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Mike Heaton

Meet Mike, the dynamic Managing Director at Ex Why Zed. Since founding the company in 2006, he has built an encyclopedic knowledge of print, overseeing thousands of projects whilst specialising in booklet and book printing. And yes, he's the guy in our YouTube videos. With a BA in Graphic Design and mastery over the Adobe Creative Suite, Mike is your go-to for expert guidance on preparing artwork for print. Nothing thrills him more than receiving a quote request from artists and self-publishers he admires. Outside the print world, Mike is a die-hard Lego enthusiast, an avid football shirt collector, and the proud curator of his personal Oasis museum.

Recent Posts

Take Your Project to the Next Level with a Linen Hardcover

Introduction to Linen Hardcover Book Printing Welcome to the world of hardcover book printing with linen covers! If you're looking to create a professional, durable, and visually stunning book, linen covers are an excellent choice. In this guide, we'll explore the ins and outs of hardcover book printing, providing you with the knowledge and inspiration […]

Mastering the Art of Book Layout Design

Given the rising popularity of self-publishing, there is increased emphasis on understanding the art of book layout design. Proper book design can have a colossal impact - it not only makes your book aesthetically pleasing but also ensures reader engagement and accentuates their overall reading experience. The process involves careful handling of various elements, each […]

Promote Your New Book on Social Media with Ex Why Zed's Promotion Pack

Give Your Book The Perfect Launch From Day 1 Are you a self-publisher who has just printed a fantastic book with us? Or perhaps you're someone who's looking to make a splash in the self-publishing world? Either way, we have an exciting announcement that's going to take your book promotion to the next level! Introducing […]

Transform Your Business with Emerging Trends in Print Industry - Stay Ahead of the Curve!

Emerging Trends in Print Industry - A Guide to Printing Technologies The print industry, like many other sectors, is constantly evolving. Rapid advances in technology and a push towards more sustainable practices have catalysed a wave of innovation, leading to an array of emerging trends. These developments have the potential to revolutionise the industry, providing […]

Printing Winning Perfect Bound Publications

Styling A Perfect Bound Book at Ex Why Zed, the UK Print Company You are about to enjoy and digest the following insight: In the dynamic world of zine production, one factor always remains the same - the longing for a publication that seamlessly amalgamates quality, creativity, and affordability. As one of the leading UK […]

The Evolution of So Young Magazine: A Brilliant Journey in the World of Music Zines

In the vibrant world of indie music culture, few publications have made as significant an impact as So Young Magazine. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a must-read publication for indie enthusiasts, So Young has consistently showcased emerging artists, captured the spirit of the indie scene, and provided a platform for creative […]

A Showcase of Wire Stitched Zines: Paper, Design, and More

In the world of self-publishing, zines have emerged as a powerful platform for illustrators to showcase their creativity. These small, self-made publications offer a unique canvas for visual storytelling, allowing artists to share their work in a tangible format that can be easily distributed and enjoyed. In this guide, we'll explore the essential tools for […]

Expert Photographic Zine Printing Services at Ex Why Zed

Transform Your Photography into Flawless Zines In the world of visual storytelling, the medium is as important as the message. At Ex Why Zed, we understand this better than anyone. Our photographic zine printing services are designed to elevate your visual storytelling, transforming your photography into flawless zines that captivate and inspire. Photographic Zines: A […]

Reaching a New Demographic - Zines for a Corporate and Agency market

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern culture, zines have carved out a unique niche. These self-published, often handcrafted booklets have their roots in the counterculture movements of the 20th century, but today, they're not just the domain of artists, activists, and indie publishers. Increasingly, corporations, agencies, and studios are harnessing the power of zines to […]

Indie Poetry Zines: Unleashing Creativity in Self-Publishing | Ex Why Zed

How do I come up with an idea for a poetry zine? Coming up with an idea for a poetry zine can be an exciting journey. Here are some steps to help you get started: 1. Find Your Inspiration: Poetry is a deeply personal form of expression, and the best ideas often come from your […]

The Art of Music Zines: Diving into the World of DIY and Independent Music Publications

In the world of music, zines have long been a platform for independent voices, a space where underground scenes can flourish, and a medium for artists to connect directly with their fans. From punk rock to hip-hop, from indie to electronica, every genre has found a home in the DIY ethos of zine culture. Today, […]

