All this talk of rate cases and postal reform is a reminder that budgeting is just around the corner. To make that task easier, you should have a budget model ready so that you can input the data as soon as it is available. Another advantage is to be able to input new rates if necessary and even compare the old and the new.

As a new publication, there are several things you will want to do in order to establish your magazine in the marketplace. Managing your clients (subscribers) and tracking your circulation revenue and expenses are certainly already part of your business objectives.

Recording your progress diligently will get you everywhere when preparing for circulation auditing, while at the same time maximizing your profitability. As you read through the following basic requirements for a successful audit, you should recognize that circulation auditing is little more than an extra set of practiced, verifying eyes upon the foundation question which you already want to establish as true:

Is my house in order?

If you plan to start a magazine or newspaper or have already started one and do not have periodical status you should weigh the benefits of lower cost and better service against the difficulty in obtaining it and the regulations you will have to follow once you are approved...