"Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words." – Robert Frost
If you’ve ever felt something so deeply that you had to write it down, you’re already on your way to being a poet. And maybe now, you’re thinking about taking the next step, starting your own poetry collection.
It might feel like a big task, but it’s a meaningful one. Whether you’re collecting old poems or writing new ones, creating a poetry book helps you grow and connect with readers.
You don’t need to be an expert. You just need your words, your feelings, and the courage to begin. So, are you ready to start your poetry collection? Let’s take it one step at a time.
Starting isn’t as hard as it seems. Begin with a regular writing habit, write new poems or revisit old ones. The more you write, the more your collection will grow.
For example, poet Rupi Kaur began by sharing poems on Instagram. Her first self-published book Milk and Honey sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide and spent more than a year on The New York Times bestseller list.
Reading other poets also helps. It sparks ideas, sharpens your style, and shows you new ways to express yourself. Now, let’s walk through the next steps to build your poetry book.
The heart of any poetry collection lies in its theme. So before you dive in, take a moment to think: what do you want your book to say?
Is it about love? Strength? Nature? Or maybe your own personal journey? Picking a subject gives your collection a clear direction. It ties your poems together and helps your book feel like one complete piece rather than just a bunch of random poems.
Example: If you're writing about nature, your poems might explore the changing seasons, the cycle of life, or how people are connected to the world around them similar to Mary Oliver’s A Thousand Mornings, which meditates on simple outdoor moments.
Of course, you don’t have to stick to a strict theme. But having something like a story, a mood, or even a certain style that links your poems together can give your collection more shape and make it more memorable for readers.
Choosing the right poems for your collection is a big step and an important one. Go with the pieces that really stick with you, the ones that show your voice and style the best.
As you put your poems together, think about what each one is saying and how much emotion it carries. This helps your collection feel more connected and meaningful.
You might have to leave out some poems you like, and that’s totally okay. It’s all part of the process. Take this time to shape and strengthen your work. The more focused and powerful your collection is, the more it will speak to your readers.
Even the best poetry collection might need a few more poems to fill in the gaps or strengthen the theme. Take a good look at your manuscript are there parts that feel a bit thin or disconnected? Maybe a certain emotion, viewpoint, or style is missing.
Try writing new pieces to fill those spaces. Play with different forms like sonnets, free verse, or even a new tone to add depth and variety.
Just remember to stay true to your main theme. Each new poem should add something meaningful and help tie the whole collection together. Once you’ve got everything, you can start thinking about the best order for your poems.
Arranging your collection of poems takes a bit of thought. Start by looking at how your poems connect- do they share a theme or tell a story as they go along? Think of your collection like a book, where each poem flows into the next, almost like chapters.
Poet Ocean Vuong’s debut, Night Sky with Exit Wounds, is known for its intentional flow. Each poem builds emotional tension and leads into the next like a quiet story.
Choose a strong opening poem, something that grabs the reader’s attention right away. And don’t forget the ending! Your last poem should leave a lasting impression, something that sticks with the reader after they’ve finished.
And, if you ever need a little extra clarity on design, publishing, or promotion, Ex Why Zed’s resources are a good place to revisit.
Editing is a key step in turning your poetry manuscript into a polished book. Start by going through each poem carefully. Check your grammar, line breaks, and imagery. Cut out anything that feels unclear or unnecessary.
Then, look at the collection as a whole. Does the order make sense? Do the poems support your theme? You might find some poems need more work or even need to be removed.
Before publishing, create a proof copy. This helps you catch layout issues, formatting errors, or any lines that went missing. Take your time with this step. It’s all about making your collection the best it can be.
And once everything feels right, you’ll be ready for one final task: choosing a title that truly reflects your poetry collection.
Want to learn more about printing options? Here's a useful guide on the book printing process, from file prep to choosing paper and finishes.
The title of your poetry collection really matters. It’s the first thing people see, and it should spark interest. You want something that feels true to your work and makes people curious to read more.