Unveiling the Charm of Perfect Binding in Zine Creation

Introduction: A Glimpse into Zine Binding Ever wondered what keeps the pages of your favourite zine beautifully intact? It's the magic of binding, a vital aspect that often goes unnoticed. A well-bound zine not only looks visually appealing but also offers an enriched reading experience. Learn more about Zine Printing. Importance of Zine Binding It's […]

Exploring Lamination for Zine Covers: Protecting and Enhancing Your Publication

When it comes to creating a zine, one of the most crucial aspects to consider is the cover. It's the first thing that your readers will see, and it can significantly impact their first impression of your work. One way to ensure that your zine cover stands out and remains durable is through lamination. In […]

A Closer Look at Perfect Bound Zines: Design, Binding Techniques, and Tips

When it comes to zine production, the binding method you choose can significantly impact the final product's look and feel. One popular method for binding zines, particularly those with a higher page count, is perfect binding. This method offers a neat, professional finish that can elevate your zine's aesthetic which can command a higher cover […]

Understanding Wire Stitching: A Comprehensive Guide for Zine Binding | Ex Why Zed

When it comes to zine printing, one of the most crucial decisions you'll make is the binding method. This choice not only defines the aesthetic of your zine but also dictates the number of pages you can include. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the world of wire-stitched zines, providing you with all the information […]

Exploring Size Options for Zine Printing: A Guide to Creative Freedom

Understanding Zine Sizes When it comes to zine printing, size dictates how much content you can fit on a page, how much it costs to print and the cover price you can sell it for. At Ex Why Zed, we don't believe in restrictions. You can choose any size from A6 portrait (148mmx105mm) right up […]

Addressing Common Challenges in Teaching Phonics with Books

Engaging, interactive, and effective phonics teaching can seem like a mountainous task. It doesn't have to be! By understanding common challenges and finding creative solutions through printed phonics books, we can elevate the learning experience. Unravelling the Phonetic Code Diverse learning styles, the complexity of phonics itself and struggling readers are among the notable challenges […]

Assessing Phonics Books Proficiency: Tools and Strategies

Turn Phonics Assessment into a True Story of Success with Phonics Books Phonics assessment isn't simply about tallying up correct words read. It's a more humanistic approach, one that aims to explore a child's phonics knowledge and application abilities. To effectively evaluate these skills, educators need the right blend of tools and strategies. That's where […]

Unleashing the Power of High-Quality Printing: A Comprehensive Guide for Businesses

In an era dominated by digital media, the value of high-quality printing remains unassailable. As a tangible extension of your brand, print materials can significantly bolster your marketing efforts, delivering impactful messages to your target audience. This guide will take you on a detailed journey through the world of printing, shedding light on its importance, […]

10 Ideas to Promote Your Children's Book on Social Media

As the proud author of a new children's book you have just printed at Ex Why Zed, you are now looking for ways to get the word out on social media. Well, you've come to the right place! Social media offers a great way to promote your book to the right audience and maximise its […]

An Introduction to School Phonics book printing

Hey! Congratulations you have found the company you were looking for to print your new range of phonics books. At Ex Why Zed, we are specialists and will help you transform the idea from print ready pdf to that day when the children open the cover and enjoy reading their new story. Phonics books are […]

Final Major Project printing guide

If you want to see a masterpiece, you go to the Tate. If you want to see a great goal, you go to Wembley. If you want to print the best Final Major Project, you go to Ex Why Zed. Enjoy our hugely comprehensive 55 page guide packed with inspiration, ideas and prices to move forward your […]

The Power of Custom Small Booklet Printing

Why Custom Small Booklets are Great for Your Business Looking for a unique and effective way to promote your business? Look no further than custom small booklets! These compact yet impactful marketing materials are the perfect way to showcase your products, services, or brand in a concise and visually appealing format. Custom small booklets offer […]

A4 Booklet Printing: Affordable and High-Quality Solutions

Looking for cheap A4 booklet printing that doesn't compromise on quality? Look no further! At Ex Why Zed, we offer affordable A4 printing services that will exceed your expectations. Whether you're a business, student, or creative professional, our printing solutions are designed to meet your needs with precision and style. Read on to discover the benefits […]

Cheap Booklet Printing UK - Fair Pricing

Are you looking for a cost-effective way to promote your business or showcase your work? Look no further than booklet printing! With the right design and printing deals, booklets can be a creative and impactful marketing tool. In this blog, we will take you through everything you need to know about booklet printing in the […]

What are the Benefits of Cheap Booklet Printing Online?

