Information
Keep in mind that these services and information are geared towards small, personal printing projects. To be of commercial quality and viability, you'd have to look into bulk publishing. The book industry keeps afloat by publishing 10k+ quantities of books from Chinese factories, where the bulk discount offsets other costs.
In general, the less quantity you print, the more it costs! Most of the cost of printing is setting up the printer! That's a large overhead cost. Then you make up money from that buy printing a ton of books and selling them at a profit. So consider the balance of quality, quantity, and price. This is why many people just get heavyweight paper and an Inkjet printer, and figure out layouts and binding themselves.
If you're willing to spend extra time and money, you can look for a print cooperative or local crafter. Print cooperatives let you take classes in printing and then print things yourself. There's often artists there who will print for you if you ask kindly and pay up. Otherwise, just look for local print shops or artists. It may be more expensive upfront, but making connections in the real world will often help you out in the long-run far more than going through an online shop, especially if you're still in the small printing, passion project stage.
Printing
For your consideration, check out our print shop section for more options and details. Especially if you want to do something more image-heavy. Look photo books or magazine style. For a traditional zine style, look for “saddle-stitched booklets” in offerings.
Making
Selling
These are some simple options that I see people selling zines on frequently. Also consider taking a look at our digital storefronts section for more options and details. Pretty much any service that allows you to sell physical goods allows you to sell zines. Just be careful if you have any copyrighted references!
Zine & Book Distros
As usual, this is a small sampling of everything out there. If you have a local bookshop, just contact them and ask if they take self published local books or do consignment! Many do, and love to have a "local talent" section to show off.
Meetups & Fairs
More
Some supplies to consider:
- Clear resealable cello poly bags
- Cardboard mailers (prevents bending in the mail)
- Postage stamp booklet
- 24-60lb matte paper
- 40lb, aka business, heavy, or enhanced paper, seems to be the best ratio of cost, availability, and quality.
- Inkjet or laser printer