#admin fif

[fandomzines]

Any resources for making PDF zines? I tried looking stuff up but I found nothing really helpful for what I need. I reached out to others who've made them but haven't gotten anything back so I thought I'd ask here. Thanks!

Hello, anon!

I’m not quite sure if you’re referring to resources and guides we’d recommend for PDF zines, or if you’re just looking for tips and guidance, but both Admin Fif and Admin Lily have got you covered!

Admin Fif offers you the following tips:

1. Research fonts to find the ones that are most legible.

2. Print 1 or two page test copies for fics to see how the formatting translates.

3. Pick up books at the bookstore and pay attention to what you like and don't like.

Admin Lily offers you a bit of both guidance and resources!

1. Software: adobe InDesign, Affinity Publisher, layout designer, PDFelement (there are probably guides out there on how to use them)

2. Add onto Fif's third tip, keep in mind how you want the zine to look like. Something that matches the zine’s theme would be best, and keep it consistent. Find graphic design layouts or refer to other zines and make notes

3. Don’t use too many different fonts / font families, and be consistent (a maximum of 2, 3 is ideal). Play with font weights and sizes.

4. Do some basic learning about visual hierarchy. Give priority to the first thing you would like to be seen.

5. If doing printable zines, look up printing guides (from your printer, if available) to know what bleed/safety margins you need to have.

6. If doing digital only PDF, utilize hyperlinks. They’re handy for navigation, especially in content pages.

7. You can find basic guides for most types of publishing software (especially InDesign) on YouTube. It’s recommended to look up topics on doing master pages, pagination, margins/columns & bleeds.

8. Think about whether you are exporting as single pages or spreads or making both options available as it also affects readability (e.g. single pages are easier to read on mobile/tablets and double column texts vs single column).

We hope this helped answer your question! If not, feel free to send in another ask.

✨Admin Star

[fandomzines]

Hello! I had a technical question. How do folks prevent the PDFs of their zines from getting leaked? I've heard that some people only release their PDFs once the physical zines ship, but what other methods are there to prevent this?

Hey, anon!

Okay, the thing about PDFs is that it really is difficult to keep them from leaking at all. Even if you send the files after you've shipped physical orders, there's still a chance that those who did not pay for the PDF version can get a copy through someone who did.

Admin G says that, having already worked on PDFs in previous zines, waiting until physical orders ship is the method she’s most familiar with. She says that adding a watermark or general warning against reprint or distribution is a good reminder as well, and depending on where you compile the PDF, there may be security options such as password locking the PDF from being further printed or edited, etc. 

Admin Fif notes that, while it may not guarantee that the PDF file won’t get leaked, making the PDF low in resolution as compared to the one actually going out to print does help to protect the artists’ art. So, if it does get leaked, at least it's not a full res version that people can then pirate the artwork off of.

We hope this helped! If not, feel free to send in another ask for clarifications!

✨Admin Star

[fandomzines]

hey! I love your guys page and use it for everything zine related! I was just wondering how to create a writing portfolio, like what kind of fics to put in one when submitting it with an application? thanks! :D

Hiya, anon!

When it comes to general writing portfolios, I find that collecting your strongest pieces is the best way to go. Personally, I just shove all my works into my portfolio and weed out the older ones that I feel don’t reflect my current writing skills.

But when it comes to applying, your portfolio definitely needs specifics.

Admin Fif says to always make sure that there's at least one fic for the fandom the zine is about, because some mods might reject simply because they don't get an different fandom’s fic or characters. Even if the mods say that it's okay not to have content from that fandom, it's good to show that you are able to write about the plot and characters.

It’s also best not to include really cracky fics. They might be entertaining but they don’t really showcase your skill, especially since some zines have deeper themes.

She notes that it’s better if the portoflio is full of shorter works. Pulling certain parts out of longer fics doesn't always work and shows that the applicant might not be adept at writing short fiction.

Admin G says that usually apps specify what they are looking for in writing portfolios, so it's always good to curate the samples and portfolio based on those specs. The main thing about portfolios is that the writer also has to show that they are aware of what their strongest pieces are, so being able to demonstrate that is important when deciding on what to include.

She also adds that writer apps usually take the longest, since it takes more time to thoroughly read and go through the portfolio. So if the apps require a certain word limit, sample limit, etc., it's important to follow that as well. She recommends linking a Google Drive or Doc with curated pieces. If everything is on AO4 or in a Tumblr tag or another website and you don't specify which pieces you want the reviewers to read, it may take more time to go through your app and they may not get to the pieces that you personally think showcase your skills as a writer.

We hope this helps you curate a good portfolio! If you have any further questions or clarifications, don’t hesitate to drop another ask in the ask box!

✨Admin Star

[fandomzines]

Do you know if there are any promare zines with applications open/to be open?

Hello anon! No as far as we are aware of, there are currently no promare zines! If anyone knows of any pls let us know!

[fandomzines]

I would like to promote my original zine, but "sadly" most of the blog I've seen are focused on existing fandoms or animated characters. I know it's probably out of your zone, but do you know where I could find a blog to share my project? I'm running out of ideas and it's a little discouraging. ;;

Hello! Fandomzines does promote original projects so long as they are zines!! I think overall original zines aren’t seen promoted as often because while the trend for them is rising, they aren’t as common as fandom related zines but it never hurts to ask the other zine promotion blogs just in case!

can also recommend you also check out twitter for accounts that reblog zines!

[fandomzines]

how long do you normally wait before reblogging upcoming zine posts? like a few days for example, or do you only reblog the ones that get more traction because those are seen more?

Hello anon!

We try to get to each post as soon as we see them, though we get tons of mentions every single day, thanks to the rise of the market. This coupled in with real life responsibility means that it can sometime take a while before a project is reblogged.

And no, we don’t really prioritize one project over another. The point of this blog is to give all projects exposure, so no we don’t only reblog those projects that get more traction.

[fandomzines]

are there any my little pony zines that youve seen?

Hello! No we haven’t seen any my little pony zines recently! If our followers have, please be sure to let us know!

[fandomzines]

@ the promare zine anon i havent seen any on tumblr but theres a lot on twitter that have apps open!

Thank you anons! For those wondering about Promare zines be sure to check twitter out!