Hickey
A hickey is a halo-shaped imperfection on a printed piece caused by dust, dirt, or other particles in the ink or on the plate or offset blanket.
Meeting Deadlines
Meeting deadlines should be a snap if you start by working backwards from your newsletter publication date. After deciding on the date, write down each process (layout, writing, typesetting, proofreading, paste-up, etc.) and the approximate time it will take to complete each task. Then make a chart to show the completion of each "mini-deadline." After you finish each step, check it off - by the last check, your newsletter should be in the hands of your readers!
Recycled Paper Icons
Are you doing your part for the environment by printing your newsletter on recycled paper? If you are, you can apply to get the icon that says, ˇ°Printed on recycled paper,ˇ± faxed or mailed to you by writing to:
260 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
Fax: 212 689-2628
After they confirm that you have met their standards, theyˇŻll send the camera-ready icons to you.
Mimeograph Machine - 1
One of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to print your newsletter is with a mimeograph machine. Just type the newsletter on a stencil, attach the stencil to the machine, ink it up, and start printing. The ink is squeezed through the stencil onto the paper and you can usually get up to 15,000 copies from one stencil. One of the biggest disadvantages of the mimeo, is when you make a major mistake; you usually have to begin again and type a new stencil.
Determining Factors
Determining which method of printing you should use for your newsletter depends primarily on the following factors: press run (quantity), page count, quality needs, schedules, and pricing.
Paper Color
The most effective colors of paper to choose for printing your newsletter are: white, ivory, cream, or "natural." You can also help out the environment by selecting recycled paper.
Platemaker
In order to create a plate for printing your newsletter on a press, your printer uses a platemaker. This unit is a vacuum frame with a rubber blanket and glass that holds the negative and plate in close contact for exposure from an intense light source.
(Also see "Plate")
Beyond the Deadline
Let?s say you?ve just finished publishing your newsletter and, most importantly, you successfully met your deadline. Was it smooth sailing? No last minute problems?
This is the perfect time to evaluate the entire process from start to finish. Take a look at each step in the process and determine what worked and what didn?t - there?s always room to improve.
You should also take a look at the last issue itself. Were there features you left out due to space restrictions? Was there enough fresh information to interest your readers to pick up the next issue? If possible, gather all those involved in the production for a brainstorming session - their ideas and feedback are vital to success.
And don?t forget to start working on the next issue!
Delivering Door to Door
Always remember that it is illegal to put any type of hand-delivered mail into U.S. mail boxes. If you are going to deliver your newsletter door to door, try rolling it up and using a rubber band to attach it to the front door.
Plate
A plate is a sheet of metal (or paper for smaller quantities) carrying the image of your newsletter that is attached to the printing press.
How Many Copies?
If you?re not sure which method of printing to use, here?s a standard guide: 500 copies or less, use photocopying; 500-1000 copies, use a quick printer; and 1000 or more copies, use offset printing. (20,000 copies or more - consider web offset printing!)
Plan Ahead!
Keep on top of your newsletter schedule by continually planning for the next issues. Jot your ideas down in one central location, so when it comes time to brainstorm or contact sources, you will have easy access. You can always make changes when it comes time to actually setting up that particular issue.
Mimeograph Machine - 4
When shopping around for a secondhand mimeo machine, try to find one with a built-in stencil-cutter (or look for an electrostencil machine). These machines allow you to lay out and paste up your newsletter pages as you would for other methods of printing. Your page mechanical is then slipped into the machine, scanned, and a stencil is cut as the machine copies the image. (The stencil used is typically stronger than the ones you type into and will produce more copies.)
Choosing a Printer
Not all printers are created equal (and neither are newsletters!) Be sure to shop around for the best price for printing your newsletter. The yellow pages in your phone book are the best place to begin your search. Family members and friends can also recommend printers they?ve worked with on other projects.
Once you step through the front door, ask to see samples of other newsletters they have printed. More often than not, they will be proud to show off their work!
Then, whatever you decide, be sure to get a detailed, written estimate or quote for the final product.
Things Your Printer Needs to Know
Since costs can vary dramatically depending on your printing needs, be sure to take a sample of a newsletter similar to the one you will be publishing. This will help your printer give you the most accurate estimate.
Also let them know whether you will be giving them "camera-ready" copy, or whether you will need to take advantage of in-house typesetting services.
Information you need to discuss with your printer includes number of pages, size, quantity, paper, ink color(s), photos/graphics/special effects, and any finishing work (including stapling, folding, etc.); always ask for a written quote.
Don?t forget to ask how long it will take to have your newsletter printed - most shops are extremely busy and deadline schedules are tight. If you are in a hurry, they may allow for "rush" jobs, but you will be charged accordingly.