You could name your book after your favorite poem, or pick a line or image that captures the heart of your collection. Just try to avoid overly common titles like "Selected Poems" or "Anthology of Verse". They don’t say much and won’t help your book stand out.
A strong title can leave a lasting impression. It should stir a feeling or paint a picture in the reader’s mind.
Take your time with it. Jot down ideas, test out different titles, and don’t be shy about asking other poets for feedback. The right title will reflect your theme and tone, and once you’ve got it, you’ll be ready to think about the cover design and overall look of your book.
Your poems may be powerful but it’s the book cover that gets people to stop and take a look.
Think about the feeling behind your collection. Is it soft and emotional? Bold and loud? Calm and reflective? Your design should match that vibe. Whether you go for a minimal look, vibrant art, or a quiet, moody photo, your cover should reflect the heart of your poems.
Pick an image that stands out but also feels true to your writing. It could be abstract art, a photo that speaks to your theme, or even something inspired by a specific poem. For authors handling the visuals themselves, Ex Why Zed can also help with design decisions.
At the end of the day, a great cover doesn’t just look nice it adds meaning, tells part of your story, and makes readers want to see what’s waiting inside.
Choosing how to publish your poetry collection is a big step—it can make a big difference in how people find and read your work.
If you go with traditional publishing, you’ll usually get some support with editing, design, and getting the word out. Your book might even end up in big stores. The downside? It can take time, and you’ll need to submit your work to publishers or enter contests.
Self-publishing is a great option if you want more control. You get to decide how your book looks, from the cover to the layout. Platforms like Amazon KDP or Ex Why Zed make it pretty easy to publish on your own.
To get a full picture of your self-publishing options, revisit this list of self-publishing tools. Also, don’t forget the importance of an ISBN. It helps your book get listed in bookstores, libraries, and online retailers.
Once your poetry collection is out in the world, this is when the real fun starts. This is your time to connect with people through your writing.
Make the most of social media to talk about your book with fans and other poets. Share posts that grab attention. You can do a virtual reading or hold a simple online event. Try running some easy promotional ideas too.
Work with local bookstores to get your poetry collection out there. See if you can put your book in the store and maybe set up a small event.
Not sure where to start? This guide on how to launch a book on social media can help you plan your launch strategy and grow your audience.
As you work on your poetry collection, remember that your dream of becoming a published author might be closer than it seems. Whether you’re making final edits or exploring platforms like Amazon or IngramSpark, each step brings you closer to sharing your words with the world.
Enjoy the process. Stay active on social media, connect with other poets, and be part of the creative community.
These small actions can open unexpected doors. And one day, you might walk into a bookstore and see your own poetry collection on the shelf.
And when it’s time to bring your words to life in print, Ex Why Zed is a brilliant partner. From design support to professional printing, they make self-publishing feel personal, straightforward, and beautifully done.
So go ahead — take the next step. Your poetry deserves to be read.
Most full-length poetry books have about 40 to 70 pages with poems. Chapbooks have less, with about 20 to 40 pages. The main thing is to pick strong poems that make the book feel finished. It is not about having a set number of pages. Modern poets say it is better to choose good poems over having many of them.
Having a main idea helps make your collection of poetry stronger. It ties the poems together with the same subject matter or tone. You do not have to use a theme, but it helps your first book connect better with readers. When your poems have cohesion, your message can make more impact.
A preface for a poetry book is a short introduction where you share why you wrote the collection, what inspired it, and how readers can connect with the poems. Keep it personal, reflective, and brief.
It depends on your writing pace and goals. Some poets take a few months, while others may spend years refining their work. On average, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to write and polish a poetry book.
Start by editing and arranging your poems into a cohesive collection. Format the manuscript and design a cover either yourself or by hiring a professional.
Next, choose a platform then upload your files, set your pricing, and publish your book. After it’s live, promote it through social media, a website, or poetry events.
If you do everything yourself using free tools like Amazon KDP, it can cost £0. But if you hire an editor, designer, or pay for printing, it may cost around £100–£500+, depending on your needs.
You can keep costs low by starting small and investing more as your book gains traction.
