zinesand

Zinesand is a term used in contemporary discussions of independent publishing to denote a framework or ecosystem that supports the creation, distribution, and archiving of zines through both digital and physical channels.

Originating from an online collective of zine-makers and archivists in the early 2020s, zinesand aims to reduce production barriers and broaden access to self-published work.

Core features include an open publishing workflow that lets contributors submit pages, modular zine formats, and integration with print-on-demand services. The approach emphasizes permissive licenses and community moderation to encourage collaboration.

Content and formats cover poetry, essays, artwork, and community announcements, typically produced with low-cost duplication methods such as photocopy or risography, as well as digital-first layouts for online readers.

Distribution occurs through online archives, social media, mailing lists, and partnerships with independent bookstores and print shops, with issues released as standalone zines or as multi-issue compilations.

Reception notes zinesand as a means to democratize authorship and preserve DIY culture, while critics point to challenges in ensuring long-term accessibility and addressing copyright concerns.

See also: zine, DIY culture, independent publishing, print-on-demand.