Start a Magazine or Newspaper

Launching a new publication can be exhilarating and rewarding. Do you have an idea for a new magazine, newsletter, newspaper, or e-zine? If so, you may be wondering exactly how to get started, and whether there is a need for your publication.

Planning

To begin with, you'll need a plan. Very few people blunder their way to solid success in this business. Careful and strategic planning are essential.

The first part of the planning process is to investigate the need for your publication. Obviously, without a market demand, your start-up will not find the success you desire. You probably already have at least some inkling of the demand. Find ways to test it and verify the need for your publication.

Other elements of a start-up plan include, (1) a market description, (2) a competition survey, (3) an elaboration of your product concept, (4) a staffing plan, (5) your marketing strategies, (6) a production plan, and (7) a financial plan. An experienced publishing consultant can guide you through the development of a start-up plan that will maximize your chances of success. Above all else, your plan should be a workable one that can adapt to changing times.

Marketing Strategy

How will you price your magazine? Will there be introductory rates to entice new subscribers? Examine what your competitors are doing -- if they are slashing prices or offering new subscriber perks, you may have to adjust your pricing plan to remain competitive.

Also, decide whether your sales staff will work in-house or on commission. Will their focus be cold calling, field selling, social media, or some combination of the three? Their job is to build lasting relationships with advertisers to keep your magazine operating in the black.

Key Staff

Strong editors are key to any magazine's success. You will need an experienced editorial manager or director to walk each issue through its various stages and keep your staff on schedule. You may also need to hire copy editors, proofreaders, and editorial assistants. Ultimately, your editorial department is responsible for producing tight, clean copy that is free of both grammatical and formatting errors.

You will also need designers to turn black-and-white copy into art, using color and images to make an impact on readers. Your design staff should be fluent in the design software you choose (e.g., Adobe InDesign, QuarkXPress, etc.), as well as any applicable programming (Flash, Dreamweaver, Java, XML, etc.).

Your sales staff is your magazine's lifeblood. These are the people who establish relationships with advertisers and sell subscriptions -- in other words, the people responsible for your cash flow.

Cost

There are a lot of costs associated wtih starting a magazine, including:

--hiring staff
--advertising
--printing

There are also countless other miscellaneous costs:

--office and mailing supplies (including postage)
--rent and utilities
--computer costs (computers, printers, software, technicians, Internet, etc.)
--freelancers and consultants
--travel
--furniture, filing cabinets, and other fixtures
--office appliances (copiers, faxes, phones, kitchen appliances, etc.)

The Editors Only site offers valuable advice to crystallize and enhance your editorial concept. Check the classifieds to find specialized design and legal services, as well. And finally, get a copy of a Special Report entitled Starting a New Magazine or Newspaper.

Good luck to you on the journey toward launching your new publication. One last piece of advice: don't go it alone! Having an experienced guide can assure that you'll actually reach your destination, and achieve the success you desire. Bon voyage!