Submitting an Ad
to The Washington Post Magazine
Hardware and software compatibility, scan quality, file preparation and electronic transmission can impact image quality. Questions regarding digital advertising should be directed to The Washington Post Magazine production manager at 202-334-6163.
The following specifications are to be used when submitting digital files:
- Platform/File Format: Macintosh is the required platform. EPS or PDF file format is required.
- Application Files: The Magazine supports current versions of the following software for Macintosh computers:
- Adobe® PDF high resolution for print, fonts embedded.
- Quark Xpress®; Photoshop (saved as EPS with at least 300 dpi).
- Illustrator (with type converted to outlines and saved as EPS).
- Freehand (with type converted to paths, saved as EPS and all link files supplied).
- Adobe InDesign (saved as PDF).
- Images: Include all graphic images. Minimum 300 dpi required for full-color artwork or grayscale. Remove JPEG compression, transfer functions, halftone screens, index color and calibrated color from images.
- Scans: Black-and-white photos should be scanned at 266 dpi as grayscale. Shadow dot should not exceed 93%; any dot under 3% will drop to white. Four-color images should be scanned at 300 dpi as CMYK.
- Color: Illustrations must be process separated in their native applications. (Pantone colors within application color palette must be created as process build.) Send all files in CMYK. Convert all RGB files to CMYK.
- Fonts: Use only PostScript fonts. Include all PostScript fonts (printer and screen fonts) used in file and EPS graphics files. TrueType and Multiple Master fonts are not accepted and will be replaced by Adobe PostScript fonts. Disk intervention to alter fonts may result in production charges to advertiser.
- Transfer Media: Iomega cartridges; CD ROM.
- Data Transmission: The Washington Post Magazine accepts advertising sent using these three services:
- AP AdSend
- Modem-to-Modem
- The Washington Post Bulletin Board
- For further information, contact The Washington Post Digital Services at 202-334-6362.
- Supplied Proofs: All files must be accompanied by a proof made from the file being sent that is representative of the ad file. Color proofs must comply with SWOP procedures. The Washington Post Magazine is not responsible for ad reproduction if proof is not provided. The Magazine can provide advertiser with a color proof at the advertiser’s expense. Examples of acceptable fourcolor proofs are Digital Dot Color Proof (DDCP), such as: Kodak Approval, Screen TrueRite and Optronics Intelliproof.
Checklist for Digital Data
All transfer media must be labeled with advertiser name, ad number, return address and telephone number. Include the following information for each ad transmitted:
Traffic Information
- Advertiser Name
- Run Date (issue date)
- Ad Size
- Customer Contact
- Contact telephone number and fax number
- Ad order number
- Sunday Magazine section must be noted
- Document Name
Hard Copy Proof
- A hard copy proof is required for all color and black-and-white ads.
- Color proofs must comply with SWOP procedures.
- The Washington Post Magazine is not responsible for ad reproduction if proof is not provided. The Magazine can provide advertiser with a color proof at advertiser’s expense.
- Special Note: If an ad is sent via The Washington Post DAT Dept., a faxed proof must be sent to 202-334-5508. A contract proof should be mailed to The Magazine Production Dept. Always include a contact name, advertiser name and contact telephone number on all faxes and proofs.
Production Services
While the above mechanical requirements are preferred, The Washington Post Magazine has complete production facilities and can offer a wide array of creative services. As The Magazine is printed by an outside company, late advertising materials and late cancellations will incur production charges. Courier costs, separations and/or late press charges will be passed on to the advertiser when materials or cancellation notices are received after deadline.
Call The Magazine production office for specific charges not listed below. All production charges are noncommissionable.
- Digital dot color proof (Kodak Approval) - $125
- Color Separations (each) - $200
- Color Corrections (per hour) - $200
- Disk Intervention/Desktop Operator Time (per hour) - $150
- Late Courier to Printer - $400
Disposal of Advertising Materials
Advertising materials will be returned upon written request. Materials that are not requested to be returned will be inventoried and stored up to 6 months and then discarded. Digital transfer media will be stored for up to 30 days and then discarded.