Choosing the right magazine size can make or break your publication’s appeal. The dimensions you select influence not only the visual impact but also the functionality, cost, and overall reader experience. Thus, the size of your magazine is a key part of its identity—it influences how your content is presented and perceived.
Your chosen dimensions, whether compact or large, play a key role in engaging your audience and shaping the reading experience. Different sizes have distinct advantages, shaping your publication's design and experience.
In this blog, we’ll examine the standard magazine dimensions, offering insights into what works best for various types of content. We’ll also explore how choosing the right size can elevate your magazine and make it stand out on the shelf.
Magazine sizes vary based on geography, audience preferences, and content type. Smaller formats are more portable, while larger ones provide ample space for detailed visuals and text. There are common US dimensions, European dimensions, and custom dimension options available in the market.
The typical magazine size in the United States is a letter size, measuring 8.5 by 11 inches. However, other common US magazine dimensions are also gaining popularity due to their unique advantages. Check out the table below to see the most common US Magazine dimensions:
Portrait | Landscape | Square |
3.5" x 8.5" | 6" x 4" | 5.5" x 5.5" |
4" x 6" | 8.5" x 5.5" | 8.5" x 8.5" |
4.25" x 11" | 11" x 8.5" | |
5.5" x 8.5" | ||
6" x 9" | ||
8.5" x 11" |
Like in the US, European publishers use a range of sizes too. A crucial factor to appreciate here is the consistent proportion followed among the A series formats, where cutting an A4 sheet in half gives two A5 sheets, each maintaining the same aspect ratio. Let's examine the most commonly used dimensions in European magazines:
European Magazine Format | Dimensions (in mm) |
DIN A4 | 210mm x 297mm |
DIN A5 | 148mm x 210mm |
DIN A6 | 105mm x 148mm |
Apart from the standard sizes, magazines are available in special sizes and custom dimensions. These magazine templates are popular for niche publications or those dealing with artistic subjects that push the boundaries of creativity. Square formats are particularly prevalent among such unique content.
The options vary greatly, from pocket-friendly digests to larger broadsheets. Looking to match the size of your favorite magazine? Ex Why Zed has got you covered. Whether it's the refined proportions of Vogue UK, the soft minimalism of Kinfolk, or the compact creativity of Monocle, we can print it—all from just one copy.
Seen something square like Creative Review? Sure, we can do that too—but heads up: that size runs on our larger presses and can get a bit pricey if you're ordering under 700 copies. Want the same vibe without the sting? Scale it down to 210x210mm and keep it cost-effective.
Planning a bigger run? Let’s talk smart choices. The 280x220mm format (like Grand Designs or Elle Decoration) hits the sweet spot—big on visual impact, easy on production. Whatever you’re inspired by, we’ll help you create something just as iconic.
The digest size, 5.5 by 8.25 inches, is popular for compact magazines, newsletters, and shorter publications. Its small footprint makes it cost-effective and easy to handle, perfect for readers on the go. With less binding material required, it’s an economical and convenient option for publishers and consumers.
The half-letter size, measuring 8.5 by 5.5 inches, is ideal for niche publications. Offering a balance between space and portability, it’s perfect for readers interested in specific topics. This format is incredibly convenient for collectors, as it’s easy to store while providing ample content space.
The letter size (8.5 by 11 inches) is the standard magazine printing size in the U.S., favored by many publishers for its ample space for content and visuals. While it offers generous dimensions, this size can be more expensive due to higher material and postage costs.
The A4 size, 8.3 by 11.7 inches, is widely used, especially in Europe. It strikes an ideal balance between space and portability, offering plenty of room for content while fitting comfortably into most bags. This size is perfect for general interest magazines, appealing to a broad audience.
Square magazines, often seen in lifestyle and fashion publications, offer a unique visual appeal. Commonly 5.5 by 5.5 or 8.5 by 8.5 inches, their distinct shape makes them stand out on shelves, providing readers with a fresh experience. However, their unconventional format typically comes with higher production costs compared to traditional rectangular magazines.
