A magazine that arrives on schedule, issue after issue
A magazine is a recurring commitment rather than a single job. Each issue needs to look consistent with the last, arrive when readers expect it and fit a production schedule that leaves room for late copy and advertising. That makes the agreed specification, the artwork deadline and the mailing date as important as the design. If you are planning a new title or changing supplier, send us a recent issue with the page count, circulation and distribution method so we can review the whole cycle, not just one print run.
A4 and A5 titles
A4 portrait gives features, photography and advertising room to work. A5 can suit a pocketable members' title or a newsletter that has grown into a magazine. Keep the size stable between issues so templates, advertisers and envelopes stay consistent.
Self-cover or separate cover
A self-cover magazine uses the same paper throughout. A separate, heavier cover gives the title more presence and protects it in the post. Decide which you want before the page plan is fixed, as it changes how the cover pages are counted.
Page plans and issues
A stitched magazine is planned in multiples of four pages. If page counts vary from issue to issue, tell us the usual range: it helps us plan paper and binding, and keeps the posting weight predictable.
Paper & finishes
Silk coated stock is a dependable choice for magazines that mix photography and longer text. Gloss gives a brighter look for image-led titles; uncoated stock suits a quieter, more editorial feel. FSC-certified paper is available, and the FSC logo can appear on the printed issue, which many members and customers notice.
Because a magazine is posted repeatedly, paper weight has a running cost as well as a feel. A lighter text stock with a heavier cover can keep each copy within a postage weight step while still feeling substantial. A laminated or coated cover helps a title survive the post and the coffee table; spot UV or foil can be reserved for special editions.
Stitched or PUR bound magazines
Most magazines are saddle stitched: folded sections are stitched through the spine so the issue opens easily and lies reasonably flat. We stitch in-house on a six-station Muller Prima stitching line with an automatic cover feeder, so printed sections move straight from press to binding.
A larger issue, an annual or a special edition may suit PUR perfect binding, which gives a squared spine that can carry the title and issue number. Whether a spine is practical depends on the page count and stock, so ask us before the design assumes one.
Litho or digital printing?
For larger circulations, B2 litho on our Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 75 and CX 74 presses gives consistent colour across long runs, with Pantone spot colours available for a masthead or brand colour. Colour on both presses is measured and controlled, which helps each issue match the last.
Smaller circulations, regional editions or versions for different member groups can be printed digitally on our FOGRA-certified Heidelberg Versafire presses. Digital variable data can also add a member's name, number or a personalised message to the cover or a carrier sheet without a separate process.
Mailing & trade print
Many magazines are mailed straight to readers. Our data team can prepare and cleanse the mailing list for each issue, and our Buhrs enclosing lines can insert the magazine with a letter, renewal form or event flyer, with camera matching to check each pack. Qualifying UK mailings can be sorted for Royal Mail Mailmark in-house, and Irish readers can be reached through An Post.
Print, binding, enclosing and postal preparation all happen at one site, so there is no hand-off between a printer and a separate mailing house on the way to the post. For publishers and agencies, magazines can also be produced as unbranded trade print under NDA.
Helpful guides
All guides
Binding Methods: Perfect Binding vs Saddle Stitch and More
Saddle stitch, PUR perfect binding, wiro and case binding compared: page counts, spines, durability and which to choose for your brochure or catalogue.
Read the guideBooklet Page Count & Spine Width Calculator
Estimate a perfect-bound spine from page count and paper, or check that a stapled booklet works out in multiples of four.
Read the guide
Silk vs Gloss vs Uncoated Paper
How silk, gloss and uncoated papers differ in colour, glare, feel and writability, and which one suits brochures, leaflets, letterheads and reply forms.
Read the guideFrequently Asked Questions
Have a print specification in mind?
Tell us about the format, quantity, artwork and how you plan to use the finished piece, and we will come back with a recommendation and a clear quote.
- Print, data and mailing under one roof in Keighley
- ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001 and FSC certified
- Royal Mail Mailmark and PostAim (Ireland) mailings
- Family-owned and producing since 1980