Magazine Publishing

When I started out with an idea for a magazine, I wanted some quick figures on the probable cost of doing a print version. However, I soon found that most printers wanted an in-depth description of the mag before they would quote. At that time, I just wished someone had a quick reference up on the 'net so I could mull the 'rough' figures before going to more trouble by requesting quotes. So here, short and sweet, I provide some of the figures I ended up with - for those searching for it. Please note, these figures are just an average of the quotes I received at the start of 2006, and are particular to my request...not to mention that costings could change dramatically over time (e.g. if ink, paper or postage costs changed). They are provided just for informational purposes, and before making any decisions you should consult a professional. Read more »

When you first set out to publish a magazine - whether an electronic version or print - the primary question you are going to have to face is: "How do I pay for this?". The costs can range from low - in the case of an electronic version, perhaps just your time - to very high. If you're not an ardent hobbyist willing to sacrifice anything to pursue your dream, or just simply a masochist, then you're going to have to look at ways of covering your expenses.

There are two main ways of raising revenue for your magazine - advertising, and/or user pays. In the case of the electronic magazine, if you have access to a large and interested audience, then you may be able to go completely via sales to readers. However, in most cases your sales revenue will not be sufficient to cover your expenses, and so we must turn out attention to advertising. How do you find advertisers, what do you charge, and (of greatest concern to most people who are deeply interested in the topic of their magazine), does placing advertisements in your magazine make you look like a two-dollar whore? Read more »