What binding and paper should be used on a self-printed novel?

The last time I printed a book I just needed something done cheaply and quickly. The print store used very bright, glossy office paper (the same that they use for office documents) and used construction paper for the cover. I thought this would be sufficient, but when reading I found:

• The edges of the paper are too sharp, potentially causing paper cuts.
• The pages feel too stiff. It's difficult to grasp and turn.
• The book is thicker and heavier than most novels of the same length.

For my next book I want to select something which does not have these problems.

• What kind of binding is preferred for a novel meant to be carried around in one hand and read on the bus?
• What kind of paper should I select? Should it be bright? Brown? What weight?

posted over 12 years ago

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