Are you a bit intimidated when speaking with your local printer? Do you get befuddled when he throws out terms like ’saddle-stitch’, ‘full bleed’, or ‘Postscript’? Don’t leave the quality of your printed materials to chance. And don’t be afraid to ask questions!

I’ve compiled a short list of resources to get your feet wet. These are not intended to make you a printing expert (the list is hardly exhaustive), they’re meant to help you understand ‘printer-speak’, and if you’re designing your materials in-house, to plan your designs with the limits and capabilities of your printer in mind.

Glossary of Paper Terms (some are even illustrated)

Small Business Printing Advice: Four Success Factors for Dealing with Printers

Preparing Your Design Files

5 Greener Printing Tips

5 Ways to Save Money on Low-Cost Brochure Printing

Demystifying Turnaround Time

Have you found any other resources or articles to be especially helpful? Share your finds with the small-business community!