In the past, ads for publications were usually created by ad agencies. However, today, anyone can make an ad using their computer. Advancement in applications, digital cameras, clip art and stock photography has made it even easier to make your own advertisements. While many businesses are taking advantage of their ability to create advertisements, size, resolution, format and deadlines have become a hassle for many businesses and marketing supervisors.

Almost any program out there that can arrange images and text can create an ad. Look at our software compatibility chart to see the application we use and recommend.

You need to start with your program and think about the end result, whether it’s going to be a PDF, TIF, PSD or native application file such as a PageMaker document.


You need to know the size of your ad (see ad size chart). Your document in your program should be set to the necessary size. NOTE: If your ad bleeds off the page, you will need to take measures to create that ad correctly. Programs like QuarkXPress, PageMaker, and InDesign have the capabilities to print with bleeds included. Other programs may not offer that option. If this is the case, you will need to add 1/8 inch to all sides of your document.


Combine your text, images, artwork and logos onto your document page. Once you have decided that everything is correct and accurate, you can then proceed to the submission guidelines listed below.


Fax a copy of your ad design to (810) 239-8642 Attn: Publication Cordinator. Please indicate the publication and issue month that the ad is contracted for.

We accept and mainly use high-resolution PDFs. (See our PDF guideline page for more information.)


Photoshop users need to send us the ads as a layered, not flattened PSD file, instead of a flattened TIF or EPS file. We will also need a copy of your fonts used with this file. If you do send a TIF or EPS, beware that any last minute changes will not be possible.


QuarkXPress, PageMaker and InDesign users can submit their documents along with ALL IMAGES and FONTS included. Use our FTP services to transfer your files to us.