The pricing and costs of newspaper publishing start-up can be surprisingly low, if enough time and effort goes into planning. Publishing newspapers with very little capital is possible because it utilizes very little equipment, and the printing of the newspapers can be contracted out.

Because of changes in technology and the waning interest of the public, there are less small newspaper publishers than there were before. This has carved out a place for all kinds special-interest newspapers, and this may be the perfect time to branch out into small newspaper publishing. When doing so, consider the following:

1. Keep newspaper publishing costs down by publishing only once a month or once a week.

2. Consider the geographic area of the market; a newspaper publisher creates either a local, regional or national paper.

3. Choose a market to target. Publishing a newspaper that is special interest, such as local business news, sales and advertisements or trade publications, will set the precedent of how often the newspaper is published and how widely it is distributed.

Action Steps
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Find the best newspaper printers for your publication

The three options newspaper publishing companies have for printing are web-presses, sheet-fed presses and copy shops. A web-press is a huge, industrial printer that prints quickly from large rolls of paper, a sheet-fed press prints on pre-cut standard-sized sheets of paper, and copy shops use electrostatic copiers instead of presses.

I recommend: Printing a newspaper from a web-press with a company like The Journal Press will cost on average around $40 per 1,000 copies of a 20-page newspaper. Having a newspaper printed on a sheet-fed press by a company like Franklin Communications will cost between $200 and $300 per 1,000 copies of a 20-page paper, but will offer greater creative flexibility with color and paper weight.

Get low-cost distribution for newspaper publishing

One of the best ways to start distribution for a new publication is direct mailing. If your newspaper is targeted to businesses, then finding the mailing addresses is simple. Otherwise, you will need to purchase or rent mailing lists.

I recommend: Rent a mailing list for one-time use at around $80 per thousand names from companies like Oak Tree Marketing. Purchase mailing lists outright for unlimited repeat use for around $400 per thousand names from companies like Mailing Lists Direct.

Try publishing newspapers online

Starting an online newspaper publication is essentially the same as a print newspaper, including articles, pictures, classifieds and revenue from advertisements. The benefits of starting an electronic newspaper include much lower costs and easier distribution.

I recommend: Publish an online newspaper for around $100 per month through companies like ReadMore Systems or FlexPortal.

Buy newspaper publishing software

Get basic publishing software like Adobe PageMaker for around $500 for the newest version, which will include a wide variety of templated layouts and graphics. Buy higher-end software like Quark Express with superior design layouts and graphics for around $800.

I recommend: Buy PageMaker from Adobe's website, or visit Quark Store to buy Quark Express.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't overlook hidden newspaper publishing costs, like gas for your vehicle when driving to meet with advertisers or payment to freelance writers, if any writing is contracted out.

Newspaper printers are generally people who are passionate about sharing the news with their community and enjoy the smell of the paper, the sound of the running press, and the ability to create great copy. Even with news being easily accessible on the Internet, millions of people still prefer getting their news from newspapers.

Newspaper publishing companies come in all sizes and focus on different markets. Daily papers can report on world, regional and local news. Weekly newspapers will focus more on their immediate community news and activities. The newspaper publishing business relies heavily on income from advertisers, and individual newspapers vary in focus:

1. Small community weekly, biweekly or monthly papers put most of their interest in local news and rely on community advertisers.

2. Mid-size regional newspapers generally have weekly distribution with an expanded Sunday version and if able, can do daily printing, depending on the regional advertising support.

3. National publishing companies for newspapers typically distribute daily newspapers and rely heavily on large advertising clients, but they also have numerous middle- and small-sized clients.

Action Steps
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Satisfy your curiosity and learn how to publish a newspaper

If you're ready to try your hand at newspaper publishing, there are quite a few resources available to get you started. Purchasing manuals is great if you're learning, but to keep costs to a minimum, you can consider renting resource material from your local library.

I recommend: The Newspaper-Info Bookshelf has applicable books ready to be ordered. Publish Your Own Newspaper is a hands-on active browser-based software program that walks you through creating your own newspaper on the spot. It's a great way to discover if you have the ability and eye to design your own copy.

Craft your newspaper with user-friendly software

Publishing a newspaper takes more than manuscript software. You can design and build pages using any of the available software tools if you have the money and time to invest in purchasing and learning them. You can use pen and paper and hire a layout expert, or even use web-based newspaper publishing software. Whatever you choose, it's best to have template variety, various print options, and with today's market, online access is a plus to subscribers.

I recommend: Web browser-based CPSG Publisher automates your newspaper publishing endeavor, including assistance with classifieds, display ads and online subscriptions. There is no software to download and install. Bondware offers online newspaper publishing software with technical assistance from start to finish.

Get high-interest content for your newspaper

The types of articles you want for your paper will obviously rely on the type of paper you are printing. Hiring local community writers and contributing writers on a regular basis is a great way to build your paper's voice.