The broadsheet size (22.5 by 35 inches) is the largest standard magazine format, often favored for artistic and specialty publications. However, it presents challenges in terms of production costs and reader convenience; its unique, large-scale format appeals to audiences who value a distinctive and immersive reading experience.
The tabloid size (11 by 17 inches), offering double the space of a standard letter-sized magazine, is popular among publishers in entertainment and celebrity genres. Its larger canvas allows for more content and striking visuals. However, the downside is its bulk, making it less convenient to hold while reading. Read more about this size in our Newspaper size articles.
Choosing the right binding option becomes crucial for a professional finish to your publication. From saddle-stitching and perfect binding to wire-o options, there's plenty to choose from depending on your budget, page count, and style preference.
Here are key differences between the three:
Once you've chosen the right binding—whether it’s the sleek, premium feel of perfect binding or the classic simplicity of saddle stitching—the rest should be smooth sailing. With Ex Why Zed's Magazine Services, we make the process hassle-free. Just upload your PDF, and our team will handle the technicalities, from free file checks to lightning-fast delivery. Need a quick turnaround? We can have stapled magazines delivered to you in just 3 days.
Plus, with instant pricing, free paper samples, and hands-on support from real people, you’re not just getting a print service—you’re getting a partner who makes your magazine look and feel its best.
The thickness or length of a magazine can vary broadly from an eighth of an inch to as much as three centimeters. This primarily depends on the page count, which varies greatly among different publishers and issues. It is worth noting that a magazine's dimensions significantly impact its readability, portability, and production costs.
Your magazine deserves to stand out—and Ex Why Zed makes that happen with a full spectrum of format options. Whether you’re going for a sleek portrait design, a bold landscape layout, or a modern square finish, we offer the flexibility to match your creative vision.
Every magazine is printed with sharp detail, vibrant colors, and professional binding. With us, you’re not just picking a size—you’re choosing how your story is told. Contact us now and make your magazine worth publishing!
Magazines are a powerful medium for sharing information, sparking creativity, and engaging readers. While often overlooked, a magazine's size and format are crucial elements that influence how readers experience its content. Magazine companies offer a variety of sizes, from compact digests to expansive broadsheets, tailored to specific content and audience needs.
Selecting the right size and format also allows publishers to craft a visually compelling product that resonates with readers. While understanding standard sizes is a great starting point, modern printing technology offers endless customization possibilities to achieve a professional look. We hope this blog helps you navigate your magazine’s journey, whether refining your format or exploring new dimensions.
Typically, a standard magazine cover in the US measures 8.5 inches by 11 inches. But for publications like Vogue, it usually measures 9.5 inches by 12 inches.
The optimal size choice should ideally depend on the type of content, the target audience, production costs, and the physical convenience for readers to carry and read.
The most common print magazine sizes generally include 8.5×11 inches and 5.5×8.5 inches. The European standard measures often use formats like A4, A5, and A6.
A magazine's size is measured by its width and height in inches or millimeters. These measurements are typically established in the initial stages of design and layout.
Choosing the right book size can feel like picking an outfit for a first date — too tight and uncomfortable, too loose, and not looking right. But, unlike a date, you don't have a second chance to make a great first impression with your book.
Whether you're a seasoned self-publisher or this is your first literary adventure, your book size impacts everything from readability to printing costs and even how it'll be stacked on a shelf. But hey, we are not saying this to make you feel stressed about what to do next!
If you're already excited with your work but are just stuck with choosing the right book size, don't worry at all as we've got your back! Let's break it down and find the perfect fit for your masterpiece.
When considering self-publishing, "trim size" refers to your book's final printed dimensions, usually measured in inches. It's more than just the book's size—it impacts the overall look, feel, readability, and even the cost of printing. A well-chosen trim size can enhance the reader's experience and make your book more straightforward while affecting how it fits on bookstore shelves and competes in your genre.
In essence, trim size helps set the tone of your book and influences everything from design to pricing. Smaller sizes can increase page count, while larger sizes may boost printing costs. It's a balancing act that requires thinking about both aesthetics and practicality.
