Bookbinders on TikTok are turning fanfiction into hardcover treasures

Fansong thrives online. But that doesn’t mean fan-written works don’t deserve to see the light of day as physical books. Thanks to bookbinders’ dedication, fanfiction volumes are now available in stunning editions handcrafted by them. These books give new life and inspiration to fan fiction.

Red Panda Bindery was started by Amanda Johnston. She has a number of Instagram and TikTok profiles that document the process of turning fanfics to physical books. Her beautiful books are displayed on the accounts, which also provide a source of information for other bookbinders. Her books stand out thanks to their unique designs, such as hand-painted edges or golden embossed titles. But the actual content is relaxed. These books are made in her home and placed in between chicken soup cans.

“There are special tools that can be purchased, but when I started out I used things from the dollar store and stuff I already had laying around. In place of expensive book boards, I used snacks boxes and made my own book cloth using old sheets. An awl was not the right tool for me so I switched to a thumbtack. It is a very accessible hobby,” Johnston said via email.

Johnston employs the square-back Bradel binding method. She starts by printing and formatting fanfiction. Then she folds the paper into signatures. Signatures is the term used for the folded, stacked, and folded paper which gathers around the spine. She then sews together the pages and glues them together to make a text block. The text block is then glued to the handmade cover. Johnston estimates that it takes about a week for a book to be completed.

Johnston mentioned that her favorite step is designing covers. Each features a unique design. One of her Harry Potter fanfics. IsolationThe cover is black and includes a silver embossed frame as well as a customized design which incorporates the title. In the bottom corner, you will find a delicate and evergreen forest design.

Amanda Johnston. Photo by Amanda Johnston

Johnston asks the author to give permission before she makes a hard copy. In some cases, Johnston may even bound a book in their honor. She has bound fanfics that are based on Harry Potter so far. Hannibal, Buffy the Vampire Slayerand Court of Thorns and Roses. Her books are mostly made to her enjoyment. However, she keeps physical copies for personal use.

“I have seen multiple fanfictions that I loved removed from websites by the author for various reasons. It is comforting to have physical copies. Fanfiction is still a legal gray area and I worry that one day the archives that house my favorite fanfictions may cease to exist,” she said.

Johnston said overall that Johnston believes the community of bookbinders is more welcoming than most.

“This is one of the most welcoming communities I have ever had the privilege to be a part of! If you are interested in learning how to bind fanfiction, don’t be afraid to find binders on social media and reach out!”