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Exeter, Devon, South West Eng
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Production

Print buying perfection: a flying start and a perfect finish

Repro
Any printer worth his salt will welcome the opportunity to discuss supply of data prior to commencing the job.

Most problems with origination are normally due to assumptions or ignorance so don't be afraid to ask what may seem silly questions and remember to discuss workflow, schedules and expectations.

A couple of hours spent discussing correct file formats, suitable (and unsuitable!) DTP packages and ways of transferring files will reap countless rewards for both publisher and printer all the way down the line.

Here is a ten point pre-press checklist to help you on your way.

Checklist: don't forget:

• to supply the most up-to-date hard copy along with the job if supplying native files (Quark, Pagemaker) supply all the components needed to run the job - screen and printer fonts and all high resolution images and don't supply pages made up in Microsoft Word, Excel or Powerpoint;
• to mark up images with 'FPO' in the file name if the images placed are to be replaced with images scanned;
• to run the proofs / hard copy with the file name present - to identify more easily the file which the proof was run from;
• to scan images at 300dpi and do not enlarge by more than 125 per cent within the application file;
• to embed fonts as paths or curves when creating EPS files - if the application supports this;
• if sending files via ISDN to name them so they can be recognised;
• to check that colours are split correctly, especially on spot colour work. For example - Pantone 304 CV and Pantone 304 would image on separate plates and not as the same colour;
• if at all possible, to build in time for proofing. The printer will need pages from print-ready PDFs taking the risks out of digital production.

Printing
For most publishers, print constitutes one of the biggest financial outlays for a business. So it is imperative to buy print effectively and ensure the quality, service and value your business deserves.

The golden rule for print buyers is to be absolutely sure a project is accurately costed through accurate estimating.

Checklist:

• Get an accurate estimate: time spent at the quoting stage is money saved later on. Specify the project to the printer as meticulously as possible.
• Don't forget: the quantity and run-ons needed, the finished size, pagination, paper stock, the finishing method (perfect-bound or stitched), proofing requirements, delivery details and deadlines.
• Don't just look at cost: look at service and commitment to quality, the publisher needs to be able to trust the printer to deliver on time and on budget.
• Ask for proof of experience: get samples of previous magazines printed to see if the quality of work matches your expectations.
• Sheet-fed, web or mini-web: magazines can be printed using a web or a sheet-fed press. Which one is best for you? Web presses are generally best suited for longer runs, but it is advisable to get quotes from printers using both methods and compare.
• Check out eight colour printing: eight-colour presses can print both sides of a sheet in four colours simultaneously to deliver fast, more accurate, more cost-effective printing.
• Five-colour printing: some printers can offer you five-colour printing for covers to help maintain colour consistency on mastheads issue after issue.
• Computer-to-plate (CTP): providing a PDF workflow system is in operation, CTP eliminates the need for films as plates are produced directly from digital artwork. The main advantage of CTP is that costs and turnaround times can be reduced. However, a word of warning: WITH CTP PROOFING BECOMES OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE. Ensure files are accurate and that the proofs received have file integrity so that 'what you see on the proof is what you'll get on press'.
• Check, check and check again: mistakes and errors are costly and time consuming, so dedicate enough time to proof properly. More importantly allow sufficient funds in the budget for adequate proofing.
• Talk to the printer: a good printer will offer advice on the best way to print your magazine to maximise cost-saving opportunities.

Finishing
Finishing is the final hurdle in magazine print production. It's the stage where the flat sheets of printed paper are folded, stitched or perfect-bound and trimmed to create the magazine. Insertions, cover mounts and mailing also come under the finishing umbrella - so it's vital to consider carefully the requirements of each magazine.

Significant savings can be made and opportunities to add value to a title can be taken at the 'finishing post', but only if the specification is right!

Checklist:

• Size is important: the number of pages will determine whether a magazine will be printed in 16 or 32-page sections and this will affect the price.
• Perfect-bound or stitched: perfect-bound and stitched publications are printed differently, so discuss what's best for each magazine with the printer.
• Too big for perfect-binding: the minimum spine width for perfect-binding magazines is 3mm. To calculate whether a magazine is too large, multiply the grammage of the text pages by the number of pages.
• Landscape or portrait: don't forget to warn the printer if a publication is a landscape format - it has a huge effect on cost or run-ability.
• Send high costs packing: Most printers will bulk pack magazines on pallets for free. Alternatively, shrink wrapping, bundles or cartons are an extra cost.
• Stocks and odds: for more sophisticated packing, magazines can be bundled in varying quantities with specific labels applied.
• Insertions: inserts give the chance to increase advertising revenue, but make sure they can be machine-inserted. Some insert formats may require hand-inserting at extra cost.
• Covermounts and tip-ons: looking for ways to give a publication the edge? Talk to printers about covermounts, tip-ons and any other opportunities to add value to the title.
• Mailing magic: magazines can be poly wrapped and mailed from a mailing database. Ensure the mailing database is compatible for Presstream - Royal Mail's mailing software - and qualify for discounts. Bear in mind that overseas mailings have a different pricing structure.