a photo to our email and we can go from there. Thanks again for the inquiry!
Hello! I love some of the examples I’ve seen of your work! For a present for my mother, I’d love to have her favorite romance novel leather bound with some metal accents as well as the edge guild. I do have a copy of the book but I can’t seem to find it in large print! Would you be able to make a large print copy? Or point me in the direction of where to look for someone who can so I can then send it to you to have bound? Thanks for your time and I do hope to hear from you soon!
Hi Misty, We’re glad you like our work! And apologize if we missed your Mother’s birthday. Due to copyright laws, we can’t reprint books (unless copyright free-most items before 1923 are). But, if you can find a large format copy, we can rebind it in a lovely copy in leather with gilding and establishments. Once you find the large print copy, you can use the Make-A-Book link (at the top of any page) to set up your order. You can also just sent it in with a letter explaining what you want done. If you need it faster than 8-10 weeks (current binding time), then write RUSH on the outside of the box so we can discuss options with you. Thanks again for the inquiry!
Hello, I was looking for a price on rebinding a Bible. It is my daily Bible, not an antique. I just need to find about how much it would cost to get it rebound in a soft leather or leather-like cover. Thank you
Hi Joy – Thank you for your interest in our services! The best way to get a price for your Bible rebinding would be to email us a photo of the book with what you would like done. One of our Customer Service Representatives will then reply with options and costs. If you live in the area, you can also stop in to the office any time Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm and there is always someone ready to look at your book and give you pricing and options. Additional information to know: It’s actually less costly for us to make a new cover instead of trying to fix or restore the old cover. Often customers ask for a “restore” or to “fix using the old cover” which we can do, but with labor those options usually end up more costly. Since we are bookbinders, and it’s what we do, a totally new cover is easier for us as there isn’t as much labor involved as when we restore or repair the old cover. If there is sentimental value, the customers tend to go with the old cover. But if it’s just that you need a new binding, you can choose a new color and print whatever title you want on the new cover, including adding your name if you like!
I have a hardcover Bible i’d like to rebind in a nice leather softcover.
Hi Mark – Thank you for your interest in our services to repair your Bible. We can definitely handle this for you. If you click on the “ORDER NOW” button at the top of any page, you’ll find a listing of .PDF forms. The “rebind or new bind” will be most appropriate for a Bible rebind and will give you many options and current pricing. We call the soft cover “flexible” so that is what you want to choose in the cover upgrade options. You can see all the colors available by clicking on the big button in the lower half of all pages “COLORS AND MATERIALS”. It will show you the different leathers we use to rebind and explain a little bit about each. Again, thank you for the interest in our Bible Rebinding services! Tracy / Grimm Book Bindery, Inc.
Do you have regular business hours? We need to have a family Bible rebound.
Thanks for your help.
Yes Sharon. We are open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm CST. If you are in the area, you can stop in any time without an appointment. We always have a Customer Service Representative available to help you and assess your binding needs.
I have a big family Bible and was wondering if I sent you a picture of it you could let me know if you can fix it
Hi Martha – Thank you for your inquiry! “Big Family Bible” sounds like one of 2 items that we see a lot. Most common is the big old family Bibles that are 3″ thick, pages of about 9″ x 13″ with heavy covers, a lot of decoration & in leather, then we restore the cover. Often needing to build a new spine, glue the old spine over the new and refinish the leather and more. Those currently run between $250 and $500 depending on work needed. The $250 would be if it was in pretty good shape, with just the cover loose or broken. The $500 range would be where pages are coming out or torn and with other issues needed like a pretty rough cover, etc. The other type we see are about 2″ thick, have a maroon or white thin cover with gold foil. They were made out of a very poor material, so the covers often crack and are very stiff (but thin, not a full hard cover). Because the material is deteriorating, we recommend not to use it and we just put on a new cover, trying to match what we can from the old. At times, if the customer goes with a new hard cover, we can cut and glue the old design from the front cover, onto the new front cover. They also have paintings for the endsheets, we can sometimes save those, or do a color copy to replace. Those currently start at $60-$75 – then go up from there if you want extras added. If it’s not one of those, you can certainly email a photo and we can do an estimate. I hope that helps! If interested in sending, you can go to “order now” at the top of any page, you’ll then see PDFs to send your order in. “Restoration” for the first type or “Rebind” for the 2nd type. If you’re local, you can also just drop off your order. Thanks again for the inquiry!
