ABOUT CGM BOOKWORKS
Who runs CGM Bookworks?
CGM Bookworks is a one-person operation. I create every book by hand in my workshop, ensuring that each one is unique.
What inspired you to start bookbinding?
I’ve always been an avid reader, but I discovered bookbinding in early 2023. It quickly became a way for me to combine my love of books with a creative, hands-on craft.
What types of books do you enjoy working on?
I especially enjoy reformatting and editing classic novels from the public domain, transforming them into unique, hand-bound editions. It’s a way for me to connect with these timeless stories in a creative and personal way. I also love working on journals, designing them to be functional, beautiful, and inspiring spaces for writing, sketching, or organizing ideas.
Do you work with illustrated books?
Yes, I enjoy working on illustrated books, but they require extra time and care. I often have to search for original images, which are found in photographs of yellowed or damaged pages from the original editions. Once I locate the images, I clean and restore them to ensure they look their best in the finished book. It’s a meticulous process, but it’s rewarding to bring these illustrations back to life.
What do you enjoy most about bookbinding?
For me, it’s the combination of creativity and precision. I love transforming classic literature into something tangible and unique, and I enjoy the challenge of learning and experimenting with different techniques.
PRODUCT DETAILS
Are all your books truly handmade?
Yes, my books are not just a cover, they are 100% handcrafted from start to finish in my workshop in Oregon by me. Making handcrafted books is a very labor intensive process. I fold the pages, sew the text blocks, build the cover boards, and many more steps. Each step requires specialized skill, attention, and experience, unlike most commercially available “handmade” books which are actually created by machine with only the cover portion customized.
Why do your page edges look different than store bought books?
Most mass produced books have been trimmed with a hydraulic trimmer and while they can be hand ploughed, I choose not to. This is to get away from the mass produced feel. A handbound book made with sewn signatures will have an uneven edge due small differences in the length of the folded pages. This is part of the character of these books, giving them a distinctive, artisanal quality.
SIGNATURES FOR BOOKBINDING
What are signatures, and why are they important in bookbinding?
Signatures are groups of folded pages that form the building blocks of a book. They are crucial because they determine the structure and durability of a bound book. Properly arranged and sewn signatures ensure a book opens smoothly and lasts for years.
What steps do you take to ensure the accuracy and readability of your signatures?
Many decades of experience in editing and medical transcription have honed my attention to detail. Every word, margin, and layout in my signatures is carefully reviewed to ensure accuracy. I verify the imposition (the arrangement of pages for printing and folding) and test the layout to ensure it prints correctly. Every page is proofread.
Why are the pages out of order in your full-page pictures?
All the pages for the book have been run through imposition software. Imposition ensures that pages are arranged correctly when folded into signatures. Instructions for sorting and folding the pages are included in the information you will receive for any book signature kit.
How do you test your formatted signatures before offering them for download?
I print and assemble test copies to check the alignment, folding accuracy, and overall usability. This ensures you receive a product that works seamlessly for your bookbinding needs.
What should I do if I encounter issues while printing or using the signatures?
Feel free to contact me via the contact form on my website. I’ll assist you with troubleshooting and provide tips for resolving any issues. I’m always happy to answer questions and provide support for your bookbinding projects.
What is your return policy?
Due to the nature of digital downloads, I am unable to accept returns, exchanges, or cancellations.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Where can I learn more about bookbinding?
1. Nik The Booksmith – For those who haven’t made a book before, I strongly recommend her “Bookish Minutiae” course, which was my starting point. It is actually a class for making miniature books (smaller than mine), but I learned a lot of useful details about bookbinding here and she has some great reference printouts. This class currently costs $59.
2. DAS Bookbinding – This is a list of the many videos that are available on YouTube. These videos are an excellent way to learn the craft of bookbinding. I recommend taking a look at the videos under “Cloth Case Binding.” These give basic instructions on creating a cloth-covered book, which is a good place to start.