To make it a bit clearer, let's look at how trim size plays out in familiar industry terms:
Mass-market paperbacks: These are the little guys—compact, affordable, and perfect for tossing in a bag. They usually measure around 4.25" x 6.87" and are often the books you find on grocery store racks or on that table near the checkout. Think of quick reads or impulse buys.
Trade paperbacks: A step up in quality, these are the books you'd find in stores like Barnes & Noble. These range from 5.5" x 8.5" (digest size) to 6" x 9" (the typical "trade" size). It's where most novels, memoirs, and non-fiction books comfortably sit.
Hardcovers: These are your premium "look-at-me" books. Hardcover books come in various sizes, ranging from 6" x 9" to 8.5" x 11". You know, the ones with sturdy bindings that look impressive on a shelf and feel like a treat to hold.
In the two images here, we have showcased a wide range of sizes that are possible with hardback book printing.
From left to right:
Gin Foundry Event Books. A6 Portrait. Perfect Bound. Max size possible for Portrait Perfect Bound Books is A4 (297x210mm) or US Letter (279x216mm)
Onoe Caponoe Art Books. A5 Portrait. Hard Back. Printed Cover.
Street Tools Photography Books. 160x240mm Landscape. Hard Back. Printed Cover.
Elemental Photography Books. 210x210mm. Hard Back. Cover onto Buckram Graphite.
No Hands Football Art Books. A4 (297x210mm) Portrait. Hard Back. Printed Cover.
If Nothing Changes Street Photography Books. 340x240mm Portrait. Hard Back. Cover onto Balacron Spectrum. ⚠️ This size is the maximum we can bind as a hardback but is significantly more expensive for 500 copies+ because we have to litho print it.
The choice of book size significantly influences various aspects of the publishing process, including different sizes that can shape the reader's experience, affect cover design, impact printing costs, and influence how the book is marketed. Understanding these nuances is essential for making an informed decision.
Trim size directly affects how your words fit on each page, influencing page count and readability. A minor trim size results in more pages, while squeezing too many words onto a page can make the text feel cramped. For example, why not get influenced by the 5.2" x 8" used in The Sun Also Rises. It's a compact trim that strikes a balance—giving a short book more substance without sacrificing readability.
The right trim size enhances your cover's impact. Larger sizes offer space for bold designs, while smaller sizes require more thoughtful proportioning. Your book's cover must be visually appealing in any format—paperback, perfect bound, hardcover, or eBook—so consider the trim size when designing.
At ExWhyZed, we understand the significance of these choices. Our services cater to a variety of formats, including zines, photobooks, children's books, and hardback books. We offer guidance on selecting the right size to enhance your cover's impact and ensure your book stands out in its genre.
For more insights into our offerings and to explore how we can assist with your project's specific needs, please visit our Portfolio section to see how others have printed their books.
Your trim size can impact printing costs, as these are often linked to page count. Larger book printing sizes can reduce page count, which may cut printing costs. Additionally, various page types can also influence the price. You must thus ensure that your size aligns with your audience's expectations for the genre.
For example, with Ex Why Zed, a softback, perfect bound book featuring a 300gsm uncoated cover and 120gsm or 120gsm uncoated inside pages, a single copy may cost around $112, while printing 100 copies would bring the total to approximately $392. To get a customized quote that best suits your project, request a quote now.
If you are printing 20 copies or less, then you can get an instant printing price with our new tool.
Readers are drawn to familiar sizes in their favorite genres. While unique trim sizes can stand out, they can also make your book feel out of place. Sticking to standard book printing sizes ensures marketability, but if your audience demands something different, don't hesitate to get creative—keep balance in mind.
Deciding on the trim size involves multiple factors, but one critical consideration should be the book's genre. Let's examine the average book sizes for various genres.
Fiction books typically measure 5.5" x 8.5" or 6" x 9" to provide a comfortable reading experience.
Depending on the content, nonfiction books have standard sizes of 5.5" x 8.5", 6" x 9", or 7" x 10".
A memoir, usually more personal, can follow smaller trim sizes like 5.25" x 8" or 5.5" x 8.5".