Where are you located and how do we get book to you
Hi Monica – We are located in Madison, WI. If you are in the area, you can stop by and drop your order off Monday – Friday between 8:30 and 4:30 pm. If you are not in the area, then you can ship your item to us. You can find a form to send along with your book by clicking on the “ORDER NOW” button at the top of any page. That will take you to a list of PDFS – choose one that sounds closest to your order. You can also just send your book with a letter telling us what you would like done along with your phone number and email so we can contact you to discuss your order. Customers use US Post Office, FedEx and UPS – all work good to send in orders and have tracking services available. You can ship to us at Grimm Book Bindery, 6880 Gisholt Drive, Madison, WI 53713. We are also considered to be in “Monona, WI” so don’t be alarmed if the provider you chooses, changes the address to Monona. Just an oddity with the address, either works!
Hi, I have a bonded leather Bible that fell on the floor and the entire spine of the Bible pages tore away from the spine section of the leather cover. There is nothing to help the Bible to keep its shape.
I am in Georgia and don’t know where to go to get the spine reattached to the cover. Can you advise, and what would I be looking at cost wise to get the spine cover attached properly again. Cover is in good shape.
Hi Janice, Sorry to hear about your Bible. “Bonded Leather” is actually a manufactured leather (made from leather, but it’s ground up, then pressed, so it loses the normal strength genuine leather would have). So, that can happen when dropped. To save the cover, it’s more costly than to just bind in a new cover (as it takes extra labor). We can do a “rebind in old cover” where we make a new spine, build it into the old cover, then glue the old spine over the new spine. The current cost for that (July 2023) is generally $100-$122 depending on the time it takes to rebuild. That would be for a book where the pages and sewing is also in good condition. To send in, you can use the Make-A-Book link at top of page to pay and print an order form. Or, you can also just send the Bible in with a letter explaining what you would like done. We’re fine with modern or old fashioned ways 🙂 For a new leather cover in genuine leather, it’s currently at $160 and would be a stronger cover than trying to save the bonded leather cover.
Hello. My aunt just vs
Thank youve me my father’s reading primer from the 1930s. The cover is a beige color. The book is not in good shape (binding is almost nonexistent).
I’m hoping it can be restored as I’m going to be a grandmother (first time!) and would like this for him or her.
Hi Christina-Your message is a bit garbled, I’m thinking the “thank you” got in between the rest and that “your Aunt just gave you your father’s reading primer”… If that’s the case, YES! We can restore or rebind 99.9% of the items we receive. Cost depends on the condition and what you want done. The best way to get an idea of cost or what we can do is if you send a photo or two to info@grimmbindery.com and we can let you know. If you’re in the area, you can also just stop in Mon-Fri between 7:30 am and 4:30 pm. We love visitors!! There are 3 levels of repair depending on the value of the book & your budget. Level 1: The lowest cost is actually a full rebind with a new cover – we can bind in cloth, leather or a new 4 color printed & laminated cover. Level 2: If you want to keep the look of the old cover we make a new cover and then peel the old cloth off the old cover and glue that on to the new cover. This gives it the strength of a new binding, but with the look of the original. Level 3: We can rebind in the old cover or fully restore the book to bring it back to look as close as possible to its original condition. If it is broken, we put it back together, most often, adding a new spine and gluing the old spine over the new, then attaching the old covers. If it’s leather, we’ll recondition the old cover to bring it back to life. With all orders, we assess the original binding and resew or re-glue as needed, adding new backing & reinforcement as well. If you send an email with the photo attached and indicate which of the above operations you are interested, we’ll get back with an estimate for you! Thanks for contacting us and congratulations on becoming a grandmother!!
