JohnWolf
Well-known
I've also been satisfied with lulu. But the OP wants a zine.
Blurb and MagCloud are the most popular zine on-demand printers. The prices are low so they're worth a try. In my experience, you have to follow their BW preparation steps carefully to get neutral results. Whichever way you go, I think it's best to let the printer guide you through the pre-press method that's best for their shop.
John
mh2000
Well-known
The OP is talking about both a "zine" and quality printing... so kind of different things in my mind!
I haven't used Blurb or MagCloud. I kind of like the distribution options of amazon and lulu (but cost more to get on amazon etc).
Anyone use amazon/kdp b&w printing? Or have good luck using their "color" interior for b&w images?
I have a project going that will be b&w only and I want it to be more "zine-like" as in inexpensive but "good enough" to convey my intent. The biggest incentive to use amazon's inferior print quality is because of the distribution--easy international.
Thanks for further thoughts!
robert blu
quiet photographer
I only tried the Blurb option for a zine and I'm quite satisfied with quality. The first I did was based on low-fi photography (imperfect moments, polaroid from a road trip) and of course print quality was not the first priority.
Which in my opinion is implicite in the definition of zine. A zine should be something economic, flexible that you bring with you to the swimming pool, or to the bar or browse when commuting on the train. A book is a more precious object which defers more attention.
The zine I made about my covid lockdown days was made in order to offer a more economic version of the book with the same title "those days" .
In effect with Blurb the selling price taxes and shipping included is not very economic even adding to the cost only a very small symbolic add on, therefore I wanted to offer a more economic alternative.
Of course it is not about making money with photography book, it is the process I like and the idea to have my photos out in the world. Hmmm, for this point I need to work more, maybe more promotion but not being on social media it is not ideal! Something I should work on !
Which in my opinion is implicite in the definition of zine. A zine should be something economic, flexible that you bring with you to the swimming pool, or to the bar or browse when commuting on the train. A book is a more precious object which defers more attention.
The zine I made about my covid lockdown days was made in order to offer a more economic version of the book with the same title "those days" .
In effect with Blurb the selling price taxes and shipping included is not very economic
even adding to the cost only a very small symbolic add on, therefore I wanted to offer a more economic alternative.Of course it is not about making money with photography book, it is the process I like and the idea to have my photos out in the world. Hmmm, for this point I need to work more, maybe more promotion but not being on social media it is not ideal! Something I should work on !
mh2000
Well-known
I just noticed that lulu has a very economical "high quality" b&w option that they didn't used to have. 80# coated paper and b&w ink. Their thumbnail shows a b&w photo book. Cost is about 1/3rd of their color options. The biggest cost killer is if you want it distributed on amazon, otherwise, the per book cost is very low. I think I'll try that out when I'm ready!
Yeah, I'm not doing this for income either, more the journey and escape from "reality."
the_hunter
Established
Blurb
Blurb
I know this is a bit late to the party but I had a handful of small BNW photo books printed by Blurb and the results were actually amazing. They were genuinely near publisher standards and they only cost about $3 a piece (for a run of 10 more would have been ever cheaper) I think cost vs. quality is a dangerous argument in the publishing field as anyone who can make them on a large scale really should be good enough.
Blurb
I know this is a bit late to the party but I had a handful of small BNW photo books printed by Blurb and the results were actually amazing. They were genuinely near publisher standards and they only cost about $3 a piece (for a run of 10 more would have been ever cheaper) I think cost vs. quality is a dangerous argument in the publishing field as anyone who can make them on a large scale really should be good enough.
Photog9000
Well-known
The reasoning is EXACTLY why I have done several books that will be left to familly.
Out to Lunch
Ventor
The original post dates back to 08-22-2019. Sometimes, I am slow. This is SLOW. Sure, give this hungry and determined poster a heads-up. Or not. Cheers, OtL
robert blu
quiet photographer
Yes, going slow but forward it seems not many people have interest in printing selfmade zines. I still find it an interesting way to make public our own works !
it seems not many people have interest in printing selfmade zines. I still find it an interesting way to make public our own works !