Size selection for these genres should consider the balance between reader comfort, aesthetic appeal, and readability.
Children's books are specifically crafted for younger readers; hence, their sizes are set at 7.5" x 7.5", 7" x 10", or 10" x 8".
The larger format permits vibrant and engaging spreads to showcase the illustrations that are a key element of such books.
Books with more illustrations or fewer text blocks allow for greater flexibility with book sizes.
Essentially, ensure that the chosen trim size allows the imagery to engage children while permitting easy handling by tiny hands.
Larger trim sizes, such as 8" x 10" or even more significant, are more suitable for cookbooks and art books known for rich visuals.
Larger sizes allow for a better showcase of vivid imagery or complex art forms, enhancing reader engagement.
The glossy, high-quality paper is generally preferred for these genres to render a premium feel.
However, consider your target market's requirements, as larger books might not fit standard bookshelves.
Selecting the right trim size for your book can feel like navigating a maze, but with a few key insights, you can make a well-informed choice that aligns with your vision and audience. Here's how to approach this critical decision in a way that feels intuitive, not overwhelming:
First things first: who are you writing for? Picture your ideal reader—are they like to throw a book in their bag and take it everywhere, or are they the type to carefully study a larger format on a desk, perhaps with a coffee and a highlighter in hand? If you're writing a novel for a young adult audience, they might appreciate a more compact size that fits comfortably into a backpack.
Conversely, if your book is a comprehensive guide or textbook, readers may expect a larger, more spacious design that allows for clear visuals, detailed charts, or room for notes. Understanding this is the key to getting your trim size just right.
Your distribution channel plays a significant role in shaping your book's format. If you plan to partner with local bookstores or libraries, understanding their shelf space and size preferences is essential. Some stores have size constraints, meaning a smaller or more standardized trim is the most practical.
If you're focusing on online platforms like Amazon KDP or other e-commerce sites, getting creative with size is easier. However, you still want to ensure your book's dimensions comply with their guidelines. Consider your distribution method as the stage where your book will perform—ensure it fits the space.
Now, look at the books already out there in your genre when printing your next book. What trim sizes are popular among your competitors? Whether your book is a thriller, a cookbook, or a self-help guide, seeing what has worked for others can spark ideas. Pay close attention to books that have made an impact, not just in content but also in how they're physically presented.
The right trim size can contribute to a book's success, helping it stand out on shelves or in online listings. If a similar-sized book has soared to the top of bestseller lists, there's likely a reason it works well for that audience.
Although you now have a clear understanding of how to choose the right book size, the process can still feel overwhelming—especially if you're new to it. That’s where we come in, providing expert guidance to make it easier for you. At Ex Why Zed, we specialize in helping authors select the ideal book size that maximizes readability, reduces production costs, and boosts market appeal. Whether you're aiming for a classic format or something unique, our expert team will guide you in choosing the perfect dimensions to make your book shine.
Contact us today to get started and create a book that captivates your readers and stands out in the market!
Every element of your book—from the title and cover design to its content and trim size—plays a crucial role in its success. The right trim size does more than just improve aesthetics and readability; it directly influences printing costs and marketability.
By carefully considering these factors, you can ensure that your book doesn't just capture attention but stands out in a competitive market. Ultimately, your attention to detail will help create a book that resonates with readers and thrives on bookstore shelves.
The common sizes for fiction and nonfiction are 5.5" x 8.5" and 6" x 9". Standard dimensions for children's books are 7.5" x 7.5", 7" x 10", or 10" x 8".
Consider your genre, the readability of your content, and your printing budget, and then select a size that best meets industry standards and your prospective readers' expectations.
A 6" x 9" book measures six inches wide and nine inches tall. This size is often preferred for trade paperbacks, including most novels and non-fiction titles.
Established publishers usually follow genre-specific standard sizes. For instance, fiction and non-fiction books typically measure 5.5" x 8.5" or 6" x 9", while children's books are usually 7.5" x 7.5", 7" x 10", or 10" x 8".