I want to hard bind 1-copy of a 5/12 X 8″ booklet of only 24-pages. It has a printed cover I would like to be duplicated. Can you lithograph my copy and transfer it to the new cover?
Hi Larry – Thank you for your inquiry. We can take a scan of your old cover, print it, laminate it and then use it over the board for the new hard cover binding. In house, we call it a “Mylar color copy cover”. Basically, full color print hard cover. We just use that instead of book cloth. You can use the forms found on our “HOW TO ORDER” page to print and send in with your booklet (you’ll want to use the “REBIND” form). Easiest way to find it is to click the “ORDER NOW” square at the top of any page! If you have other questions, feel free to ask! Take care.
If I had a word document I was trying to turn into a book, is there a way to turn it into one of the 3/4 leather binding books, or does it already have to be in book form?
Hi Audrey, We are happy to bind in whatever form you start with. If we are going to print, we ask that you turn your Word document into a PDF. That way the formatting stays locked. We can then print it for you (or you can print and just send the pages as well). We then bind in the cover you choose. So, you can choose to do a 3/4 leather binding. We can of course do the same thing if you already have it in a book form. If interested in binding, you just send your PDF as an attachment to our main email. You can also fill out a form with all options by clicking on the HOW TO ORDER tab at the top of the page and choosing the “Rebind or New Bind Order Form“. I added a quick link to this post as well 🙂 Thanks for the question!
I have a really old cookbook. It was my moms. She had a recipe published in it. It’s coming apart. Can you fix this.
Hi Beverly – Thank you for your interest in our services! We rebind cookbooks all the time. If it’s a bound book, we normally resew the pages and put a new cover on it (or we can use the old cover as well if you like it for sentimental reasons). If it’s one of the 3 ring binders, most of the time, we can fix the binder – if not, then we can sew the pages together to make a normal binding (without the rings). If you want to email us a photo (info@grimmbindery.com), we can give you some pricing! Otherwise, you can just ship it in and Customer Service will get back to you with options. It helps to send with one of the binding forms found on “HOW TO ORDER” page with a description of what you would like (new cover, save old cover, etc.) Thanks!
I have my old wedding Bible I would like to get rebound. The cover is completely degenerating and falling off. We are having our 65th wedding anniversary on Feb. 4 2021 and would like to have it done by then if possible. The Bible was covered with a white fake leather cover. Please let me know if this is possible. Thank you for your time.
Hi Gladys – Congrats on your upcoming anniversary! 65 years is quite an accomplishment!! Yes, we can recover your Bible. If there are some parts of the cover that are salvageable, we might be able to incorporate them into the new cover to have it still have a feel of the original. The best thing to do is to send it in ASAP. With Covid we’re running a little behind on orders, but if you have it in by mid December, we should be able to complete it by Feb. 4 for your anniversary. Please write “need by FEB 4” on the outside of the box. You can just send it in with a form you can find by clicking on “ORDER NOW” at the top of any page. The “rebind or new bind” order form will give the most options for this type of order along with current pricing. Thanks for your interest!
The cover is falling apart and needs a complete recover, The internal part of the Bible is OK.
Hi! I have an old family bible and the front cover is hanging on by a thread. Can you give me an idea of what the cost to repair would be? I appreciate your time!
HI Colleen – Thank you for your inquiry! When you say “old family Bible”, we see two types. A hand Bible, apx 6″ x 9″ that you would bring to church with you. Those currently run apx. $60-$75 depending on what you want done (in imitation leather). If it’s one of the big old family Bibles that are 3″ thick, pages of about 9″ x 13″ with heavy covers, a lot of decoration & in leather, then we restore the cover. Often needing to build a new spine, glue the old spine over the new and refinish the leather and more. Those currently run between $250 and $500 depending on work needed. The $250 would be if it was in pretty good shape, with just the cover loose or broken. The $500 range would be where pages are coming out or torn and with other issues needed like a pretty rough cover, etc. I hope that helps! If interested in sending, you can go to “order now” at the top of any page, you’ll then see PDFs to send your order in. “Rebind” for the first type or “Restoration” for the 2nd type. If you’re local, you can also just drop off your order. Thanks again for the inquiry! Tracy / Grimm Book Bindery, Inc.
