It is actually possible to bind sheets into books so that they open out completely flat--the device used is like two very narrow pages that are glued together with the insert in the middle, but only part way, at the edge. So the effect is a "stalk" or "Y" shape that flattens to a "T".

Not really relevant here. Especially good for maps.

Another thought: Can you change the symmetrical arrangement? If you can make the layout asymmetrical, you can do something like this:

Thanks for the tips.

I've budgeted for hardcover binding with the broker (still have to specify for double fan adhesive), but there may be room to revise. I like the Y/T binding that Nick mentioned, but wonder if it's pricey and lengthy to produce.

Are there any examples out there of this type of spread design? Benetton's Colors magazine comes in mind, but I don't have copies in hand. Any tips?

Also, is it an absolute no-no to split a letter in the gutter even with text this big (the book is roughly A4 in size)? I'm hesitant to set each chapter title differently as it'll affect the overall book design.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts! :)

With sewn-section hardcover there would be no loss of paper in the gutter, so theoretically you could do what you propose. Registration of the folded and trimmed parts in the sections would remain a problem though. Ask the printer

Registration is always a problem--unless you use Fontesque :-)

Nick, should I cut down on my drinking? Or does Fontesque look like this to everyone?

Great, thanks again. Since we're still waiting for the client to approve the photo budget, I'll move forward as is and speak with the broker in the meantime to see what adjustments are necessary.