Custom Bookbinding: Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know About Our Handmade Books

Wholesale notebooks and bulk journals--discounts available for large orders.

Do you offer wholesale notebooks or bulk journals?

ABSOLUTELY! We love working with businesses, event planners, artists and travel agents to create personalized notebooks in bulk. Send us a message, and let’s chat.

A variety of custom handbound books in different sizes, showcasing unique, high-quality craftsmanship.

What book sizes are available?

We offer 3 sizes, and any design can be applied to any of them:
• 6 x 8” (portrait) – Available with 100 or 200 pages
• 8 x 10” (landscape) – 100 pages
• 8.5 x 11” scrapbooks – Removable pages

If you see a design in one book size you’d like applied to a different book size, just let us know. We happily accommodate.

Custom cover mockups provided for your personalized book design.

Can I see a mock-up before ordering?

Yes! A cool new design interface is on the way, but until then, just send us your ideas for a handmade book , and we’ll get a mock-up to you ASAP.

Need to send files? Use the live chat widget below!

Exquisite custom hand-bound books in a variety of designs, showcasing personalized craftsmanship and artisanal bookbinding.

In what ways can I personalize my book?

Choose your book size and page options.
Customize the cover color, font, and cover text. (Choose from our designs, or bring your own.)
Add your logo, photo, map or artwork to the cover.
Custom-print the inside covers and outside back cover (for 6 x 8" books).
Enhance with a matching slipcase for a stunning first impression.

We offer a wide range of options so we can accommodate as many of your wonderful ideas as possible.
Be in touch with questions.

Personalized guest book for weddings – an heirloom-quality book to collect loving messages and memories from your guests.

Can I use my own design for the book cover?

Absolutely! We’re happy to accommodate your ideas. Choose from our designs, bring your own, or mix and match. Just be in touch.
We gladly provide cover mock ups so you can see how your book will look before ordering.

Hand-sewing a custom hand-bound book – crafted with care to turn cherished memories into timeless keepsakes.

Do your luxury books lay open flat?

Yes! Thanks to our hand-sewn folios, our books lie open completely flat, making them perfect for writing, sketching, and more.

Bonus:
The heavyweight pages handle ink, pencil, and even crayons like a dream!

Open guest books showing lined and blank page options for personalized guest books.

Will pen ink leak through the pages?

NO! We use heavyweight, matte paper that is ideal for various mediums—ink, pencil, crayons, you name it.

We're big fans of any good brand of gel-cap pens.

A stack of hand-sewn custom handbound books, showcasing reinforced spines for added durability.

How is my handbound book made?

Each book is handcrafted here in house using time-honored bookbinding techniques for exceptional quality and durability.
• Hand-sewn folios
create a strong, flexible foundation.
• Reinforced spines
ensure lasting durability.
• Hardback covers
wrapped in binding canvas and/or heavy cover paper add a timeless elegance.
The final step: each cover is pressed to perfection, taking its final form as it dries.

Romantic anniversary gift – custom 'Letters to My Husband' journal for love notes and heartfelt messages.

Do you custom print the pages of your books?

We aren't able to custom print the pages of our handbound books, BUT! We do offer a variety of page options, including blank, lined, and specialty pages with travel or guest book prompts. Additionally, we can custom print the inside front and back covers with personalized messages, maps, photos, or checklists. For some designs, we can also customize the outside back cover, because who doesn't love extra bells and whistles?

Personalized guest book for home housed in a matching handcrafted slip case for books.

What upgrades are available?

Only at Transient Books, you can enhance your keepsake book with:
Custom printing on the inside covers.
A slipcase for protection & impact.
A gel cap pen.
A gift box presentation.

Team of bookbinders making personalized books one at a time.

How soon will my handmade book ship?

Usually we can get your personalized journals and notebooks handbound and shipped within 14 days. On a tight timeline? We always try to accommodate.

Photo of Alex answering messages about custom handbound journals and notebooks.

Can I order a RUSH book?

Yes! If you need a personalized keepsake book faster, let us know—we’ll see what we can do.

Transient Books packages, ready to ship with care. Handcrafted, personalized books delivered to you with free shipping!

FREE SHIPPING? For reals?

Yes. FREE SHIPPING within the USA.

Because keepsake books and FREE SHIPPING are awesome.

Period.

Alex preparing and shipping handbound books, ready to be sent out via USPS for Transient Books.

Does Transient Books ship outside the USA?

We currently ship only within the USA. Shipping issues since 2020 made international delivery too unreliable, and we had some really upset customers. It was an awful experience. We truly loved sending our books across the planet and we hope to offer it again soon!

Two boys on mules in rural Argentina, where Transient Books is located.

Where is Transient Books located?

GOOD QUESTION!
• I’m Alex, a writer and book artist from Oregon.
• My husband, Magu, is a musician from Argentina.
• For 30 years, our lives have spanned both continents.
• Transient Books is registered in Oregon, where your books ship from each week, thanks to my awesome sister Sara, our U.S. distributor.
PLOT TWIST: Your books are handcrafted remotely in Argentina, and shipped weekly to Oregon.
We’re a small family business bridging Oregon and rural Argentina, where we make books, raise kids, tend to the garden, and laugh with the chickens.
• We've been working out the kinks for over 20 years now, proving, one book at a time: if you can imagine it, we can handbind it.

(yes, this really is a photo from our street.)

Still got a question about handbound books?