How to Start and Run a Student Publication

Student publications are an effective method of communicating ideas to students and other members of the campus community, and help prepare students for careers in communication fields.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Printing Service
• Personal Organizers
• Art And Graphics Software
• Publishing Softwares

1. Decide what type of publication you'd like to establish. Humor magazines, literary arts collections and political news bulletins are all popular kinds of student publications.
2. Form a small group of people who share your interest in starting a publication. Look for members among your friends, classmates and people in your residence hall. Ideally, you should find a few people who are familiar with popular graphics and design software.
3. Begin assigning top-level editorial and administrative positions. One person should act as editor in chief. Another should cover design and/or graphics. Assign various editors to handle different sections of the publication, if applicable. Assign one or two people to be in charge of the publication's finances.
4. Contact your school administration and find out how to register a student group. This may involve writing a constitution, filling out some paperwork or attending one or more orientation meetings.
5. Contact printers in your area and gather a variety of cost estimates. Factors to consider before calling include publication length, paper size, number of colors, number of copies per pressrun and binding type.
6. Generate content for your publication by calling for submissions via fliers, information tables, e-mail notices and other methods.
7. Hold weekly meetings to build membership and brainstorm content ideas. Try to form a core of regular writers, editorial assistants and other members.
8. Contact local businesses about advertising in your publication. Try to get regular advertisers in order to form a solid financial base.
9. Seek other forms of funding, such as university grants and student government funds.
10. Develop a process by which material is selected for publication. Have more than one editor involved to maximize the quality and appeal of material.
11. Decide how many issues you want to print each year and set up a publication schedule. Leave enough time between issues for layout and ad sales. Keep the schedule flexible.
12. Use design and graphics software to present text, graphics and advertisements in an attractive and effective manner.
13. Distribute printed copies of each issue in residence halls and other areas where large numbers of students gather.

Tips & Warnings

• It may be difficult to secure advertisers, especially for new publications. Advertising will be easier to come by once you've printed a few issues. In the meantime, get as much funding from the university and student government as possible.