FAQs: Have Questions About Custom Books? Or Life? Let’s Begin.

How do I order a custom handbound book?

• You can order directly from any product page by selecting your personalization options and placing your order.
• We send a cover mockup in 1 day for your approval before handcrafting your book. 
• Prefer to see it first? Order a free cover mockup before you buy.
• Have a specific idea or question? Send us a message. We love talking through custom projects.

In what ways can I personalize my book?

• Transient Books offers a full array of ways to make your handbound book completely unique to the person receiving it. 

• 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.
• Enhance with a matching slipcase for enhanced protection and an unparalleled first impression. 
• We accommodate as many of your ideas as possible. Just ask.

Can I use my own artwork or logo for the book cover?

• Yes, you can use your own artwork, logo, or photo on your custom book cover.
• We accept JPG, PNG, and PDF files. We'll adapt what is sent to us to fit your book as needed. And we'll let you know if we need a higher resolution version before we go to print.
• We gladly provide free cover mockups so you can see exactly how your book will look before ordering.

Can I see a mockup before ordering?

• Yes, we offer free cover mockups before every order.
• Visit our Free Cover Mockup page to see exactly how your handbound book will look before you commit.
• No guesswork, no stress, no strings attached.

What book sizes are available?

• Transient Books offers three sizes, and any design can be applied to any of them.
• 6 x 8" portrait (100 or 200 pages)
• 8 x 10" landscape (100 pages)
• 8.5 x 11" scrapbook (removable pages). 

• Need a different book size? Let us know.

How much do custom handbound books cost?

• Pricing depends on the book size, page count, and personalization options you choose.
• Browse our collections to see current pricing for each design.
• All prices include Free Shipping (USA).
• No handling fees on international shipping.

Do your books lay open flat?

• Yes, all Transient Books handbound books lay completely open flat.
• Hand-sewn folios allow every book to lie flat when open, making them perfect for writing, sketching, and left-handed writers.
• The heavyweight pages handle ink, pencil, and crayons beautifully.
• One exception: our scrapbooks have removable pages, so instead of lying flat, each page lifts out completely for easy working. 

Will pen ink bleed through the pages?

• No, pen ink will not bleed through the pages of a Transient Books handbound book.
• We use heavyweight, acid-free matte paper that works beautifully with ink, pencil, markers, and crayons. No bleeding, no ghosting.
• When in doubt, we're especially fond of good gel-cap pens.

How are your handbound books made?

• Every Transient Books book is handcrafted one at a time 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.

Do you custom print the inside pages?

• We do not custom print the interior pages, but we do offer blank, lined, and specialty pages with travel or guest book prompts. 
• We CAN custom print the inside front and back covers with messages, maps, photos, or checklists. 

What upgrades and add-ons are available?

• Transient Books offers several upgrades to make your book an even more stunning keepsake gift.
• Enhance any order with custom-printed inside covers, a handcrafted slipcase, a gel-cap pen, a gift box presentation, and free printables that add meaning and creativity.
• Together they turn a beautiful book into an unforgettable gift.

What makes a Transient Books handbound book a meaningful gift?

• Each book is made by hand, personalized to the recipient, and built to last a lifetime.
• For people who already have everything, a handbound keepsake book offers something no algorithm can replicate: a gift that is entirely, thoughtfully theirs.
• We are the alternative to the generic consumer experience, and our customers tell us so every day.

Do you offer gift packaging?

• Yes, Transient Books offers a Book Gift Box that can be added to any order for the ultimate unboxing experience. 
• Every gift box includes a personalized gift note, a gel pen or colored pencils, a fun vinyl sticker, and your book gift-wrapped and beautifully packaged.
• Go ahead, be the gift everyone talks about. No extra wrapping required.

Can I include a personalized gift note with my order?

• Yes, every Transient Books order can include a personalized gift note. Just add your message at checkout and we'll include it with your book.
• A small touch that makes a big difference.

Do you offer bulk orders or wholesale notebooks?

• Yes, Transient Books works with businesses, event planners, artists, and travel agents on bulk journal and wholesale notebook orders. 
• Flexible quantities. Pricing varies by project.
• Bulk orders are quoted individually, including shipping cost and production timeline, and are not eligible for site-wide discount codes or free shipping. 
• Send us a message to get started.

How long does it take to make and ship a custom book?

• Most personalized Transient Books handbound books are made and shipped within 14 days.
• Need it sooner? We always try to accommodate rush timelines. Be in touch.

Does Transient Books offer free shipping?

• Yes, Transient Books offers free shipping on all individual orders within the USA. Because free shipping and keepsake books are awesome. Period.
• Bulk and wholesale orders are quoted separately and are not included in this offer.

Does Transient Books ship internationally?

• Yes, Transient Books ships to Canada, Australia, Greenland, Hong Kong, India, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
• We've temporarily paused shipping to the European Union due to new EU packaging regulations, the compliance requirements are too costly and complex for a small business like ours right now.
• Choose your shipping method and cost at checkout, before paying. Customs fees and import taxes are determined by your country. Not something we control, but we'll always ship with care.
• Not sure if we ship to your country? Send us a message.

Where is Transient Books located?

• Transient Books is registered in Oregon, USA where your books ship from each week.
• Plot Twist: The books themselves are handcrafted in rural Argentina by our small family team.
• My husband and I have been bridging Oregon and Argentina for over 25 years now, working out the logistical kinks and proving, one book at a time: if you can imagine it, we can handbind it.

Do you use sustainable or FSC-certified paper?

• Yes, Transient Books uses FSC-certified paper from responsibly managed forests whenever recycled paper is not available.
• We also prioritize chlorine-free options and low-waste sourcing, so your book is made with materials that are both high quality and environmentally responsible.

Where can I browse custom book cover ideas?

• Visit our Ideas for Custom Handbound Books page to flip through real examples of personalized guest books, journals, and scrapbooks we've handbound.
• Dive in. Your perfect book is in there somewhere.