Hello, i love what you do but how does it work? i have a really old book that i would like to fix and get a new cover.
Hi Thomas – Thank you for your interest in our services! We can do a new cover in a number of ways. The following options are listed in order of cost, from least to highest:
1. We can rebind your book in a new plain cloth or imitation leather cover. Included is the title printed in gold, black or white on the spine or front cover. From there you can add additional options if desired.
2. If your cover is a printed cover, like a Dr. Seuss Book, then you also have the option to have the color reproduced. We take a color copy of the old printed cover, laminate that and make a new cover.
3. You may want to rebind your book in the old original cover. The pricing on this will depend on the condition of the old cover. Sometimes we need to make a new spine and then attach the old covers to the new spine.
4. We can also rebind your old book in a new leather cover. There is bonded leather (actually that’s just manufactured leather, but made of leather). Then genuine leathers like cowhide, kidskin, pigskin and then the thickest leather – “Glaze”. All of these also include the title printed on the spine or the front. And again, you can add extras like decorations or special plates.
5. The most expensive process is restoration – where we fully restore your old cover. This is most often done with old leather books like Bibles, Plat Maps or History Books. We create a new spine in leather to match the old cover, then if the old spine is still present we attach that to the new spine. These books are also refinished on the outside as well to bring life back into the old cover.
All books get the pages evaluated and are resewn when needed. If existing sewing is good, we keep it, but add new glue and backing to make sure the pages are strong and holding together well.
To see the colors and materials for new covers, click on the “Colors & Materials” box that’s in the center of most pages. It will bring you to the stock leather, imitation leather, book cloth and other materials available.
To send in an order, click on “ORDER NOW” at the top of any page, or on most pages, in the middle of the page. This will take you to a page that will tell you how to send in your order, along with a list of PDFS for typical orders, so you can send in a form with your book, indicating what you would like us to do. We contact you before starting the work.
Hey,
I have a old addition of the collection of The Brothers Grimm’s Fairy Tales, one of many books from my grandparents after they moved to a smaller house. It looks like it was my grandfathers childhood set reading book from school. I don’t have any plans on selling it but would love to be able to keep it for my kids one day. There is no date that I can see off. But the inside of the cover has a red pattern of the date 1798 repeatedly.
The damages are:
My grandfather’s repeated attempts of writing his name in the first few pages.
His then address on the contents pages and page 7.
Glasses drawn in on the illustration on page 6.
Pen drawing on page 85
Pen tick under the chapter title on page 156
The illustration on page 279 is filled in using colour pencils
Pages 327/328 is torn in half.
Pages 331/332, 333 and 337 339 are torn.
The cover and spine is very loose and about to come off.
There are also pages with discoloring that could be moisture damage.
Pages are yellowed with age, but I rather like it, just concerned about that making it more prone to damage.
Should I get the book restored and if so, how much restoration could or need to be do be done?
Thank you for your time.
Hi Elrick – We do older books like this all the time. Typically we do not touch any of the marks made by the former owner (like your Grandfather). They are historic memories of those we hold dear to our hearts. At times, the book will be found at a re-sale shop and then the customer might ask us to remove the markings. Which we can do to some extent. I think in this case, you would want to keep all of your Grandfathers markings. For the torn pages, we can repair them which helps to reduce further damage. We typically use rice paper to do that. For the old cover and spine, once the pages are reinforced and repaired, we can rebind into the old cover. Depending on the condition, we can use 100% of the old cover, but very often, the spine is torn away and we need to add a new spine first. Then we attach the old spine over the new spine. This helps to keep the binding strong as well. We do not do anything about yellowing pages. To get an estimate of cost, you can send a few photos of the book to info@grimmbindery.com and Customer Service will let you know. Be sure to tell them you want to save the old cover completely.
