Magazine Publishing

The first steps in starting a successful magazine publishing company
By Nikki Wheeler There is a lot of opportunity for success in magazine publishing services. Almost every organization out there could benefit from a magazine publication to keep members up to date and informed. A publication can keep employees in the know and maintain a feeling of solidarity in a business. A publication can even provide communication between a business and its customers.    

Starting a magazine publishing company is a huge undertaking, but if done correctly, it can be profitable in a very reasonable amount of time. You can even start this business while working another job, so risk is minimal. 

When considering a magazine publishing business you must: 

1. Find a market that needs informative magazine publishing such as hobby enthusiasts or fan groups.
2.  Be editor, publisher, and marketing manager yourself; the only help should be volunteer
3. Start small with a quarterly black and white publication

 

Determine the start-up costs of a magazine publishing company

The start-up of a magazine publishing company does not need to cost a lot. Start with a publication that is little more than a newsletter--maybe not even published more than once a month. The only necessary beginning costs are paper, printer cartridges, and a quality printer.
Try:  Find good industrial-quality printer and printing supplies at Dell, Hewlett Packard, Video Jet, or Brady Industrial Printers.

Use software for the layout and subscription management

You may be able to create the layout and handle the subscriptions on your own, but there are many software programs, ranging from low-cost to high end, that can help. Using software helps ensure that you produce a very professional aesthetically-pleasing publication in an organized manner.
Try:  Try The Magazine Manager  for layout. Try CWC Software, Inc. or Media Services Group for subscription management.

Enlist help in some areas

Find free help in the form of volunteers, interns, students or friends to help in areas in which you don't posses expertise, such as the writing and graphic design. Look for those willing to work for free in the beginning to build experience. Many college students can provide high-quality professional work.
Try:  Search for interns or professionals at Guru.com or Elance.com.

Print the advertisements carefully

Since the advertisements are the magazine's main source of income, it is essential to print things correctly to keep the investors happy. This is not a good place to cut corners to try and save money. Find help with the advertisements in the form of another person, software or printing services.
Try:  Use professional printing services at Printing For Less, Mimeo or Kinko’s to print the advertisement pages, especially if in color.  

Add illustrations to the print

Illustrations are very important to the overall look of the publication. They may be as simple as black and white line drawings in the beginning, but even tiny cartoons can add interest to the print.
Try:  Find thousands of stock illustrations to use at Shutterstock, Snap Village or Punch Stock.

• Cover costs with advertisements.
• Distribute the magazine for free or next to nothing to build readership.
• Sell advertisements to local businesses offering products or services that compliment magazine subject matter.