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.
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
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.
I recommend: 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.
I recommend: 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.
I recommend: 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.
I recommend: 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.
I recommend: Find thousands of stock illustrations to use at
Shutterstock,
Snap Village or
Punch Stock.
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