Magazine Publishing Key Terms

Know key terms as you prepare to launch your magazine

By Rachel Davy, Writer/Editor

For those who are planning to publish their own magazine, it is necessary to learn the key terms used in the production of a magazine. There is more to publishing a magazine than having a creative concept or a desire to publish. There are many elements that must come together to create a successful publication that will attract advertisers and subscribers. Take the time to learn the basics, starting with the key terms for magazine publishing, to educate yourself about the publishing business.

Content

The content of a magazine is the articles, photographs and art that make up the magazine. Many magazines have staff writers, photographers and artists who produce articles, take photographs and create graphics. Magazine publishers also purchase content for their publications from freelance writers, photographers and artists.
Try: Read the article that analyzes news magazine content for various publications from The Project for Excellence in Journalism.

Layout and design

Layout and design is the process of putting the magazine together with art and graphics. Many magazines have their own full-time layout and design staffs, while others hire companies to do layout and design for them. Layout and design includes the magazine's logo, fonts, art and art placement and graphic design.
Try: Read about the magazine layout and design solutions offered by Ellis Graphic Services.

Periodical

Weekly, monthly or quarterly magazines are called periodicals. There are several kinds of periodicals. Newspapers are usually called dailies, but in magazine publishing, there is weekly (once a week), biweekly (every two weeks), quarterly (every three months) and annually (once a year). Periodical magazines are usually specialty magazines, such as those written about sports or fashion.
Try: Read the article at History.com to learn about the history of periodicals.

Advertising or ad space

The majority of most magazines' revenue comes from advertising. So it's important for magazines to learn how to attract advertisers to their publication so they will buy ad space. Ad space is the amount of space that advertisers agree to buy. They can purchase ad space by the column all the way up to full-page ads. Many magazines have advertising departments whose job it is to sell space.
Try: Read about magazine advertising at Magazine Publishers of America.

Printing

Printing is the process of reproducing the images and content of the magazine. There are printing presses of many sizes that can publish large- or small-circulation magazines. Printing can be in black and white, in color or a combination of both. Publishers also have to decide what kind of paper to use for their publications. There are high -gloss papers and those that are closer to newspaper.
Try: Review the printing services provided by Pelican Magazine Printing.

Circulation

Circulation is the distribution of magazines to vendors and those who have subscribed to receive them. A magazine's circulation number is also the number of copies distributed on an average day and is a measure of a magazine's success or failure.
Try: Learn about the circulation services provided by Circulation Specialists.