The cover of your zine is the first thing that people see. It's your chance to make a bold, attention-grabbing statement. One of the most effective ways to do this is through the use of colour. But not just any colour - we're talking about CMYK colours. CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black), the four inks used in the traditional method of printing hard copies.
While coloured paper can certainly add a unique touch to your zine cover, it comes with its own set of challenges. For one, there are only a limited number of colours available. And even if you find the perfect shade, the cost can be prohibitive, especially for indie presses.
Instead of using coloured paper, we recommend printing a flat colour as a background. This technique allows you to achieve the same visual appearance as coloured paper, but with more flexibility and at a lower cost. You can choose from millions of colours, and you can even print different graphics on the reverse side of the page.
Here is a quick video to Printing a coloured cover as a cost-saving alternative to using a premium coloured card.
• The best black to use for text is 0/0/0/100. This is 0% cyan, 0% magenta, 0% yellow and 100% black.
• For a dynamic jet black background colour, go for 30/30/30/100.
• If you want to print a right colourful red in CMYK then select your content to 0/100/100/10.
• A bright CMYK is 100/40/0/0, a medium blue is 100/80/10/0 and navy is 100/70/0/70.
• Royal Blue is very hard to print in CMYK.
• Bright yellow you can stick to 0/0/100/0 - easy!
• Gold is not easy to replace because CMYK inks are not metallic or as dynamic as foiling so don't have the shine.
• A mid tone, grass green would be 50/0/80/0 and for a dark, Racing Green use 90/0/100/70.
When it comes to printing a flat colour, uncoated paper is the way to go. The matte finish and slight grain of uncoated paper lend themselves well to overall background colours. It gives the impression that the paper itself is the actual colour, which is the effect we're trying to achieve.
If you're using a cover weight of 170gsm or thicker, we recommend applying a matt lamination to the front cover. This thin layer of film protects the fibres of the paper, allowing us to fold it without any issues of cracking.
Below is a cover with a solid red background colour and you can see when we folded the sheet, the fibres of the card have opened up. Lamination prevents against this happening.
If you're looking for a way to give your zine cover a premium feel without the premium price tag, we have a hack for you. You can download high-resolution close-ups of papers from the G. F Smith website and use them as the background on your InDesign artwork. This gives the appearance of coloured, textured paper or card.
What is a CMYK colour guide for printing?
CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). These are the four inks used in the traditional method of printing. All printers use CMYK ink.
• The best black to use for text is 0/0/0/100. This is 0% cyan, 0% magenta, 0% yellow and 100% black.
• For a dynamic jet black background colour, go for 30/30/30/100.
• If you want to print a bright colourful red in CMYK then select your content to 0/100/100/10.
• A bright CMYK blue is 100/40/0/0, a medium blue is 100/80/10/0 and navy is 100/70/0/70.
• Royal Blue is very hard to print in CMYK.
• For Bright Yellow you can stick to 0/0/100/0 - easy!
• Again, gold is not easy to replace because CMYK inks are not metallic so don't have the shine. We can print metallic gold on our litho press but this process is more effective for 500 copies or more (the set-up costs are higher on that machine).
Which colours print well in CMYK?
Most colours print well in CMYK, but it's important to note that CMYK cannot reproduce all the colours that you can see on your computer screen in RGB (Red, Green, Blue) mode.
Our free paper sample swatches come with an alphabet on the reverse. Each letter is printed with a different CMYK setting to help you choose which will work best. The front card has a key of CMYK% of each letter so note that down and drop it in on your artwork. Easy!
To print vibrant colours in CMYK, it is best to convert any images in Photoshop then adjust the color balance, brightness and levels to boost them up after conversion.
In your design software, you can usually find the option to set your artwork in CMYK in the colour settings or preferences.
Bright colours, fluorescents, neons, metallics and royal blues tend to look more muted in CMYK ink.
Creating a standout zine cover is an exciting process that allows your imagination to run wild. By understanding the nuances of CMYK printing, you can create vibrant, attention-grabbing covers that truly represent your unique vision. So go ahead, experiment with different colours, textures, and finishes. The world of zine printing is your oyster!