Hi! I have a paperback copy of The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies that I’d like to have spiral bound, is that something you can do? Thank you so much!
Hi Maire – At this time, we do not do spiral bindings. However, we do something called “Chicago Post Binders”. We custom make a book cover and inside we use Chicago Posts to hold the pages using standard 3 hole punch, (or we can custom punch to any size needed). The posts are straight, unlike spiral or ring binders, so the pages do not lay flat. We can also hardcover your item if you are looking to protect it better. Usually local quick print shops do offer spiral binding. I hope that information helps with your project!
I have a brand new book that arrived with the binding nearly completely off the book (front and rear boards). What would it cost to fix this? I don’t need anything fancy, or a new cover – just a re-attachment!
Thank you for the question. We call this a “rebind in old cover” (even when it’s a new cover). Unfortunately, when the cover falls off on a new book, it’s usually because there were other issues with the book. However, if it’s an easy fix and the binding IS OK and the cover IS OK, normal cost would be $80 (in 2021) plus shipping if needed. While it’s off, we will check existing sewing and backing and reinforce the cover if it’s needed. If you want to send us some photos, there are times where we can do a “quick fix” but if it already has issues, often they continue unless we do the full $80 job listed above. If it’s truly just off due to lack of glue or something, we might be able to do for a flat $44 time charge (plus shipping). To send a photo and ask, you can email to info@grimmbindery.com. To just send the book in, you’ll find a form to use at https://grimmbindery.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/Misc.pdf. Leave cover material unchecked and in the area for description, just say you want to bind in the old cover. Or, you can just mail the book to us with a letter describing what you want done along with your name, phone and email. We’ll then contact you when we get the book.
What would be the price range and turnaround time for the following: I mail you a paperback novel in good condition and you rebind it in leather and marble board to make it look like a fancy old world leather book?
Hi Luke – It sounds like you want what we call a “half bind”. The spine is in leather and the front and back board would be in a marbled paper. The current cost of that would be $85-$150 depending on the grade of leather chosen (lowest cost is bonded leather, highest cost is Glaze leather). Adding the marbled papers on the board would be $15 and if you want to use marbled paper for the endsheets, that adds $30. The base price includes the title printed on the spine. Since you say “old world leather book” you also might want “raised bands” also called “hubs”. Those are the bumps on the spine that are often outlined with gold rules. Adding those is $35. So, lowest cost around $100, highest cost around $230. Our normal turnaround time is usually about 6-8 weeks. There are rush options available to get it faster. Right now, Oct. of 2021 we’ve experienced big delays with supplies and we have a lot of work in house, so it is probably taking longer. Customer service can let you know what the current turnaround time is. If you want it for Christmas, send it soon!! Thanks for the question!
I have over 5,000 typed pages of my journal that I have kept since I was a young child. In addition, I have kept journals for my son and for my daughter. They are begging me to get them bound. From previous comments, I’m assuming you can take the pdf’s I send you and bind them for me? What is the maximum number of pages per book? Right now my journals are divided into eight volumes.
Hi Vicky – Thanks for the question! What a wonderful legacy for your son and daughter to have those records. Yes, we can definitely print and bind your journals from PDFs you send to us. We can bind up to 5″ thick of materials, however, we do not recommend that as it’s a big stress on the binding! It is sewn in two parts and then combined with a special method (and then reinforced due to the thickness). Usually it’s only done when it’s an original book that thick or for “legal bibles” or “bond closings” as they are trying to keep all of the legal documents in one binding. We normally recommend to keep books 3″ or under when possible. Our basic 28 lb paper (recommended for two sided printing), is about 188 sheets per inch. So, printed 2 sided, you get 376 pages per inch, or for 3″ that would be 1128 pages. If you were really wanting the most pages in a book, you might print on 20 lb paper (222 pages per inch), at 5″ that would be 2220 pages in 5″ of paper. Again, NOT recommended that thick (and on 20 lb paper, print can show through to the other side when printing both sides). It’s hard to carry around, not pretty to look at and there are extra costs associated, so it’s best to break up into the 3″ recommendation. If you decide to bind in 8 volumes, we can print the volume numbers on the spine as well. For instance, “Vicky’s Journal – Volume 1 – 1980-1983”, then “Vicky’s Journal – Volume 2 – 1984-90”, etc. And you can name it whatever you want as well (“Vicky’s Awesome Life”, etc.). To get started, you can just email the PDFs to info@grimmbindery.com and let them know how you would like it broken up. Or go to “order now” button at the top of the page and use the “Rebinds/New Bind” order form if you want to see LOTS of options. I hope that helps! Thanks again for the question 🙂
I am excited as this may be affordable if I budget for it and spread out the orders.
