Thesis & Dissertation Binding : FAQ's

Before You Contact us.
Make sure all of your pages are printed correctly, that each copy is complete and in the right order and that you have a copy of and understand your Universities binding requirements.

Which Universities do you bind books for?
Although the majority of our work comes from Bournemouth University the high quality of our work meets the criteria for all other Universities, just bring a copy of the spacific requirements and we will be happy to match them.

Can you print my thesis or dissertation?
No. We do not normally offer a printing service but are happy to recommend a number of local printers if you require. Under special circumstances we can arrange the print for you, for this we require your document saved in a PDF format.

What Paper should I use to produce my document for binding?
The paper you use in your document can make a big difference as to the quality and feel of your finished books, below are some suggestions which will help you get the best from your choice of binding style.

Case or Thesis Binding:
A good quality paper up to 100gsm is recommended. Beware of using "fancy" papers, which may be thicker than normal and will not bend enough to make the bound volume easy to read. As an alternative to the usual white paper why not try a pale cream.

Soft Back Binding:
A standard 80 or 90gsm paper is best as it tends to be more flexible.

Channel Binding (Hard back and Soft back):
We are restricted to a maximum of 140 sheets of 80gsm A4 paper or 100 sheets of 100gsm A4 paper.

What margins are required for binding?
We prefer 3cm on the spine or binding edge for sewing and 1.5 to 2cm on the other three edges. If you have used Microsoft Word to produce your work then the standard margins will be acceptable. Ensure that foldouts and diagrams produced have reasonable margins and that page numbers, headers and footers are away from the edge.

What if I want to include photographs?
One or two pages of photos are ok but it is better to colour print on to thin A4 photo paper or have the pictures colour copied on to A4.

Can I include large maps or graphs?
Yes, but you have to think about how they will open when bound and allow plenty of margin. Try not to include maps that are larger than the finished volume. You may decide to put the map in a pocket at the back of the volume. Please contact us we will be happy to advise.

Please tell us if foldouts are included with in your text.

What about CD's etc.?
These items can be included using pocket at the back of the volume or they can be boxed as a separate item. Please contact us we will be happy to advise.

Does size matter?
We can bind anything up to 7cm thick but remember that thick and heavy volumes are difficult to read and do not last long. We recommend that your books should be no more than 5cm thick. Please note we do not charge extra for thick documents.

We can bind volumes larger than A4. Price on application.

Can I post my document to you for binding?
Yes,we receive about 20% of our work this way: address it to P J Wellman, 19 Ebor Road , Parkstone, Poole , Dorset . BH12 2JS. Please include a the compleated order form or a covering letter detailing what you want along with a contact phone number and your cheque made payable to, "P J Wellman". Allow an extra day for delivery by post.

Remember that we cannot take responsibility for poor packing and items lost or damaged in the post.

For an additional charge we can also return the bound volumes to you by recorded delivery.