FAQs+ What is a zine?That’s a good question! There are many ways to communicate what a zine is. An ABQZF answer is... a zine is a self-published booklet or pamphlet, typically created on paper. Zines can be about anything you want. Zines are usually produced in small batches, copied on a copier, folded, stapled, and then shared. Zines are community-centered, non-competitive, and low-budget. Zines don’t build empires, they build friendships and communities - Zines not Kings. Here’s another great definition.
+ What is ABQ Zine Fest?ABQ Zine Fest is a zine event dedicated to presenting and promoting zines, small presses, and distros, lo-fi printing, zine-adjacent products, underground media, and paper art and books.
+ When is ABQ Zine Fest?ABQ Zine Fest XIV is on Saturday, October 4 from 11am to 5pm.
+ Where is ABQ Zine Fest XIV happening?ABQZF XIV is happening at the Special Collections Library. 432 Central Ave NE, at Central and Edith, in Albuquerque.
+ How much does it cost to attend the fest? ABQ Zine Fest is FREE to Enter! Bring Money to buy zines directly from exhibitors!
+ COVID is still a thing. What are you doing to protect people?Mask-wearing is encouraged at ABQZF. We can’t enforce mask use, but we condone it and will support the practice by offering free masks to anyone who would like one. There will also be hand sanitizers at stations throughout the library.
+ Can anyone apply?Sure! ABQZF is generally an adult event, but a kid who makes zines, understands the zinester agreements and questions in the application, and if accepted, is accompanied by an adult, is welcome to apply!
+ What do I need to do to apply?You’ll need to select the link here when it’s available (June 21) and fill out the google form to apply. You’ll need to show that you make zines. This means what you submit as examples of your zine-making needs to be in the form of a zine, and should be something that you’ve already made (not only the cover of the zine, not what you’re going to do, but a completed zine, folded, stapled, etc. Here’s a great example of the making of a zine, by Violet Victoria. Thanks for sharing your favorite work!
+ I mostly make comics - can I still apply to table at ABQZF?Absolutely! Zines & Comics are friends! And, keep in mind that ABQZF is intentionally a zine fest - it’s a DIY, lo-fi, non-commercial, free-to-attend, community event. If your comic values align with these makers, please do apply!
+ Does it cost to be an exhibitor?
Yes. If you are accepted as an exhibitor at ABQZF, a $20 fee must be paid via PayPal or Venmo to secure your spot.
+ Does everyone get into the fest?ABQ Zine Fest is a curated event. There is a selection process. Unfortunately, we cannot accept all applicants. Not everyone who applies will get into the festival.
+ What happens if I don’t get into the fest?First, take a deep breath. Rejection SUCKS - we all go through it. Know that not getting into ABQZF is more about available space, rather than who you know or the “quality” of your work. ABQZF selection considers several criteria to arrive at a decision, and it’s never easy to turn people down. Please take things in stride, but don’t take it personally (and don’t take it out on the organizers). Try again next year!
+ I would like to volunteer/get Involved with ABQ Zine Fest! How do I do that?The more the merrier! Please fill out this form if you’d like to volunteer on ABQ Zine Fest day! If you want to get involved earlier, please email us at abq zine fest at gmail!
