Binding copies refer to books with damaged covers but an intact text block; such copies should be considered candidates for rebinding.
Additionally, binding copies are used in book publishing as a reference during rebound or restoration. They serve as guides that direct bookbinders when producing unbound volumes for rebound.
Binding copies should not be considered final products but more as intermediate stages in the production process, with final binding taking place after approval from the customer.
Bookbinders use binding copies during their design process as practice models to experiment with various binding materials and techniques before final approval is given for creating final binding copies as templates to make last bound books.
Binding copy is an integral component of book publishing, as it guarantees that the final product meets high standards in both quality and security. Furthermore, this process gives books a professional and polished appearance.
Binding copies give publishers an idea of the finished book’s appearance and gauge market interest. If a publisher likes what they see, they will offer the author a binding contract; otherwise, if there is insufficient market interest, they will reject their manuscript outright.
An author must recognize the difference between binding contracts and publication contracts. A binding contract only obliges authors to deliver finished manuscripts; it doesn’t bind publishers into publishing books. On the contrary, publication contracts establish agreements between author and publisher, guaranteeing publishing books by both parties involved.