Where should I print my zine?
October 21, 2020 10:36 AM

Back in the day we used a Xerox machine. Now I want go a bit more pro without breaking the bank. I have an 96-page InDesign file I want to turn into a perfect-bound mini-book. It's mostly images -- a mini photo book -- so we're talking full color. I want to be able to review a proof, and I'm thinking an initial run of 20-50 books, depending on the cost. I'm in NYC if that makes a difference. Your recs?
posted by timnyc to Shopping (3 answers total) 5 users marked this as a favorite
Blurb has pretty reasonably priced "trade" books. Different size, color, and paper options depending on how much you want to spend. No proofs per se, but they have no minimums so you can just order them one at a time. I found that for an 8x10.5" photo calendar they were still substantially cheaper than local print shops / Kinkos places unless I was ordering at least 100.
posted by wnissen at 11:30 AM on October 21, 2020


I’ve had a good experience using Mixam to print zines
posted by velebita at 11:48 AM on October 21, 2020


I did try Mixam. They require a separate file for each page, which is no big deal for a two-page flyer, but a real pain for a 28-page calendar. (Maybe there's some way to convince PowerPoint and/or Preview to spit that out, I couldn't manage it except manually.) The big problem is that, despite a large notice at the top of their site "We are open and it's business as usual at Mixam", they had a 14-day closure of their main production facility due to Covid. I am still waiting for an order placed on the 3rd to ship. It was supposed to arrive tomorrow by ground. Customer service ignored an email for 48 hours, but was quick to pick up the phone and apologetic. They couldn't give any more information about when my order would ship, I even offered to pay to upgrade the shipping, but no dice. I'm sympathetic that they had to close for reasons beyond their control, but there was zero communication until I called. If anyone is looking for a short turnaround printing company, Short Stack Printing has a 50-piece minimum but have always given me same-day turnaround if I order by 9 a.m. Eastern.
posted by wnissen at 10:24 AM on December 14, 2020


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