Booklets are a great way to promote your business and share information with your customers. While you could always print out booklets on your home printer, it's not the most professional or effective way to present yourself. Instead, why not consider cheap booklet printing online? Here are some of the benefits associated with this affordable […]

Benefits of A5 Booklet Printing: Your Ultimate Guide

Are you looking for a compact yet powerful marketing tool that can showcase your business's products or services in an innovative way? Look no further than booklet printing! Booklets are a versatile and cost-effective way to reach out to your target audience with compelling content and eye-catching designs. In this ultimate guide, we'll explore the benefits of […]

Reducing the Cost of Printing Booklets: Expert Tips

Are you looking to print booklets but worried about the cost? We've got you covered! In this blog, we will guide you through some cost-effective ideas for booklet printing. From understanding the elements that escalate printing expenditure to mastering page reduction skills, choosing the right paper, and leveraging bulk printing for cost efficiency, we'll cover […]

Why Booklet and Brochure Printing Is Important for Businesses

You've got the best products, services and prices around. You provide excellent customer service. Your business is an integral part of your community. But how do you make sure that customers know about all of this? How can you get your message across in a way that gets them talking about it with their friends, […]

Printing a Booklet from Word: Step-by-Step Guide

We will be honest from the start here...only print a Booklet from Word if you don't know how to use any other program 🙂 There are much stronger and easier to learn design programs to help you with page layout. Take a quick look through our Best Design Software for page layout guide. Ultimately, all […]

Why Print Booklets are Still Relevant in the Digital Age

Booklets have been around for a long time, and they aren't going anywhere. You've probably read articles about how booklets are dying out in favour of digital content. They're not wrong: people are reading less printed material now than ever before. But this doesn't mean that print booklets aren't relevant anymore—in fact, there are several […]

Booklet Printing: A Must-Have for Businesses

Booklet printing is a must-have for businesses of all sizes and industries. These compact, informative products offer an opportunity to showcase your brand, products, and services in a creative and engaging way. In this blog, we'll explore the importance of brand looklet printing in business, including how it enhances brand visibility and improves aesthetic appeal. […]

Is There Cheap Brochures Printing in The UK?

If you're looking to find a cheap brochure printing company in the UK, you've come to the right place. Finding affordable brochures printing has been a challenge for a lot of people and I'm sure it's similar for you. In today's article, we'll be going through a couple of ways you can save money on […]

19 Creative Photo Book Ideas To Tell Your Story

Alt text: Photobook idea A picture might be worth a thousand words, but a photo book takes that to a whole new level. It's got that special, hands-on feel that digital snaps just can't match, adding a personal touch to all your treasured memories. Whether it's the giggles from your last family holiday or the […]

What is a 12-page booklet?

A 12 page booklet may seem like an uncommon document type for some, but it can be a great choice for certain projects. It is a good solution for zines, fashion lookbooks, mini Final Major Projects and more. However, not every project calls for it. The document's versatility makes it ideal for multiple purposes, but […]

Can you print your own booklet?

Yes, you can self-publish your booklet is an easy, fun and efficient fashion at Ex Why Zed. When you think about printing booklets, your first instinct might be to start a Word document and print it out. But is that the most effective way to do it? In this blog post, we're going to share […]

Where can I print one off booklet?

Printed booklets are a great way to get your content out there. They can be a cost-effective alternative to large format printing and help you put your message forward in a simple style. They are also a great way to promote an event or fundraiser. You can design them with specific needs in mind or […]

How Much Does a Custom Hardcover Book Cost?

In the bookbinding process, a hardcover is also called a case binding or a hardback. This style of binding isn't as popular as paperback or even spiral-bound books these days, but if you're looking for something sturdy and classic, it may be the perfect option. Just keep in mind that a hardcover book can get […]

How Much Do Hardcover Books Cost?

