The Self-Mailer The self-mailer is usually very inexpensive to produce, and there are
times when it's more appropriate than a more expensiveclassic package:o monthly price lists sent to the same peopleo newsletters or club/group noticeo obvious promotional matter mailed to large numberso "sale" flyers sent
to a proven customer listThe best combination of paper and ink is black ink on yellow or golden rod paper. Avoid colors on color, like red on blue orgreen on pink.The trick with self-mailers is to use standard paper sizes,and fold
down into mailable finished sizes: ORIGINAL PAPER SIZE TYPICAL FINISHED SIZE 8.5 x 11 inches
4.25 x 5.5 inches11 x 14 inches 5.5 x 7 inches11 x 17 inches
5.5 x 8.5 inches or 8.5 x 11 inches Most "quick" printers stock 8.5x11 and 11x17 paper, and as a result these are the most common sizes for self-mailers.There are other classes of self-mailers which do
not usestandard paper. For specific purposes they can be very effective. Keep in mind printing costs will increase as you move away fromstandard-sized papers. When designing and writing copy for self-mailers, fold up apiece of
paper down to the final size you want. Visualize eachfolded portion as a separate and distinct panel. As you unfold itto its original size, watch which portions of the self-mailer yousee after each un-fold.Then plan a two-, three-
or four-step approach based on howmany panels become visible until the mailer is completelyunfolded. In this manner, you create a "teaser" series of panelsleading to the final un-fold which presents the overall piece.
Example: 1 - Addressee panel "Have we got a surprise for you..." 2 - First inside panel "It's for our preferred customersonly..."
3 - Second inside panel "It's happening only thisweekend..." 4 - Final panel Remainder of copy You'll need to play around with different paper
sizes to seewhich suits your needs. Check with your printer to make sure thefolding pattern you settle on is one they can handle.Browser Fixed