I recommend: Use the Freelance Journalist Directory to find journalists who specialize in the topics you seek for your paper. Joining the Newspaper Association of America will give you access to resources and contacts in all areas of newspaper publishing. Hometown Content is a publishing group offering various types of content for you to use in your newspaper.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Publishers of newspapers struggle daily due to the stress of trying to break even with printing costs versus advertising income. Many community newspaper publishers produce weekly papers as a labor of love, since it certainly isn't for profit.

If you think you might have what it takes to start and run the next New York Times or Wall Street Journal, then you'll need to pursue newspaper publishing education and training. Proper education and training will take you beyond the journalistic aspects of publishing newspapers and introduce you to management, newspaper printers, distribution, newspaper publishing software, online newspaper publishing software and more.

Pursue a formal degree in publishing to start your newspaper publishing education and training. Internships at newspaper publishing companies also are an effective way to learn the ins and outs of publishing newspapers. Professional associations also will offer an education in newspaper publishing through conferences and seminars.

1. Obtain a degree in publishing from an accredited college or university as a first step in your newspaper publishing education.
2. Learn the business firsthand from newspaper publishers through internship programs.
3. Take advantage of educational and training opportunities offered by newspaper publishing associations.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get a formal degree to learn about newspaper publishing

Some colleges and universities offer degrees or certificates in publishing. Many of these courses can be applied to all types of publishing, including book, magazine and newspaper publishing. You'll learn not only production and design, but also management and business skills relating to newspaper publishing.

I recommend: Pursue a degree in Journalism from the University of Minnesota and learn about newspaper publishing, from editing to marketing and circulation. The Certificate in Publishing Arts program at Antioch University Los Angeles covers aspects of publishing such as starting a new press, marketing and development.

Receive hands-on training as an intern for newspaper publishing companies

Once the formal education is completed, it is a good idea to secure an internship offered by newspaper publishers. This type of invaluable hands-on exposure to publishing newspapers can be a big part of your newspaper publishing education and training. An internship can show you first-hand how to publish a newspaper.

I recommend: Bay Windows, a New England-based newspaper, offers a publishing internship that guides the intern through many areas of newspaper publishing, including production, sales and public relations. Find out about publishing internships in major cities across the United States through the University of Dreams.

Continue your newspaper publishing education and training through seminars and conferences

There are many national and regional newspaper publishing associations that offer continuing education opportunities for newspaper publishers. These associations offer online webinars, live conferences and seminars to further educate and train students about publishing a newspaper.

I recommend: The California Newspaper Publishers Association often conducts web-based seminars covering both business and technological advances in newspaper publishing. Take advantage of the 50 to 60 educational workshops the New England Newspaper Association offers each year. The Southern Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation has conducted educational seminars in newspaper publishing for over 40 years.

For those who are planning to work in newspaper publishing as journalists, editors or publishers, it is vital to understand the key terms used for newspaper publishing. Working in newspaper publishing is a fast-paced business where time is of the essence in getting the news out for each day. Key terms serve as short-hand to describe the various facets of putting together a story or column. Take the time to learn the key terms for newspaper publishing so that you can have a successful career in journalism as a reporter, editor or publisher.

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Byline

A byline gives the name and staff position of a newspaper writer. Generally bylines appear beneath the headlines of articles. However, some newspapers place bylines beneath articles instead.

I recommend: Read the information about bylines at The Editor's Page.

Above the fold and below the fold

Above the fold and below the fold refers to the placement of news articles and advertisements on newspaper pages. Articles and ads that are above the fold are more noticeable and sometimes more newsworthy than those placed below the fold. Above the fold placement is more valuable to advertisers.

I recommend: Review the information about above the fold placement of advertising at Web1Marketing.

Lead

A lead is the single paragraph that begins a news article or story. Leads usually contain no more than 30 words and summarize the rest of the news story or article. The lead often includes 'the five W's' - the 'who, what, where, when and why.'

I recommend: Gather information about newspaper publishing leads at Middle Tennessee State University.

Fact checker

A fact checker is the person who checks the sources and information of newspaper articles and stories to ensure that they are factual. A fact checker must verify and correct information and data in a timely manner to protect the publication from libel suits.

I recommend: Find information about the importance of newspaper fact checkers at The Buckeye Institute.

Listicle

A listicle is an article that is made of lists. Top Ten lists are examples of listicles. Many newspaper publications and magazines use listicles to summarize the top news events of the year. There are listicles for everything including the best and worst dressed celebrities to top sports achievements of all time.

I recommend: Review the example listicles at Listicles the Magazine.

Beat reporter

A beat reporter has a specific area to which they are assigned. Beats can include sports, fashion, and cultural news as well as certain geographical areas covered by the publication.

I recommend: Learn about what it takes to be a beat reporter by reading the article at The Oklahoma Daily.