Hard cover books have become more popular over the years. These types of printed books are often preferred in many situations, including school textbooks, picture books, and novels. In some cases, paperback books may be used in combination with hardcover books, but this is far from the standard. Even though a lot of people choose […]

What are the Benefits of Hardback Self Publishing?

There are many benefits to hardback self publishing. Perhaps one of the main reasons why you should publish your book in hardback instead of paperback is that hardback books have a much longer lifespan. A paperback is more light weight and could be susceptible to damage, but hardback books can last for decades — especially […]

Where to Find Affordable Services to Print a Book Near Me?

There are plenty of affordable book printing services available to you. If you're looking to create a book or other types of publication and want to find a high-quality yet affordable printing company, then congratulations, you ave found Ex Why Zed! So, whether you're a self-published author or just need a few copies for friends […]

Preserve Your Memories with a Stunning Hardback Photo Book

Our cherished moments and memories are like treasured gems that deserve to be preserved meticulously. In today's era, we have managed to bottle up these moments in photographs, but often, they are left in the digital world, seldom glanced at or appreciated. An innovative and elegant solution to this is a hardback photo book. These […]

Large Print Hardback Books: The Ultimate Reading Experience

In a world dominated by digital screens and e-books, the charm and utility of physical books remain unmatched for many. Large print hardback books, in particular, hold a special place in the hearts of readers. Here's why: Accessibility for All: Large print cater to readers with visual impairments, ensuring that literature remains accessible to everyone. […]

Single Hardback Book Printing Made Easy

Are you an author or artist looking to showcase your portfolio in a unique and sophisticated way? Or maybe you have a special project that requires printing only one copy of a hardback book. Well, look no further! In this blog, we will dive into the world of single hardback book printing. From exploring the […]

Welcome to the World of Hardcover Book Printing

Ex Why Zed turns your book, brochure, catalogue or other written material into physical pages that your target audience can handle, read and pass on to others. If you’ve crafted written material that you want current and future generations of readers to enjoy, you need hardback book printing services that can deliver the quality that […]

Customise Your Notebooks: Hardback Notebook Printing Options

Introduction to Hardback Notebook Printing Welcome to Ex Why Zed, your go-to destination for high-quality hardback notebook printing. Whether you're a writer, artist, student, or simply someone who loves to jot down their thoughts, our custom hardback notebooks are designed to impress. With our expertise in printing and commitment to excellence, we ensure that your […]

Hardback Book Printing Near Me in the UK

Welcome to Ex Why Zed, your premier hardback printing service in the UK! If you're in search of a high-quality, professional company for your hardback books, look no further. With our expertise and state-of-the-art facilities, we are here to bring your vision to life and create stunning publication that will leave a lasting impression on […]

Expert Hardback Book Printing and Binding Services in the UK

Effortlessly transform your manuscript into a masterpiece with our top-tier hardcover book printing and binding services, available throughout the UK. With a plethora of sizes and formats, from A5 to A4 and beyond, we've got you covered. Choose between offset and digital print based on your budget, and for that extra touch of finesse, consider […]

Introduction to Short Run Hardback Book Printing Template

Welcome to Ex Why Zed's Short Run Hardback Book Printing Template! Are you ready to bring your idea to life and make a lasting impression? Look no further. Our template is designed to help you navigate the world of printing with ease. Whether you're a first-time author or a seasoned writer, this template will provide […]

Why Custom Hardback Books are the Perfect Way to Preserve Your Stories

Welcome to Ex Why Zed, your premier destination for custom hardback book printing in the UK. We are passionate about helping authors, artists, and businesses bring their creative visions to life with our high-quality printing services. With our expertise and state-of-the-art equipment, we ensure that your custom hardback books are produced to the highest standards […]

Why A4 Hardback Book Printing Is the Best Way to Go

Are you an aspiring author looking to publish your own book? Do you want your masterpiece to stand out from the crowd? Look no further! A4 hardback book printing services are here to make your book a reality. In this blog, we will discuss everything about A4 hardback book printing services. From understanding why you […]

