Write a business plan. Starting a magazine takes start-up income. You need to know what your start-up costs will be and where you will get the money. If you intend to get a bank loan, you will need a business plan that outlines cost, projected earnings and target audience. The bank will want to know why you believe your business will succeed. The Small Business Administration has suggestions for writing business plans as well as suggested financing options (see Resources).
Design the magazine layout. Adobe PageMaker or Adobe InDesign are publishing products that will allow you to lay out professional magazines. Create a layout template for your magazine. Most professional magazines have the same look and feel month after month. A layout plan and template helps ensure a consistent product.
Target your market. Is your magazine aimed primarily at men, or do you want to reach men and women? Is this a general adult magazine that covers the scope of sexuality, or will it target a specific sexual preference? When you've determined your target audience, start advertising to announce the approach of your magazine.
Get a website for your magazine. The Internet is one of the biggest advertising sources available today. Almost every magazine has a website. Your website should focus on promoting the magazine and building a subscriber base. Make it easy for consumers to subscribe online. The goal is to have a good subscriber base before the first issue goes to print.
Gather the content for your adult magazine. Use freelance writers for the articles and solicit freelance photography. Place the submission guidelines on your website and clearly state what type of material your magazine is looking for, how freelancers should submit and what they will be paid. The goal is a good mix of adult-related articles, adult movie and toy reviews and erotic layouts. Because your magazine is an adult publication, make sure you obtain a model release from anyone who appears in any photographic layout in your magazine that clearly states the model(s) is of legal age.
Contract with a printer to print your magazine. Today's print on demand (POD) options make this a less costly option. Look for a printer who handles adult material and let them know beforehand what they will be printing (see Resources). Print your magazine on high glossy, colorful pages. It costs more, but the resulting product has a more professional, appealing look.