A Zine (pronounced 'zeen') is a self-published, small press or homemade publication similar to a pamphlet. Zines often address specialized topics from an independent, controversial or alternative viewpoint. They can be a collection of random personal thoughts or expertly made political treatise.
Due to the independent nature of Zines they are not scholarly, or peer reviewed nor are they controlled by mainstream media or the editorial process of the publishing industry. These publications break from conventional format and are often photocopied, folded and stapled. Zines can be visually inspiring and artistic and offer personal, passionate and unedited viewpoints.
View a Short History of Zines
Zine (zeen): independent, self published work often created by a single person.
Zinester: An individual who creates zines.
Perzine: Short for personal zine. A zine that discusses personal thoughts, experiences, and everyday events.
Zine Distro Short for Zine distribution. Distros are places that distribute zines. Many individuals run Distros out of their homes, mailing zines out to those who order them. Some independent book stores carry zines as well.
Zine Awards and Zine Reviews!
Broken Pencil Magazine is excited to announce that the most creative and cutting-edge zine creators with the Broken Pencil Zine Awards 2021 as well as past winners! Broken Pencil also has useful Zine reviews (over 15,000 of them). More information is on the Broken Pencil Website.
The Library subscribes to Broken Pencil!
$100 and a T-Shirt: A Documentary About Zines in the Northwest (128 min)
An original documentary by Joe Biel, illuminates the world of self-publishing and serves as a cultural analysis of what makes the thriving sub-culture of zinesters tick. Biel interviews about 70 zine makers, ex-zine makers, and readers from the northwest—all quirky and artistic young people who produce hand-crafted magazines which run the gamut from artistically ornate polemics to minimalist whimsical rants. They discuss the impetus to create zines, their genesis, self-publishing history, intricacies of the zine community, resources available for zine makers, and the genre's future.