Magazine Printing 101
Print facility tours are not uncommon for new publishers. They most generally occur as part of your vendor evaluation process prior to you making your decision. Additional visits to the plant sometimes take place during actual production of key issues (such as the premiere or a special anniversary). These are referred to as ‘press checks’. These visits allow you to communicate your preferences in regard to the look of your magazine and establish a ‘face with a name’ relationship with the pressman.
Are you ready to print your magazine? For new publishers not familiar with magazine printers and the mammoth iron presses used in commercial print operations we hope this overview and photo tour helps to spark some creative ideas and/or questions for you to discuss as you plan and interact with your magazine printing vendor.
To help understand the magazine printing job flow from introduction to delivery,MagazinePublisher.com has compiled a "Print Process Made Easy" overview that provides a great example of what to expect based on their process of establishing a client relationship.
Magazine Printing Process:
1. The Introduction/Get a Cost Quote
2. Selecting a Firm & Setting a Target Print Date
3. Personal Plant Print Rep Assigned
4. Preparing & Submitting Digital Files
5. Approve Color Proofs
6. Personal Customer Service Rep Assigned
7. Print
8. Mail/Ship