48 pages

by Skyhawk0

Posted to Indies on 2003-12-17 16:25:00

Parent message is 549351
I believe the official definition is 48 pages or less, hence the name, “chap” coming from chapter. Also, if it’s longer than that, stapling becomes iffy.

8.5×11″ folded is the general standard for poetry, but look at the shapes your work forms and figure what works for you. You can also fold legal if you have long lines you don’t want to break, fold letter the other way if you have short lines, print it the other way (staples at the top, like a calendar) if you have shorter pieces with longer lines, etc. If you want it full-size, like most zines, you can print on 11×17″ and fold that. You can also get a printer to cut standard sizes to something more original.

Covers are usually a colour stock, and usually a thicker paper. Check some local printers to see what your paper and binding options are and what they’ll cost you.

There’s no rules or easy answers, but it’s your work. Make the package as original as what’s inside. Remember, people do judge books by their covers…

The Literary Kicks message boards were active from 2001 to 2004.