What would be the best margin settings for the PDF’s so that nothing gets caught in the binding. (Documents will include pictures).
Hi Vicky – I’m assuming you’re going to set up to print on an 8 1/2″ x 11″ paper. Once we print, and bind, we then trim 1/8″ from the top, front and bottom for a nice finished edge. The sewing takes up apx. 1/8″ as well. So, we suggest at least 1/2″ of margin all around (once trimmed & sewn, that will leave apx. 3/8″ margin). That said, a lot of customers prefer a bit more margin, so we most often see around 3/4″. But it’s up to you. I often suggest that customers take a look through the books on their shelves to see what they like best. In your case, since you’ve got a lot of pages, you might want to go with the 1/2″ so you can get less pages in the end 🙂
OK. I was doing 1 inch around, and then shifted it to mirror images so the bound edge has a margin of 1.25 and the outside has .75. I am currently working on my son’s journal which will have a total of about 1600-1700 pages broken into three or four volumes.
If I submit, say, bound edge 1 inch and outside edge .75, I am understanding that the bound book will still have enough room for the print to be easily read without being caught up in the binding?
Yes, that’s correct Vicky. You’ll have plenty of room (more than an inch) in the margins as the sewing only takes up 1/8″. You’ll be able to read inner margins just fine. Happy editing!
My husband recently published his first book, and we are all so excited and proud of him. This book is his pride and joy (right next to our dog and son). He only has the book printed in paperback, but I would love to make him a special hardcover copy to commemorate accomplishing his dream. Unfortunately, I know next to nothing about turning a paperback book into a hardcover.
Hi Julie – Congratulations on your husbands first book! All you need to do is to send us a copy of his paperback book for rebinding. On a paperback, we typically remove the paper cover and then because most paperbacks are just hot glue bound, we “mill off” the glue and resew it so it’s a better quality binding. We then add the hard cover of your choice in imitation leather or leather. We hot foil stamp the title and can add embellishments as well. You can look at our photo gallery for some examples. To send the book in, you can either just send it with a letter explaining what kind of cover you would like. Or, you can click the button at the top of any page that says “Order Now”. That will take you to a page with some PDFs. You want the Rebind or New Bind Order Form. It gives LOTS of information and options. Just fill out the best you can, print and send in with the book. We will contact you to go over choices and advise if anything looks off. Sometimes it’s a bit too much for some customers 🙂 Also, coming in the future, we’re adding “make a book” software so you’ll be able to build your book seeing all the choices available. We hope to launch that in summer of 2022!
Can you bind two old books together? The two books are a Hebrew Old Testament and a Greek New Testament , the pages of one being 1 1/4 “ thick and of the other 1 1/2 “ thick. The books are each about 7 1/4 “ by 5 “. If you can do it, can you please give me an estimate of the cost?
Hi Ginger – Thank you for the question. Yes, we can bind two books together (or three, or four…). Our only limit is that they stay under 4″ in total. We can actually do up to 5″ but don’t recommend it. The two you mention total only 2 3/4″ so you would be fine. The current base cost for a new cover in non-leather with the title printed on the spine or front would be $58 plus shipping. From there you can add other options, or upgrade to leather, etc. If you would like to send, you can click on the “order now” button at the top of the page and use the “Rebind or New Bind Order Form” PDF. Fill that out as best you can and ship in with the 2 books (we call or email to confirm everything before starting the order). You can mention in the comments area, that you want the 2 bound together, let us know which should go in the front.
