How to Fix the Binding on a Paperback Book

Missing Pages Because of Broken Binding

• 1

  Clear off your work area and make sure it's dry.

• 2

  Open the book so that it is open to where the loose pages are or where the missing pages belong.

• 3

  Cut wax paper and set it on each side of the crack so that the glue does not spread, making the book difficult to open, and so damage is not caused to the manuscript.

• 4

  Take glue and spread it along the crack of the spine while the book is still open.

• 5

  Put the pages that have fallen out back in the book so that the edges of the page align.

• 6

  Wipe off any excess glue if it starts to spill out onto the wax paper.

• 7

  Close the book and place the paperback under several books while it dries. The books should be heavier so that they act like a press during the drying process.

• 8

  Wait overnight or follow the glue manufacturer's instructions for the drying time before opening the book.

Separated Cover

• 9

  Clear off your work area, allowing it to dry.

• 10

  Open the cover of the book and lay it out so that the cover remains on a flat surface.

• 11

  Cover the spine of the book with glue and make sure that the book does not have globs of glue. The glue should be spread evenly on the spine edge.

• 12

  Take the manuscript and carefully set the book's spine edge into the glue of the cover.

• 13

  Close the book and check the outside of the book for any excess glue. Wipe away the excess glue, wiping toward the spine rather than outside toward where the book opens in order to prevent the pages from being glued together. Make sure you use a clean rag each time you wipe the book off to prevent spreading the glue.

• 14

  Use rubber bands and tie them around the entire book to keep it shut. Press the book under heavier books so they act as a press while the glue dries.

• 15

  Wait overnight or follow the glue manufacturer's instructions for the drying time before opening the book.

Half the Cover Is Missing

• 16

  Take tape and reattach it to the cover, then put the tape parallel to the spine of the book so that half the tape remains on the first page. Fold the tape so that it is back on itself.

• 17

  Align the cover to the edge of the spine on the book and press it onto the sticky half of the tape.

• 18

  Take a clear plastic film and cover the book so that it reinforces the spine. If you do not have access to a clear plastic film, you may choose to use a heavy-duty tape.