Begin by developing the basic idea for your magazine. It should be about a subject that you are knowledgeable and passionate about as this will increase your chances of success. Do exhaustive research on all aspects of magazine publishing and a publisher's lifestyle. Get acquainted with your target audience and main competitors. Outline a long-term plan.
Recruit talented and hard-working people to be a part of your team. Hire experienced or promising writers to produce fresh and original material, and have at least one or two photographers to provide cover photos and photos to accompany the articles. An editor will help make final adjustments and correct any potential errors. An accomplished team is essential to the success of a magazine.
Get advertisers involved. Advertising accounts for most of the revenue that your magazine will generate. This step involves serious networking: phone calls, letters, emails and meetings with potential advertisers. Networking will also generate much-needed buzz for a start-up magazine, and most likely result in important contacts for future issues.
Secure funds for your magazine, and decide if you want to publish your magazine independently or with an established publisher. If you have the means to fund the publication of your magazine, then independent publishing may be the right option for you. Other funding opportunities include obtaining either a personal loan or a business loan, or applying for government grants.
Take your ready-to-print magazine to a local printing press. There are different printing options depending on the size and quantity of your magazine. Here is an overview of the basic printing process:1. Getting a cost quote2. Selecting a firm and setting a target print date3. Getting a personal plant print representative assigned4. Preparing and submitting digital files5. Approving color proofs6. Getting a personal customer service representative assigned7. Approve printing of a final version8. Distribution: mailing/shipping
Once you have a printed version of your magazine, it is imperative to begin the distribution process. Mail issues to subscribers and distribute copies to local newsstands, supermarkets, shops and anywhere else you think would be appropriate. A small circulation magazine can be personally distributed by you and volunteers, but distributing a large circulation magazine entails more manpower, and possibly a major shipping system.
The final step in magazine publishing involves marketing. A successful marketing campaign will spread the word about your magazine, and expand the readership considerably. Publicize your magazine by handing out promotional copies, or organize a magazine launch party.