Saddle Stapler

Saddle Stapler
What’s better for a 40 page chapbook: saddle-stitched (staples) or perfect bound (glued, like a “normal” book?

I’m trying to self-publish a fiction chapbook and the samples I’ve seen are mostly saddle-stitched. But a small press I found online does perfect-bound if chapbooks are more than 20 pages. Mine is 40. They claim perfect-bound is better, more quality.

In my experience perfect binding is often anything but.
I would opt for saddle stitching first as it gives a classier handmade impresion. Staples are a cheaper option.
Perfect binding, especially cheaply done tends to break and the leaves come loose, especially if the book is likely to be bent fully open. You need to make sure the gutter margins are wide enough.
But as with anything results can vary, a well made perfect bound book will be superior to a poorly made stitched one.
Good luck.

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