Buzz
If you're passionate about something, diving into self-publishing your own magazine can be an exciting way to share it with an audience! Let us guide you through the process of getting your magazine off the ground, from researching your competitors to finalizing your layout and distributing copies.
Steps
Conduct Research. Creating and self-publishing a magazine can be both mentally and financially demanding. Proper research is crucial!
Evaluate Options and Costs. Be realistic about your budget and expectations. Consider potential hurdles and alternatives.
Define Your Target Audience Specifically. Understanding your exact demographic is crucial for effective magazine layout, marketing, and attracting advertisers.
Establish an Online Presence. Before launching your magazine, it's essential to have a professional website. Ensure it reflects the quality of your publication.
Invite Article Submissions. Reach out to potential contributors through online groups, blogs, and local libraries. Generating interest in submissions will build anticipation for your magazine's launch.
Attract Advertisers. Consider offering affordable ad rates for your fledgling magazine and approach businesses that align with your content. Don't hesitate to reach out to potential advertisers directly.
Refine Content. Select the most captivating articles from your submissions and edit them thoughtfully. Maintaining the integrity of the authors' work will encourage continued submissions.
Return the revised articles to the authors for their review. You don't have to wait for their complete approval, but give them the chance to question or contest any editorial choices you've made.
Commence the magazine layout process. Professionals utilize desktop publishing (DTP) software like QuarkXPress (the industry standard), Adobe InDesign (or the older version, PageMaker), but free alternatives such as Scribus or even word processors like OpenOffice.org Writer are viable. Familiarize yourself thoroughly with your layout software. Seek design inspiration from other magazines or dedicated books. Have the authors provided accompanying images? Do you possess relevant imagery? If not, consider acquiring stock photos (readily available online). Investing in a bundle of affordable stock photos could prove invaluable.
Once the layout is finalized - covers and internal pages - locate a dependable, reasonably priced printing service. Printer costs vary considerably, so allocate time to inquire and obtain samples. Opt for laser printing over offset printing; this will result in significant cost savings.
If you're on a budget, invest in a good monochrome laser printer with duplexing capabilities. Duplexing is a critical feature to look for. With diligent searching, you can procure a suitable printer for a few hundred dollars. This should suffice for internal pages, while the cover may still be outsourced to a print shop if feasible.
While printing is underway, aggressively promote your publication. Utilize online communities, other publications, blogs (consider launching your own), MySpace, Google's AdWords, etc.
Distribute the magazines! Maintaining a subscriber database may suffice with a spreadsheet program like Excel or the free OpenOffice.org Calc, although a dedicated database program is preferable. Consult with your local post office for optimal mailing strategies; they offer valuable, time-tested suggestions that could lead to substantial postage savings.
Pointers
- Consider hiring a video designer and establishing a YouTube channel for the magazine. However, ensure your magazine has gained some recognition first. Additionally, YouTube channels can significantly broaden your audience reach.
- Don't hesitate to reach out to experts in your magazine's field and invite them to contribute.
- Transform your website into a valuable resource rather than merely a subscription portal. Building your site with sought-after content will facilitate subscriber acquisition.
Cautions
- Don't shy away from seeking assistance when needed.
- You may need to enlist the help of friends; consider sharing some of the profits with them!
- Prepare for expansion. As your subscriber base grows, so will the time demands of managing them.
- Adhere to your schedule diligently. Falling behind is easy and displeases your subscribers.
Essential Supplies
- A high-quality monochrome laser printer with duplexing functionality.
- A dependable print service for your magazine covers.
- A saddle stapler.
- Word processing software, as well as programs for layout, photo editing, and spreadsheets.
- Having Photoshop is advantageous.
