Our Services
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This service involves taking a provided document and creating a complete handmade book from scratch. The document is professionally printed and formatted for proper book layout, then hand-sewn into signatures using traditional bookbinding techniques. A new binding is constructed using high-quality bookbinding materials, with covers that can feature Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) designs based on your specifications, allowing for completely personalized artwork, typography, or aesthetic themes that reflect the document's content or your personal style.
Fanfiction Binding
AUTHOR PERMISSION/PROOF OF AUTHORSHIP REQUIREDThis specialized service transforms digital fanfiction into beautiful physical books. With proper authorization from the author, the text is formatted, printed, and bound into a professional-quality book with custom cover designs that celebrate the story and fandom.
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New Novel Rebind
This service involves purchasing a new book and completely replacing its original cover with a custom design. The original cover and binding are carefully removed while preserving the text block, then a new binding is constructed using high-quality bookbinding materials. The new cover features Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) designs based on your specifications, allowing for completely personalized artwork, typography, or aesthetic themes that differ from the original publisher's design.
Rebind Your Copy of a Novel
This service gives your existing damaged or worn book a complete structural renewal while preserving its original content. The process involves carefully removing the old, deteriorated binding and constructing an entirely new one using high-quality materials and traditional bookbinding techniques. The text block is thoroughly inspected, repaired if needed, and secured within a fresh binding designed for longevity, with custom HTV cover designs available.
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If you have a unique request, please reach out via the Get in Touch button at the top of the page. I’d be more that happy to work with you to make your ideas come to life!
Pricing & Process
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Fill out the order form before ordering
Info gathering: I'll reach out via email to discuss initial details for your project
Consultation(optional): If your project has a lot of details, please book a 30-min consultation so that we can clarify all the details. If you’d rather message over email or Google Meet, that’s just fine too!
Estimate: I'll send you a detailed estimate to approve
Deposit: Pay the materials deposit (covers estimated material costs)
Production: I'll create your book (6-10 weeks typical timeline)
Final Payment: You'll receive an invoice for labor hours at $50/hr and any costs
Shipping: Orders ship after full payment is received
ORDERING OPTIONS
Order Direct (Recommended)
Free 30-min consultation (online or in-person)
No sales tax (Montana-based business)
Order via Etsy
$25 consultation fee required ($15 credited toward final cost)
10% markup on services (due to marketplace fees)
Sales tax applies per Etsy's tax collection
Same quality service and Cat Tracks access
Pricing reflects the different costs of each platform while ensuring you receive the same exceptional service regardless of how you order.
MATERIALS DEPOSIT
Through my website: Deposit shows as $500, but don't panic! I'll send a discount code for the actual amount after we discuss details
Through Etsy: I'll create a custom listing for the exact materials cost (includes 10% fee for Etsy's service charges)
FINAL PAYMENT
After the project is completed, I will upload photos to Cat Tracks for you to review. Final payment for labor costs (billed at $60/hour) and any other adjustments will be sent once the photos are approved. Then, your book will be on its way to you!
RUSH ORDERS
Available for same-month completion with 50% surcharge (limited to 2 per month)
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Every customer gets access to Cat Tracks, our exclusive project tracker! Watch a little cat walk through each step of your book's journey from estimate to doorstep.
What You Get:
Real-time progress updates with walking cat animations
Personal notes and project updates
USPS tracking integration when shipped
Mobile-friendly - check from anywhere
How It Works: After submitting your order form, you'll get a secure link and password (just the part of your email before @). Check anytime to see your book's progress through all production stages.
Want more photos? Just ask! I'm always happy to share additional progress pictures.
Cat Tracks is included free with every order - no more wondering "how's my book coming along?" Try the demo!
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Pricing based on standard suppliers and current material costs. Specialty colors, textures, or sourcing requirements may result in additional material charges, which will be included in your custom estimate.
EDGE TREATMENTS
Solid or speckled edges: $10 + labor
Metallic edges: $15 + labor
Foil edges (gold/silver/copper): $25 + labor
Real gold/silver leaf: Market price + labor
COVER OPTIONS
Alternative leather: $30 (pineapple, cactus, or grape leather)
Genuine leather: $50
Premium leather: Market price
Laser engraved cover: Labor cost
LEATHER COVERS ONLY
Dust jacket: $25 (standard) or $50 (large) + design time
OTHER ADDITIONS
Ribbon bookmark: $10
Ribbon bookmark with charm: $12
Metal book corners: $5
Raised spine bands: $5
LEATHER COVERS ONLY, books over 100 pages
Custom endpapers: $10 + design time
Premium paper & printing: $0.20/sheet + printing time
Dedication: FREE!
PRINT & BIND SERVICES
Typesetting: Labor cost
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WILL YOU BIND THIS?
Your Original Work: I'm happy to bind anything you've written or created yourself.
Published Books: For any published work that's still under copyright (most books published after 1928), rebinding only. I cannot create new copies of copyrighted material - only work with existing books you own or that I purchase new.
Public Domain Works: Books in the public domain can be printed and bound as new copies.
Fanfiction: I will NOT bind fanfiction unless:
You are the original author and want it for personal use only, OR
You have explicit written permission from the author
Consider my DIY Fanfiction Binding Kit instead!
COMMISSION LIMITS
To maintain work/life balance, I only accept a limited number of custom orders per month. This is my hobby, not my full-time career, so I appreciate your understanding!
Project Minimum: $150
Custom bookbinding projects start at $150. This minimum ensures I can give your project the time and attention it deserves while maintaining the quality standards I'm proud of.
Labor Rates:
Semi-custom templates (purchased in my shop): $30/hour - These are standardized designs with predictable timelines
Fully custom projects: $60/hour with a 2-hour minimum - Custom designs, unique specifications, and one-off work require consultation, design time, and project management even for "simple" bindings
Final cost may be higher or lower depending on actual labor time required.