The Benefits of Cheap Hardback Book Printing in the UK

Are you an author or a publisher looking for cost-effective ways to print your hardback books in the UK? Then look no further! Cheap hardback book printing is the way to go. But before we dive into the benefits of this option, let's first understand what hardback book printing is all about. Hardback books are […]

UK Book Sales 2021: Highest Record in 10 Years

Sales of fantasy, science fiction, romance, crime novels, and personal development titles increased by 5 per cent compared to 2020, owing to strong demand. The sales totalled £1.82 billion, a 3 per cent increase over 2020, and, for the first time, sales have surpassed £1.8 billion. Short run hardback book printing was in high demand […]

Insight into the State of Book Markets in the UK and Beyond

The book markets in the UK, Europe and the USA, along with many others worldwide, experienced a strong year in 2021. That’s reassuring as the bounce back took place against the backdrop of emerging COVID-19 variants and the pressures on supply, staffing, and pricing that resulted. In China, though, book sales have yet to recover […]

The Book Shortage Of 2021 | Ex Why Zed

The year 2021 saw increased demand among consumers for physical books. However, the climate surrounding the pandemic also resulted in a shortage in their supply. While some authors chose to commission a short run of hardcover book printing to fill the supply gap, shipping issues also impacted the time it took for the products to […]

What You Can Do to Make the Best Custom Notebooks

Custom notebooks can promote your business and provide your customers with somethingto use and remember you by. If you want to run a campaign to increase brand recall,notebooks may prove an excellent investment. Hardback notebook printing companies likeEx Why Zed can provide you with various options that will fit your vision and budget.Hardback book printing […]

How Can Short-Run Hardback Book Printing Benefit You?

Before the prevalence of digital printing, the only option for printing hardback books was by ordering them in large quantities, or large runs. The use of resources between short runs and large runs was just not as economical, with short-run hardback book printing costing more money per book on average. Suffice to say, hardback book […]

The Artists’ Guide to Self-Publishing and Printing Booklets

Self-publishing is a challenging endeavour because of the amount of work one needs to put in to achieve success. Despite this, artists in many fields are turning to self-publishing as a means to promote their work. Booklet printing services nowadays offer plenty of support for those who are looking to make their work more visible […]

How Much Do Hardcover Book Printing Services Cost In The UK?

Hardcover book printing is a common choice for a lot of people, especially if they’re going after quality and longevity. However, hardback book printing is priced differently compared to paperback printing. That’s because there are a lot of factors to consider in terms of cost. On average, hardcover book printing in the UK can cost […]

Trends In The Publishing Industry For 2023

Publishing has been rapidly evolving over the years. Half a decade ago, people thought it would be phased out and replaced entirely by e-books. However, traditional publishing methods such as softback and hardback book printing in the UK remain resilient to this day. Softback and hardback book printing have continued to evolve, and many different […]

200 Million Printed Books Sold In The UK Despite Pandemic

Over 200 million printed books were sold in the UK last year despite the COVID-19 pandemic. This is an impressive figure, and even more notable for being the highest volume of UK book sales in well over a decade. It would seem that the popularity of printed materials, as opposed to online-only publications, may not […]

Where To Find An Affordable Service For Booklet Printing In The UK

As in all areas of life, the printing industry has seen many technological advances over the years. Booklet printing UK-wide and printing of many other formats like newspapers and magazines are very different to how it was done in the past. Major improvements to booklet printing technology have made the process more environmentally friendly and […]

Booklet Printing from Your Files. Free Delivery, Top Quality

Booklet Printing from your PDF Artwork If you are looking for top-quality booklet printing from your PDF, Ex Why Zed is the perfect choice. Our state-of-the-art printing presses and experienced team ensure that every booklet we produce is of the highest standard. We understand that your booklet is a reflection of your brand or message, […]

How to create and print an awesome hardback photography book

We showcase a recent hardback, photobook print project to give you ideas and inspiration on what can be achieved with printing.
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What is the process of case binding a hardback book?

A deep dive into hardback book binding at Ex Why Zed and the mechanics of a case bound book, the end papers accompanied by technical tips to look out for when you prepare your artwork.
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An intriguing and insightful look into Zine pricing and printing

We take you through the considerations that affect how much it costs to print your zine at Ex Why Zed and how to make it commercially viable.
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