The present invention relates to a method of making a paper product having improved printing characteristics. This is achieved by forming a fibrous substrate, and applying a surface treatment which comprises an aqueous composition. Notably, the aqueous composition includes surface enhanced pulp fibers, with the placement of the surface enhanced pulp fibers optimizing their functionality, with surface placement by use of a paper machine size press desirably facilitating a reduction in the typical starch usage. The present method comprising the steps of providing a aqueous slurry comprising a blend of cellulosic fibers and water and dewatering the aqueous slurry of cellulosic fibers and water to form a fibrous substrate. The present method further includes applying a surface treatment to the fibrous substrate, wherein the surface treatment comprises an aqueous composition including surface enhanced pulp fibers, to form a treated fibrous substrate, and thereafter drying the treated fibrous substrate to form a paper product having enhanced printing characteristics.