Budget Restrictions: If $150 isn't in your budget, I have other options:
DIY Kits (starting at $65) - Everything you need to bind your own book, plus instructions!
Penguin Rebind (starting at $75) - A semi-custom rebind in the iconic Penguin Clothbound Classics style with your choice of colors
QUALITY STANDARDS
Every piece is handmade with care. While I strive for perfection, small human touches are part of the handcraft charm. If there are any significant issues, please reach out - I'll do everything I can to make it right.
Lifetime Warranty: All my work comes with a lifetime warranty against defects.
TIMELINE EXPECTATIONS
Standard timeframe: 6-10 weeks from deposit to completion
Progress updates: Feel free to ask about your project's progress anytime!
Final cost: May vary from estimate depending on actual labor time
Books with lifetimes longer than your TBR list.
Our books are like that loyal friend who always has your back, ready and waiting whenever you need them. Just like a trusty sidekick, our books are tough and dependable, with a lifetime warranty to boot.
FAQ
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It depends on what you want! My pricing philosophy is simple: your book, your budget, your choice.
Materials cost: You only pay for what your specific project needs, unless you are requesting something niche or that comes in large quantities only.
Labor cost: $50/hour for custom work.
Example: A standard novel rebind typically runs $150-250 total (materials + labor), but it varies based on size, add-ons, and complexity. Want foil edges and premium leather? That costs more. Want a simple, durable rebind? That costs less.
I'll always send you a detailed estimate before we start, and you approve it before I order anything. No surprises, no pressure.
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Nope! Not every book needs to survive 500 years in a museum.
I offer materials at every price point because beautiful, durable binding shouldn't require a trust fund. Want a book that'll last your lifetime for under $200? I can do that. Need archival-quality materials for a family heirloom? I can do that too.
We'll talk about what makes sense for YOUR book and YOUR budget during the estimate process.
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Rebinding means giving your book a completely new binding and cover. The old binding gets removed, and I build a fresh one from scratch. Great for books with damaged covers but intact pages.
Restoration means repairing what's there - fixing loose pages, mending tears, reinforcing fragile sections. But here's the important part: I'm a bookbinder, not a conservator.
What I CAN do:
Fix loose or detached pages
Mend minor tears in text pages
Reattach separated sections
Basic repairs for somewhat brittle or fragile paper
What I CAN'T do:
Preserve original covers (rebinding removes them)
Chemical treatments for damaged paper
Museum-level conservation work
Restore severely damaged or extremely fragile materials
If your book needs serious conservation work (like museum-quality preservation), you need a professional conservator, not me! I focus on practical repairs that give your book a functional second life, not archival preservation.
If your book is too damaged for what I can safely do, I'll let you know after assessment and send it back.
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Yes! Here's what I can bind:
Your original writing (dissertations, novels, poetry, etc.)
Fanfiction - ONLY if you're the author OR you have explicit written permission
Public domain books (published before 1928, mostly)
Your own copy of a book for rebinding (I can't print new copies of copyrighted books)
Family recipes, journals, cherished worn-out books - these are my favorites!
Not sure if your project works? Just ask! I'm happy to help you figure it out.
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Most projects take 6-10 weeks from deposit to doorstep. Here's why:
Materials usually take about a week to arrive (Montana shipping!)
I work on projects when I have studio time available
Handmade work takes time - I'm not rushing through your book
You'll get access to Cat Tracks (my project tracker with a little walking cat!) so you can check your book's progress anytime. I also send updates if anything changes.
Need it faster? Rush orders are available for same-month completion with a 50% surcharge (limited to 2 per month).
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Yes! I teach in-person workshops at Wheelhouse in Bozeman during the winter months. Classes are usually $60-80 depending on the project, and you leave with a finished book plus the skills to make more at home.
Can't make it to Bozeman? Check out my DIY Bookbinding Kits - they come with everything you need to learn at home, because the craft shouldn't be gatekept.
Follow my Instagram or check the Events page to see upcoming workshops!
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I'm based in Bozeman, Montana, but I work with clients all over the country AND internationally!
You can ship your book to me for rebinding/restoration, or I can purchase a new book and customize it for you. Everything ships with tracking and insurance - whether you're in the next state over or across the ocean!
Prefer to work in person? Local Bozeman clients are welcome to drop off books and discuss projects face-to-face!
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Before I ship your book, I send you photos of the finished product. You have 48 hours to let me know if something looks off.
If there's a legitimate issue with the work, I'll make it right - that's what my lifetime warranty is for.
But here's the thing: everything is handmade, so small variations in color, texture, or slight imperfections are part of the craft. These aren't defects - they're what makes your book one-of-a-kind!
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Cat Tracks is my custom project tracker that shows you exactly where your book is in the production process - with a little cat that walks through each stage!
Every customer gets a secure link and password after placing their order. You can check it anytime from your phone or computer to see:
Real-time progress updates
Personal notes about your project
Tracking when it ships
Fun cat animations as your book moves through production stages
It's included free with every order. No more wondering "how's my book coming along?" - just check your cat!
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You can order either way! Here's the difference:
Order Direct (Recommended):
Free 30-min consultation
No sales tax (Montana business!)
Lower prices (no marketplace fees)
Order via Etsy:
$25 consultation fee ($15 credited toward final cost)
10% markup to cover Etsy's fees
Sales tax applies per Etsy's requirements
Same quality and Cat Tracks access
Both options get you the same handmade care and lifetime warranty - it's just about which platform works better for you!
Still have questions?
Email me at jess@jestercatbinding.co or use the Get in Touch page. I'm always happy to chat about your project ideas - no question is too small or too weird!
Testimonials