DIY art publishing tips

Independent publishing is a force to be reckoned with these days, especially among artists and designers eager to avoid those endless waiting periods. ‘We don’t need your help,’ they’re shouting out, taking matters into their own hands and putting out handmade art books – differentiated from mass-market publications by their limited run, personalised aesthetic and ability to double up as pieces of art. Time Out Singapore takes a look at how artists in search of another creative outlet can go about turning a plan into print.

Tip 1: Concept before creation

The first thing you want to think about is what exactly you want from your book. Whether you are interested in mass-producing a chapbook or hand-making a limited-edition catalogue, think of your book as a sculptural object.

Artist-writer Susie Wong, who saw her book Trace launch in March at BooksActually (5 Ann Siang Road; Tel: 6221 1170), recognises the large role the internet has played in heightening the impact of books. ‘Now [they’re] available as downloads, books have entered a new phase of becoming precious tangible objects…collected for not only textual content but the paper [they’re] printed on, [their] choice of covers etc.’

Trace was co-conceptualised and handmade by artist Brendan Goh, so all 300 copies of Trace embody the personal touch. It’s important to think about the look of your book carefully, from your paper finishing to your choice of thread to how it opens up. How will its design reflect its content?

Tip 2: Do your homework

While a book need not necessarily adhere to traditional formats, find out what others have done before you let your imagination run wild.

Artist-curator Michael Lee’s Studio Bibliothèque recently released Preoccupations: Things Artists Do Anyway, a collection of artists’ writings and images, and he has good advice to offer. ‘Know your basics in design and editorial: neither bad design nor poor grammar leads to experimental, cutting-edge books,’ Lee says.

Tip 3: Investigate book-binding

Investigate book-making itself. Sleek commercial binding may look professional but can lead to content lacking personality. Accordion folds may allow for your work to open into an eight-page spread. If all this is Greek to you, look up book-making on the internet, or, even better, sign up for a book-binding workshop at National University of Singapore’s La Libreria (3F NUS Museum, University Culutural Centre; Tel: 6516 8797),  a book-lovers’ haven set up by artist Eriko Hirashima. It will provide you with a better understanding of book structures and an opportunity to check out the other tomes available for your perusal.

Tip 4: Keep your costs low

If printing is leaving you with an empty wallet, remember that budgets are meant to be creatively managed. Pool your resources. Think about pitching your project to possible material sponsors.

Should you have the money to go to a commercial printer, always remember that the start-up costs are what actually hurt, so printing a small number of books will definitely not be worth your buck. Either way, make sure that before you print, you’ve applied for an ISBN number which you’ve worked into your design.

Tip 5: Get some help

If you’re lacking contacts and resources, consider approaching a creative house willing to take a chance on your project for its sheer genius. WORM, for example, is a recent publishing initiative that has published books featuring the likes of artists Tang Ling Nah and Simryn Gill. Just remember that handing your book over to any publisher may require you to relinquish some control over its content.

Tip 6: Get your book distributed

Lastly, check out the distributors listed on the Singapore Writers Centre website and pick one whose minimum run is not too high. Take into consideration the commission plans your distributors have when you eventually price your book. Bear in mind, too, that it can be difficult to determine how different companies will react to certain genres.

It’s preferable to find a distributor who won’t require exclusive rights. This way, you can let them handle getting your books into the major bookstores, while you can take charge of approaching smaller, niche stores like EarShot Café (1 Old Parliament Lane; Tel: 6883 1019) as well as your personal contacts, who will save you distribution commissions.