Zine Making and Bookbinding: A Beginner's Guide in 25 Projects

by Lauren Simkin Berke

Learn to create zines and books with this approachable guide featuring illustrated, step-by-step lessons on making many different book formats. The possibilities are endless!

Channel your passions into zines, create your own notebooks and calendars, and try your hand at impressive pop-up and accordion books. This illustrated guide will empower you to share your ideas with the world in personalized, handcrafted packages. Whether you want to create a poetry chapbook, an illustrated ode to the people on your commute, or a map of your dreams, this book will help you leap from an idea to a physical object. You’ll learn the lingo and where to find materials, but most importantly, you’ll be ready to experiment and have fun.

If you’re an artist seeking a new medium or are just beginning your creative journey, this book welcomes you to level up your DIY, join a community of makers and thinkers, and discover the power of zines and handbound books. Start now and watch your creative confidence grow and thrive.

ZINES ARE Join the zine renaissance! Discover how to bring your passion to life through this amazing DIY art form that offers endless possibilities for creating and sharing. All you need is paper, scissors, glue, and this handbook to set your creativity in motion.

STEP-BY-STEP Educator and artist Lauren Simkin Berke walks you through each handmade book and zine format in straightforward tutorials. This book is perfect for all abilities and experience levels. 

WIDE VARIETY OF From beautiful Coptic binding to zines made from a single sheet of printer paper, this book has all your needs covered. You'll soon have a flexible repertoire of skills to bring your ideas to life!

Perfect



Zine makers


Indie writers and artists


Art students, DIY-ers, crafters, and other creatives


Designers looking for exciting new ways to express themselves


Fans and bands who want to share their message with the world


Activists looking for a long-lasting form to share knowledge and build community


Fans of origami and other paper crafts

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction

184 pages, Paperback

Published April 28, 2026

Reviews

[Val ── .✦ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for this ARC, to be published on April 14th, 2026.

This book has interesting projects for people who enjoy crafts or journaling, like me. There are many ideas you’ll find helpful. However, some instructions were difficult to follow due to the color of the illustrations, which were plain white.

[Alicia Bayer]

Couldn’t properly review it because the ARC that reviewers get is a temporary digital version with white illustrations where I assume the real ones will be. It’s a shame, since it looks like a book I might have used for our community arts center and recommended for a community art shop a friend runs in a nearby city. The author seems passionate and knowledgeable.

It’s annoying when publishers keep us from being able to properly read and promote their books. Many early reviews are going to be unfair because reviewers will have judged the book by this messed up review version.

[Karina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars 🌟
a unique craft book for those interested in creating zines and handmade books!

during 2025, i've found myself rediscovering a love for crafting and while i'm not usually big on reading craft books, I have become more interested in zines especially. throughout the year I took the chance to be more creative and even made a few with basics within my home - however while I've watched an occasional tutorial I've never read a book on various zine and book binding styles, so I'm glad I went out of my comfort zone.

While this is quite informational, its also very accessible to newbies like myself who didn't have much knowledge particularly on book binding. There's a glossary, various styles and how-to's, with easy to understand tool + material lists for each type - across Single-shhet zines, Accordion fold, expandable, layered, and a tunnel-shaped zine, alongside various book binding processes the author made each guide approachable. One of my favorite sections was the hardcover binding, I've never tried it before but again the author made it really easy to follow.

Towards the end there's a “General Subject Idea List” for zines was very helpful because although zines have no limit of content, its often a bit overwhelming when just starting out... so I liked being able to read a basic list of topics: People, Places, Story, Poems, Food, or even Imagined/fictional things for instance provided with examples all relating to experiences or things we are interested in. Its a nice starting point.

The writing in some sections could've had expanded on details as to the uses of the particular methods or further detail in general to avoid clunkiness, but overall easily accessible.

Again I'm not the biggest craft book reader, but as the topic is interesting I wanted to give it a try. Left me inspired to try out book binding !📔🖍📚✂

[thanks to the publisher for a digital ARC, my mini review to be posted on my blog]

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zine Making and Bookbinding is packed full of information--maybe too much. The author is clearly an expert and shares so much that some concepts are under-explained or assume that the reader also shares their expertise. In particular, the first half of the book is about bookbinding (not zines) and really is more of a reference or handbook. The amount of equipment required and techniques feel overwhelming. If someone is just starting out, they're not likely to have this full arsenal of tools at hand, nor construct them for themselves (in the case of a book press, for example.) If I had not been reviewing this book, I might have given up there.

However, the second half of the book, dedicated to zines, is much more approachable and helpful. From construction of the simplest one-page zine to complex multi-page projects, there is a lot to be inspired and learn from. Explanations include simple diagrams that demonstrate the more complicated folds and construction. Furthermore, there is a welcome and unexpected section on more artistic bookmaking, with instructions for various types of pop-ups, windows, and so on. Nothing in the title or description led me to expect this (maybe it's just me, but I don't associate it with zines). All in all, the second half of the book focused on zines makes it well worth adding to your creative library.

Thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for an advanced copy of this book and the opportunity to share my honest opinion.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Zine Making and Bookbinding is a good, accessible, beginner friendly collection of tutorials for self-published 'zines and small bound projects curated by Lauren Simkin Berke. Due out 28th April 2026 from Chronicle, it's 184 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

The author has an encouraging, very casual vibe, and presupposes no prior knowledge or experience. All the background and techniques are explained clearly and without too much formality. The introduction includes tools and supplies (and how to use them), followed by thematic chapters on bindings, zine/book types, accordion forms, pop-ups, tunnel/layered forms, and includes an abbreviated (but useful) list of resources and links.

There is no photography, the illustrations (see cover art) are simple line drawn in calm/retro colors throughout.

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, makers' studios, guild libraries, and home library.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Ariana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an interesting guide on how to make different types of zines and various bookbinding techniques. I found it to be well-written and the step-by-step descriptions to be detailed. Unfortunately, as an ARC reader, I am unable to judge just how effective the book is as the illustrations and diagrams were missing any useful details. I'm pretty certain the book will be printed with the illustrations fully included and I am hopeful that those details help break down the more complex steps for the aspiring book-binder, but as I am unable to perform any of the exercises in the book itself due to this lack of illustrations to help guide me, I cannot say for certain.

Info regarding where to find materials, further resources and ideas of what to make for a zine were all interesting. I think this book is worth checking out if you are interested in book binding and would like to try out some techniques for the first time. I certainly plan to buy a copy for myself once it is in print. If the illustrations are as helpful as I hope they are, then I will definitely come back and revise my review to reflect that.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zine Making and Bookbinding by Lauren Simkin Berke is a helpful guide on the art of paper crafts. Filled with charming illustrations, the book walks you through 25 different projects, as well as the tools and supplies you will need to complete them. This book is better used as a reference guide than a stand-alone tutorial, as it often operates on the assumption that you already have some foundational idea of what you’re doing. If you already have some experience in bookbinding and zine making, then this guide is full of inspiration and fun new ideas for future projects!

The illustrations are very cute, although I can see how, if you’ve never practiced bookbinding before, they could be difficult to follow. I found the tools and supplies list, as well as the “book parts lingo” page the most helpful, as I love an easy list to reference while crafting.

Overall, I think that this is a very helpful reference guide for crafters and zine artists, and I came away with several new ideas to pass along to friends who run crafting clubs.

Thank you Chronicle Books for providing this advance copy for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[SketchyNewEngland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the book said it best right at the beginning that this is a good place to start.
The explanation of the materials needed was very helpful.
Some of the illustrations on assembling sewn books were so overly simplified that it made it difficult to see what actually needed to be done. I think these sections were a good introduction to the process. You will learn the vocabulary involved in book binding that will make more sense when you maybe watch an online tutorial.
The Zine section on the other hand is a much simpler concept and I did feel like the instructions were sufficient to complete a project. The illustrations made sense and I felt like I could understand the folding/cutting process.
The pop-up forms were well developed and provided a nice jumping off point for creatives. The section on layered scenes was very inspirational. I hadn’t considered making anything like that before, but I’m now I’m intrigued.
This book will having you hopping up to grab a piece of paper and get started creating.
Thank you NetGalley for the free ARC review copy.

[Zaidee · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a librarian and a former zine fest organizer, this book makes my heart sing. Instructions and advice are practical, and I really appreciate Berke's emphasis on practicing and keeping things accessible. The illustrations are simple and effective, demonstrating assembly, showcasing tools and materials, and breaking up sections. Sometimes the terminology and instructions might be a little dense for those completely new to the subject, but enough context is given to help round things out. There is a good range of simple books/zines to more complicated projects like pop up books and hard covers. This is a book to have on hand and refer back to as you develop your own practice, or start on a new creative endeavor. I plan to add a copy to my personal zine library, and add it as available for student use where I work as well.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for the digital ARC!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this title as an ARC from Netgalley.

I've been meaning to get into zine-making as part of my masters coursework, so seeing this title got me VERY excited! The history of fandom in zines is absolutely fascinating and a legacy I want to be part of. This book is absolutely a great place to start.

It's really informative about how not only to make simple zines, but to start bookbinding in general, with terms and easy to follow diagrams for what to do. The pictures are easy to follow, and I'm pretty sure most people will have no problem following along with it all. Even the more advanced projects--the pop ups, the tunnel books, the actual bookbinding--were clear and understandable, though I'm not sure my skill level is there yet! No matter, though; that's why the book starts simple.

I can't wait to try all the folds and projects and build up my crafting skills! Absolutely loving the book and I've only just scratched the surface of what it can teach me.

[Heather Parish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very comprehensive guide for those new to DIY publishing, book binding, and zine-making. The list of binding styles and folds is very complete (it even includes information on accordion styles, which are often omitted in such guides), and the instructions and illustrations are useful. I particularly recommend this book for those in middle school, high school, or college libraries or English or art departments. For teachers and librarians, it is an excellent “textbook” for guiding students through making their own zines and working on an analog skill that most students will enjoy. Zines are expressive media that resists the need for perfection, so this thorough guide is a useful basis for creating projects around zines and DIY publishing.

