How to Start a Free Magazine

With all the competition, a magazine's concept must be sound.

With the advent of personal computers, a new world opened up to those wishing to become publishers. As graphics, layout and document software proliferated, creating magazines -- even sophisticated affairs -- became an endeavor within reach of any person armed with a concept. Of course, publishing is a competitive business, for magazines not only compete against each other, but also with the Internet. Proper planning before start-up is crucial.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Printer
• Software: desktop publishing, graphics arts, photography, word processing, spreadsheet

Instructions

Preliminary Preparations

1. Write a business plan, which will serve as a blueprint for the business end of your magazine, tell you whether your concept is viable and help you secure a loan or investors. Equally important, you'll understand your risk and opportunities as you research competition, marketing, distribution, ad rates, costs and other factors that will determine the success or failure of the magazine.

2. Learn the requirements of your state and local government for the start-up. Submit any forms, trademark your magazine's name and register the name with which you will be doing business.

3. Secure loans or investments if necessary.

4. Buy the necessary computer, printer and software, making sure the software is able to work together. Start with word processing, publishing and graphics software programs -- photography, too, if you will be using it. A spreadsheet program is a good idea since you can track clients and create financial books, among other things.

5. Become an expert in your software and your computer.

6. Research the records you need for bookkeeping and taxes. Create your books.

Get Underway

1. Create a template for your magazine with your layout program. Study other magazines to learn the components you will use repeatedly.

2. Create the look of your magazine. If you have no background in graphic design, think about hiring a freelancer. Decisions include font choices, masthead, number of columns and the feel and voice of the magazine.

3. Plan the first few issues.

4. Create a marketing plan for readers and advertisers based on research gleaned from the business plan.

5. Arrange distribution points -- places where readers can find your magazine. Your business plan should have revealed likely places.

6. Compare printers in your area, not only on price but on the quality of their work. Discuss your magazine's specifications, such as how often it will publish, number of copies and color.

Enter the Market

1. Enact the marketing plan.

2. Find advertisers, which you must have as a free magazine. Some advertisers won't have anything prepared for you to print, so you'll have to create the ads yourself.

3. Create your magazine's content, including ads, articles, graphics and photography. Lay out the magazine via the desktop publishing program and then print off a proof for the printer.

4. Have the magazine printed.

5. Distribute the magazine.

References

• Entrepreneur; Start Your Own Magazine; Steve Cooper; June 2006
• Pubbies: Start a Magazine or Newspaper -- A Special Report
• Magazine Launch; Startup Article by The Surviving Small Press: Starting a Magazine; Tom Person; May 2009
• "Laughing Bear Newsletter", No. 110; The Surviving Small Press: Starting a Magazine; Tom Person; 1999
• Magazine Launch; Magazine Publishing Concepts You Must Understand; September 2009

Resources

• MPA: The Association of Magazine Media
• Pubbies: Index of Website
• Pubbies: Business Plans