Should you launch your magazine independently or with a publisher?
By Bob Schustedt

Steve Cooper, in an Entrepreneur magazine article titled “Mags to Riches”  found in the June 2006 issue, writes, “People love magazines.  They’re personal, visually appealing, offer a unique voice and address subjects of individual interest.  Research institute MRI reports that 84 percent of adults read magazines.  Plus, magazines are an incredibly lucrative cash business once yours is profitable.  According to Husni (chair of the journalism department at the University of Mississippi), average profit margins for magazine businesses range from 10 percent to 30 percent.” 

It’s the dirty word that creeps in the way of some of our most brilliant shots. The perfect suit making the deal at the Commodities Exchange, Shamu midair or your moment of glory holding an Oscar or Emmy– only to find out: infringement! Most of us are game, sure we’ll play by the rules – but just what are those rules exactly and where exactly can you find them? After hours, days and weeks it only leads to finding out it’s a never-ending battle and search. Despite this little world of the web, there’s yet to be a concise place where you can fill your brain with the rights and wrongs. It’s forever changing, and this article may become out of date by the time it’s published, but before time's up we’ll work to fill in some blanks – so read quickly before this expires.

Locating writers for your magazine and considerations for working with writers

This could be a short article. The secret to attracting the best writers? Pay the best bucks.

The End.

But wait! What’s that you say? You can’t afford to pay $5 per word? Well, okay, then you might need a few other attractive qualities to get writers on your side.

There’s a hierarchy of factors that experienced writers will consider before pitching their services to a new magazine. Here are my top picks.

Hit the ground running with design that gets your new magazine idea off on the right track.

The only way to convert a magazine idea into a real magazine is through design. At every turn, the more your publication looks like it's established rather than merely a pipe dream, the better your chance of publishing success. Before you approach your first investor, advertiser, or subscriber, make your concept tangible. It will demonstrate a personal commitment to the project, and just as important convey your nebulous idea far better than any verbal presentation alone.

Here are four basic design concerns you'll need to address if you want your magazine to move from concept to press.