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“Swaps” are where a certain number of people agree to swap… Well, something, usually handmade, and they’re usually multiple, identical (or nearly identical) items.
It’s a fun way of sharing art, usually through the mail, but sometimes in person.
Zine swaps
In this case, a “zine swap” is where you send a certain number of copies of just one issue of your zine, to the person hosting the swap.
You’ll also send the host either postage, money for postage, or a self-addressed, stamped envelope for shipping other participants’ zines to you.
The number of zines you’ll send is usually determined by the number of participants, including the host.
So, if six people, including you and the host, are swapping zines, you’ll send five copies of your zine (plus postage).
Each other participant does the same, and the host adds their own set of five zines to the collection.
Then the host sorts all the zines into piles, so each participant receives one from each of the other participants (including the host).
After that, the host mails the sets to each person in the swap, and keeps one set for themselves.
So, each person in that swap will receive five different zines, one from each of the other participants, including the host.
Visual explanation of how a zine swap works
I think very visually. Even writing that previous section, I was counting on my fingers to be sure I got the numbers right.
If you’re like me, this illustration may help explain how swaps work. Jane is both a participant and a host, so – as a participant – she’ll make five copies of her own zine and add them to the swap.
I hope that makes sense, and I hope you’ll participate in – or even organize – a zine swap.
- A very basic, single-sheet zine layout or the expanded version of that page
- A free, simple single-sheet zine (PDF)
- Zine Layouts – lots of ideas, including the classic 16-page zine from a single sheet of paper
- A free printable zine from 2010: The 24-Hour Zine Thing Zine
If you have questions or answers, post a comment below.
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