Create a Parent Magazine
The world of publishing is a daunting maze of preparation, impossible deadlines and creative dilemmas, but if your idea for a parenting magazine is strong and you are disciplined enough to withstand the tight timelines associated with producing a regular magazine, the only decision you'll be required to make is whether it makes more sense to launch an online magazine or a print version. This article gives you an overview of the process -- regardless of format -- then offers specifics about taking either path. Whether you decide to birth a magazine on paper or online, if you're optimistic about your mission and have good instincts, you can succeed. In the interim, keep this in mind as you proceed: If you've raised kids, you can do anything.
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Instructions
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Required Steps for Launching a Magazine
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1
Check out the competition to see what's being published. Jot down ideas for articles and images. It's OK to use other publications to get ideas; it's not OK to copy the words or the artistry of others.
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2
Write a one-sentence statement that describes the objective and goal of your magazine. Paste this sentence everywhere. If questions arise during the process that seem out of the publication's focus, see if it stands up to the sentence. If it doesn't fit, dump the idea.
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3
Establish an editorial schedule and commit to keeping every deadline. Magazine editors establish calendars at least a year in advance, then stick to a rigid back-out schedule that starts with the publication date, then mark due dates for ads, editorial content, artwork and other production details. Miss one deadline and expect problems.
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4
Conceive writer's guidelines if you plan to open your publication to outside writers. If you need a sample of a parenting magazine's writer's guidelines, visit the website of your favorite read and search for this document.
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5
Get your financial house in order. If you're starting a print magazine, raise the necessary funds to underwrite at least the first six issues of your publication -- more, if possible. This should include staff or freelance writer's fees, designer's fees, print costs and distribution costs. If the publication is to be on the web, costs will be limited to creative fees and site hosting.
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6
Establish an advertising rate card if you plan to underwrite your magazine with ad revenues. Your rate card should include ad sizing and pricing options. Offer multi-run discounts to secure long-term commitments.
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7
Determine art direction and editorial control. Will you tackle these jobs yourself or work with an editor and/or designer? Make certain you or staff members are well-versed in everything from content editing to punctuation, spelling and syntax.
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8
Design a template for interior pages and the cover of your magazine. Choose colors, fonts (no more than three) and a banner -- this is the title of your magazine set in its signature font.
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9
Start your marketing efforts. Use social networking avenues to spread the word about your new magazine so you don't have to spend money on ads. Parent-specific blogs are ideal places to promote your project. Launch a website -- even if you are publishing a print edition -- to attract readers and advertisers.
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10
Meet your publication date. Meeting your print deadline is the most serious promise one makes to readers. If you don't produce your magazine when you say you will, how can readers to take seriously your promise to give them timely, relevant information?
Web-specific Magazine Launch Guidelines
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11
Name your magazine. Check a resource like GoDaddy to make certain the name isn't already being used. If it's available, pay the small fee required to secure your magazine's domain name.
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12
Hire a web designer to create your online template or consider using KompoZer, a free site builder, if you know your way around a desktop. KompoZer has fewer bells and whistles that the big boys, but beginners find it easy to use.
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13
Optimize the text you write to increase your chance for search engine pickup. Repeat parent, mother, father, child-rearing, child development and other such words as frequently as you can without making the copy sound awkward.
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14
Establish a payment system. Will you welcome credit cards? Checks only? You may wish to set up a PayPal account so money can be transferred electronically. You can use PayPal to pay contributors and to process subscriptions if it's properly set up.
Print-specific magazine launch guidelines
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15
Collect editorial content from staff or freelancers for each edition of the magazine. Turn the copy over to a graphic artist for integration into the magazine template. Each issue should include a masthead (the folks who worked on the magazine), the editorial board and a table of contents.
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16
Ask the graphic designer to present no more than three cover designs for each issue. While you're waiting to see a proof, solicit bids from at least three printers. You may want your designer to do this if you're unsure about discussing print specifications.
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17
Globally edit the entire galley (that's the finished magazine) to check for errors, missed page jumps, out-of-register images and other technical problems. As a final step, have the designer preflight the issue to be certain all photos or editorial are properly embedded.
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Print extra magazines and use them as promotional vehicles. Keep an archive of all issues for future reference.
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