My husband and I were in a long distance relationship for 4 years before getting married (USA/UK). It was in the late 70’s, early 80’s and there was no easy phone contact and certainly no internet or cell phones. We have MANY letters written over that time that we are scanning into PDF’s. Once we are done scanning in we would like to have the pages bound (not the original letters of course). We estimate there could be at least 500 double sided pages if we can get a book that is 12×12 or something like that. We would like to get 2 or 3 copies.
The PDF’s will already be adjusted to improve image quality.
Can you do any pages in color if there are photos?
Hi Mary Ann – I’m so sorry this got missed! If you’re still looking, yes, we can do this. We can print in color or in black or a mix. Currently, the best way to get a PDF file printed & bound is through our new Make A Book link (found at the top of any page). You’ll be able to upload your PDF and choose the binding cover, text, everything you want! If the size really is 12″ x 12″, there may be additional charges. The site is set up to cover the printing costs for just 8 1/2″ x 11″ or smaller, though we can bind any size (even up to full newspapers!) The site will allow you to choose a custom size, but might not charge for it so we would handle that on the “back end” as we check over every order.
I got a copy of Beowulf that I would like to Get rebound with leather so that it is more durable for travel, is that a possible service?
Hi Alec, Yes! We can rebind your copy of Beowulf in genuine leather. The best way is to use the Make-A-Book link (at the top of any page) to set up your order. It will allow you to choose the leather you want, add the title and any embellishments – as you add things, it will show a mock up of your book on the screen so you can see how it will look! It’s fun once you get the hang of it. If you don’t like doing it online, you can also just go the old fashioned way by sending it in with a letter explaining what you want done. If you need it faster than 8-10 weeks (current binding time), then write RUSH on the outside of the box so we can discuss options with you. Thanks again for the inquiry!
I have an out of print game book for Advanced Dungeons & Dragons which was bound poorly when it was produced. The book itself is not in bad shape, so I was wondering if it could be rebound. The book is hardbound and measures 8 7/8″ x 11 3/8″. I realize it isn’t a particularly valuable book, but it holds a lot of sentimental value to me, and I would like to preserve it if possible. This book is the Oriental Adventures book produced by TSR in 1985. The book is 144 pages and is ISBN 0-88038-099-3.
Hi Carl – We actually rebind a lot of D&D books. We even have a D&D logo that we can use on the new cover (if wanted). If you want to try to save the old cover, we can do that too. Current cost for a new cover starts at $58 for the basics. That includes resewing the pages if needed, we also reinforce the binding to make it strong and solid. We even print the title on the spine or front in gold, black or white. Publishers bindings are not always the best but we’re in business to fix them and make them strong again! If you wanted the old cover saved, current cost is generally $100-$122 as it takes more labor to save the old cover. But they rarely go beyond that if it’s just a basic book. To send in, you can use our Make-A-Book link at the top of any page. For a new cover, it will allow you to make all the choices for the cover and add any other extras you want. We don’t have the D&D logo included in that, so you’ll have to ask for that in the “comments” section which will show at the end of the process. If you want the old cover saved, there’s an option for that too, you’ll just choose “use old cover”. Once we receive your book, someone will contact you to discuss the final details before we start any work. Thanks for your interest in our services!
I have around 50 individual paperback (also in PDF) legal books ranging from 100-500 pages. I would like to get each converted into hardcover leather bound. There a four distinct subjects. I would like each subject to be a different color but a uniform design. The pages are 8 1/2 Ă— 11. Can you give me a ballpark price for an individual copy? And if there would be a discount available for one copy of all 50?
