Paper Thickness
I have mentioned before the importance of paper weight in cover design (at least I think I have). If not, it’s important. I am putting together a new novella called ‘Tentacles from Below’. It is the first in a line of monster novellas that will soon be available from Atomic Publishing. The cover is nearly completed (images soon to come), and the book is laid out. I know the page count and must now determine what type of paper to use for the production.
I am considering three types—a 70-lb Durotone Newsprint White (not as thick as the 70-lb would seem to imply), plain old 24-lb laser paper, and art pad paper of indeterminate weight that i cut to size. They are shown in the photo below. The art pad on top, laser paper in the middle and Durotone on the bottom. You can see how important it is to know what sort of paper you are using before finalizing your cover. Even a 1/8″ miscalculation can make a professionally designed book look amateurish.
I am a big fan of the art paper, but it may make for a novella that is too thick. It’s not too thick to bind, but I am thinking of the book’s proportions—I don’t want it to look like a miniature phone book. I will most likely try all three, but I am leaning to the too-expensive Durotone. Just a glimpse into a part of the design process that is often overlooked.
The Binding Blog 
Kirk, is there more info available on the press and plough device?
Tom
Hi, Tom. I’ve hit a bit of a dead end on the plough—I just get too much deflection with the flimsy disposable blades. If I ever do build any of these it will have to be with a high-end blade (which will probably cost more than I am willing to pay). I have seen old plans that use blades from woodworking planes, but they require constant sharpening that is probably beyond all but the most die hard woodworkers. If I do any more work on this front I’ll keep you posted. Lately, I’ve been working on some potential hardcover equipment. I hope something will come of this.
Thanks for the interest.
Kirk
Kirk, thanks for your timely response. Also,I went on the internet and saw a paper cutting machine called QCM 1200E Desktop Paper Cutter for about $247.00 but I’m a little bit leering buying things off the internet.Also, I couldn’t find out where this company was located. Probably in Outer Mongolia. Still, I should be thankful that within three blocks of our house I have full access to our Church cutting using the big cutters. I should just be grateful. Anyway, thanks again for your response and we’ll talk down the road.
By the way, my newest novel, “Cross The Brazos At Waco” turned out as good as any in Books-a-million. No kidding, I did it all from the comforts of my home. Me and Simplebind are real big buddies.
We’ll talk later.
Outstanding, Tom. I’m so glad it’s working out for you. I’d stay away from the QCM cutter. I owned a similar one. It worked fine for about a week, then the cheap steel blade began to dull. The thing just wouldn’t hold an edge. Then other parts began to break as well. It was a cheap Chinese piece of junk. Save your money. I picked up my Triumph cutter on ebay (locally). I’d rather own a used one of higher quality. But as long as your church doesn’t mind, I’d take advantage of their cutter.
Congratulations on the book too.
Kirk