Thanks to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for providing a free PDF of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Giniro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has the cute and collage feeling of making things by hand. The fonts and TBD graphics are in a similar style but precise enough to make sense as an instructional diagram. I think that these projects are a bit more than beginner so more akin to enthusiastic upper beginner. A glossary of professional terms sets you up for success and then dives into a super fast run down of book binding.

Zine's to me are smaller and don't require sewinging or hard covers. So, that was confusing to me since I expected to see different methods of making folded zine's in different layouts.

The book is still a cool guide for publishing, copying, and creating your own books! The questions is, what to fill them with. :D Don't worry, there is an inspirational list of ideas at the very end.

[Kelley]

Don't let the thinness of this book make you think it is not a valuable resource. It is a condensed, easily accessible book about the art of bookbinding and zine making. It also covers all the little extras you might want to create within your newly bound book or zine, like pop-ups. The author shows how to do the most common bookbinding techniques, as well as the most popular zine folds and bindings. Everything to get you well on your way to creating with ease.

This gem of a book will quickly become a favorite in your crafting library. The author kindly added bookmaking suppliers and more resources in the back to help you even more should you wish to dive further into your learning.

Thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[A Dreaming Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for providing me with an eARC.

This was a very nice guide to simple book binding and zine making. It covers the basics of all technical terms like the type of bind and parts of a book and then describes multiple simple projects in detail. These can be done with inexpensive materials like copy paper and cardboard packaging. After reading this book, I realized that some of what I used to make as a kid are called zines and are actually a separate category. It was nice to see the various methods of making one. It also covers miscellaneous projects like pop up cards. I would recommend this to anyone looking to get into hobby bookbinding or someone who just wants to test the waters before investing in expensive equipment.

[Daniella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is fun book for zinesters and stationery enthusiasts of all levels who can appreciate this pocket guide of paper projects. Illustrator and educator Lauren Simkin Berke uses inviting language and charming images to introduce newcomers to paper manipulation for zines, basic stiches for book-sewing, and the materials necessary to complete these projects. The items mentioned in the Tools & Materials section are easy to locate at most craft stores. Berke also provides savvy DIY ways to create tools, such as the book press. This attitude is indicative to the unique grassroot nature of zine culture.

Advanced readers will appreciate the more complicated book stitches and the author’s sections on intricate pop-up books and accordion forms.

[Astreia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well done book about various ways to book bind and make zines. There are great illustrations, clear vocabulary with drawings attached to them, clear instructions and nicely divided headings to help one stay organized. This would make a great addition to a collection for those who are wanting to get started in either bookbinding or zinemaking. It focuses on the actual construction of the items and not the content.

Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

[Mic]

Anytime I see a book on zine-making I’m immediately interested. This one did not disappoint. This is definitely a title aspiring zine makers/ historians and libraries should have in their collection. Book binding can really elevate a zine or be done in its own, so I’m glad both were included for people who want to take their zine making to the next level. Instructions are clear and the illustrations are easy to follow. Fun for all ages! Thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for the digital ARC!

[Honey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfect for anyone who wants to get into bookbinding! It's easy to read, includes detailed step by step instructions, cute illustrations, it even shows you all the different stitches you can use! I think this book is good for beginners. As a beginner myself, I love it!

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

This is a truly informative book on different methods of bookbinding for beginners. The language is simple and easy to understand. The diagrams are easy to follow. I am looking forward to making a pop-up book using this book as guide! I'll be looking back on it as I go.

[Keri Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this is a beautifully illustrated book. I reviewed a digital copy of this book, and think it would have been better in person. It went in depth on how to make so many different styles of books. As a teacher I have a lot of students ask about book binding and making books. This is definitely going to go on my bookshelf.

[karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was short, accessible, & full of DIYs for a variety of zine-making & book-binding projects. While I've been making zines for well over a decade, I was delighted to find some new forms to experiment & play with that I'm looking forward to making! Thank you, Lauren, for this impactful & beginner-friendly resource.

[MC · Rating 5 out of 5]

great resources

This has all the resources, tutorials, and vendors needed to begin book binding. I used it to make repairs to a tradeback , turning it into a set of hardback books with custom covers. I'm glad I found this and will refrences it often.

Until Next Time,
MC

[Tiffany Seward · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐ Craft & How-To | Educational | Creative

Thank you to Chronicle Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Zine Making and Bookbinding is a practical and visual guide that walks readers through the basics of tools, terminology, and various binding methods. If you have any background in graphic design or book arts, much of the foundational information will feel familiar.

The book features hand-drawn illustrations of supplies and step-by-step techniques. Despite being text-dense in places, the typography varies nicely, making the material easier to navigate and preventing it from feeling overwhelming. Most of the instructional images are hand-drawn, with some rendered in white on a teal background and others illustrated with simple black outlines on teal background. There is a consistent color pallete used throughout the book.

.