Short Run Magazine Printing

It has never been easier to do short run magazine printing. Simply export a PDF file of your magazine from Microsoft Word or your favorite graphics software. You can then have the magazine printed by a printer or by a digital imaging company. The most time-consuming task in the process, other than creating the content, will most likely be calling various people for quotes and comparing the information.

Types

For short run magazine printing, prepare the graphics for your magazine with word processing or graphics software. When done, export the file in a PDF format. Your printer or digital imaging company will be able to print the magazine from this file. If your print run is 300 copies or less, the most cost-effective way to print it is as a digital imaging project. Using your file, the digital imaging company will print the magazine on a machine that can collate and saddle stitch (staple bind), such as a Xerox docutech machine. If your run is 300 to 1,000 pieces, your best bet may be a sheet fed printer. The cost per unit will be less than digital imaging. Printers who use small AD Bick, Ryobi or Multilith presses are often called "quick printers". They can handle your project, including the bindery. For runs of 1,000 or more, you will want to use a web press printer. This uses roll-fed presses. The unit cost is very inexpensive once the run hits 1,000. It may be necessary, however, to print the cover on a sheet-fed press.

Considerations

The PDF file for the magazine can be delivered to the printer on a CD. It can also be sent by email or an FTP server. Be sure to check with the printer about the file requirements and preferences before sending in the job. Most short run magazine publishers prefer that color files in Photoshop are saved in 350 pixels per inch and higher. Remember that you cannot save a low resolution file as a higher resolution file without compromising quality. Black and white files should be at least 300 pixels per inch. For Adobe Illustrator files, be sure to include all fonts and linked graphics on your file. Finally, always get a quote on the job and see a proof before the whole run is pressed.

Size

Magazines can be printed in a variety of sizes. Many magazines are "trimmed" to 8.375 by 10.75 inches after being printed on the standard letter size sheet. A digest size magazine is trimmed for a half sheet of 5.5 by 8.5 inches. Many comic book magazines are 6.625 by 10.25 inches. Short run magazine printers can handle custom sizes as well, making presentations, catalogs, calendars, newsletters, and projects look professional. If the wealth of options seems daunting, seek out magazines and publications that you find appealing for size, format and design inspiration.

Effects

Short run magazine printing in the digital age allows the publisher to customize design elements without driving up the price because of technological capabilities. Publications can be customized for particular markets or clients. If longevity of the magazine is an issue, be aware that magazines printed on sheet-fed or roll-fed printing presses will be more permanent and archival than projects that are digitally-imaged. Regardless of the type of printing you use, ask to ask to see samples of your printer's work to determine the best process and format for your magazine.

Warning

Before determining the size of your print run, consider the various factors determining the quantity you will need. If you have sold any advance copies, account for them. Establish or confirm venues for distribution and sales. If you have a relationship with a distribution company, that may account of the bulk of your print run. If you only need 75 copies, you will use a digital imaging company. If your run sells through and you have huge demand, you can always print more issues. Most short run magazine printing projects includes copies for trading with other publishers, copies for marketing purposes, copies for selling at venues or events, and copies for an inventory of back issues.