SOME OTHER MAGAZINE STARTUP TIPS

Determining the Page Count

When choosing the number of pages in your magazine you must consider the overall quantity of content and, equally important, make sure that the total number of pages is divisible by 8 or 16. 'The reason for this is that offset presses utilize what are called signatures (or "sigs" for short) to print magazines and if your total page count isn't divisible by either 8 (a half sig) or 16 (a full sig) then you will pay considerably more for your print job. Now, there is an exception to this rule depending upon what kind of offset press you utilize. If you choose to go with a sheetfed press (a press that uses precut sheets of paper) then it is possible to go “4-up” or increase your page count in increments of four. However, if you opt for a web press (a press that uses rolls of paper) then you will definitely want to adhere to the 8/16 divisible rule.'

I have made my magazine up to 32 pages as this is can be divided by 8, and also fits in with the print preferences that were specified by Ashley Press printing company (Needs to be in 4's). So I have met this standard as if it were a real magazine.

Saddle Stitch Vs Perfect Bind

When it comes to binding choices for your magazine there are two standardized methods: Saddle Stitch and Perfect Bind. "Saddle Stitching, which is really nothing more than 2 or 3 heavy gauge staples placed in the spine, can be used on magazines with relatively small page counts and is less expensive than Perfect Bind. Perfect Binding is a process where a glue adhesive is applied to the spine where the pages are inserted. Although Perfect Binding has a much classier look than Saddle Stitched magazines, it's considerably more expensive and should only be considered as a binding option for your magazine if your total page count is at least 48 pages or more. It should be said, however, that Perfect Binding works best for magazines with page counts that exceed 64 pages."

My magazine will be printed off as A3 pages and will then be stapled down the crease, so will be saddle stitched. This will help it to look like a real magazine.