Hi Mike – The easiest thing to do is for us to bind the paperbacks into a hard cover. To print the PDFs would be more cost to print, plus you would need to have permission if they are copyrighted (unless your own work). There is leather and there is imitation leather. And for both, we have a number of colors, with the same “embossing” or pattern, so they would look matching, but could be different colors for each set. We can then hot foil stamp the spines and covers if you like as well. Keeping the fonts the same and layout the same so they’ll all match nicely. Pricing would be best via email as there are a number of factors that would affect the price. You can use the “contact us” form and ask to be passed on to Tracy and I would be glad to help.
I have a book that is near and dear to my heart that I have used for 23 years and that I use on a daily basis. It just needs to be rebound as the pages are falling out. Can this book be rebound by your company.
Hi Naomi – Yes, we can rebind your book! With every book, we evaluate it when it comes in. With pages that are falling out, we’re able to sew them back together (if 3/8″ of margin on the binding edge). At times, there’s not much margin. In that case, we then do a “light grind” which removes the old glue/backing and then “adhesive bind” the pages back together. We use only a cold PVA glue, which is much stronger than the “hot melt” glues many publishers use. The hot melts crack and release pages as they are just like a layer on the back of the pages. With the cold PVA glue, it takes up to 8 hours to fully cure. During that time, it soaks into the fibers of the paper (that we exposed with the grinding process) and holds much better. The cold PVA is also used on the pages for the books that are sewn as well. Regardless, whatever your book needs, we figure it out and put it back together so you can read it for another 23+ years! To send in, you can use our Make-A-Book link at the top of any page. For a new cover, it will allow you to make all the choices for the cover and add any other extras you want. If you want the old cover saved, there’s an option for that too, you’ll just choose “use old cover”. Once we receive your book, someone will contact you to discuss the final details before we start any work. Thanks for your interest in our services!
Hi, I’d like to bind the Caringbridge Journal of my husbands 6 month stay in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Mayo Hospital waiting for a heart and kidney transplant. I’d also like to insert pictures where applicable. is this something you can do and how long does it usually take? Thank you
Hi Barb – Thank you for your interest in our services. If you set your document up as a PDF, we can print and bind. It currently is taking about 8 weeks if you go through the Make-A-Book link at the top of any page on the website. There, you can upload your file for printing and design the cover of your book. The system will have you pay and generate a work order that is sent to us with the file for printing. If you need help setting up your file, feel free to give us a call or email for more information. We sincerely hope that your husband is doing better!
What would be the options/prognosis for restoring a paperback book, while trying to restore or reuse both the front and reverse sides of the front cover? I’ve got a worn paperback Bible where the front cover has had maybe 5-10% torn off at its outside edges. It looks like you folks can offer a lot of options for rebuilding and keeping some or all of the old cover, but is its reverse always lost? (i.e. what’s on the left when you first open the book, before Page 1) In this case there’s an old signature on that side along with some printed stuff, that all would be sentimental to keep.
Hi Matt – For a paperback book, there are a number of options. We can do a “color copy cover” where we take a copy of the covers, then make a new hard cover using those images. We print the new cover image in full color, then laminate it in a glossy finish and use that to wrap over the new hard cover. If there are markings you want to keep, on the backside of the cover, like an inscription from a loved one, then we can either mount the original cover to the inside of the new hard cover, or we could also bind it in. It’s why the book is being rebound, as it was a special give from a loved one. Another option if the inside cover just had information, like a chart or map, if you wanted the original covers on the outside of the book, is to take a copy of the backside of the cover and bind it in as a page. Then, we can rebind the book in a cloth cover, and mount the old paper cover to the front (and back) of the book.
Hello! I’ve recently gotten into book binding at home and have recently taken on a rather large project. While I have most of the materials, I’m having issues finding somewhere local to get book cloth. Is it possible to come in with the books/book dimensions and get book cloth from you?
Hi Kaity, Yes, you can stop in during our open hours of Mon-Fri 8:30 am to 4:30 pm to buy miscellaneous book supplies including cloth. You can also buy cloth or imitation leather online at the following page (option on the left side of the page, by the color lisings: https://www.grimmbindery.com/colors-and-materials/