Hello to everyone. Need help on my idea..

[annb]

Hi everyone,

I'm glad I've come to this forum as everyone here seems so honest and willing to help. I'm always quite wary about submitting details about my idea but I was told if I don't ask I wont get any help and I need some advice if you could.

I wouldlike to bring out a magazine not a national glossy one but maybe just local, I know that there isnt one like this in my area. There are newspaper and guide to whats on and that but not a single one mag specialising on something more on specific issues.

Maybe have an A5, semi gloss and colour. Just distribute it in my local area.

I just want some advice and your input on this type of business.

Thank you.

Ann x

 

[Andriy]

I think it depends on the area and issues you would like to cover in yuor magazine.

 

[annb]

Hi,

Thank you for posting. I was thinking making it more of a general type of mag or maybe specific sector not sure just yet.

If anyone here on the forum have some imput on my idea I would be grateful. maybe someone who's done it before or maybe have some experience on this type of venture.

Thanks,

Ann x

 

[RockLinks]

Hi,

Will you be giving this magazine out for free or will people have to pay?

 

[Whistle Ink]

Hi,

You magazine should offer something local newspapers don't, maybe go deeper into issues that affect the area you live with input from locals. If you accepted advertising then maybe you could make a little money of that.

 

[Andriy]

And still if you will publish your magazine localy in big city I personaly do not think it is good idea as people there concentrate more on national scale then people form smaller towns. You can try to make some survey first, to find out what people want to read of if there any luck of information. Some times it worth to spend little at the begining then loose much on unsucsesfull project.

 

[Desmond Brambley]

but not a single one mag specialising on something more on specific issues.

If you're going to start looking at specific issues you will have to consider which side of the political divide the opinions that your publication will espouse, and if your locality is either friendly or not to that point of view.

A minority in agreement with you might make for a minority audience and thus a small market, but if the opposite is true and you, for want of a better phrase, pander to the market-place but go against your own belief system then it could be a rocky road.

The only piece of advice I can give, really, is try to remember the basic rule (all too often forgotten these days) of journalism when covering your 'specific issues' - objective impartiality.

Good luck.

 

[Fab1]

Hi

I know of a local magasine produced in a village about 20 miles from London.
It is on an A5 format and focusses on events, local planning applications etc...It generally gets info available from the local council (as a matter of public record) and brings it to the attention residents. The good thing about it is that (although there is a degree of consultation) most people don't know about changes that will affect them until they actually have been approved, then it is too late.
Whilst people from larger cities are usually more interested in national issue, you could get readers on board by informing them of issues closer to them and promote community spirit.
The magasine also features local places of interest and new businesses opening (perhaps as a way to fund it).
I believe it is largely funded by local businesses advertising in it but you could try your local council for sponcership as well.

This magasine is produced in Thames-Ditton, Surrey, by the Thames Ditton Residents Association. You should try to find out the phone number for the association and speak to them (try calling Elmbridge borough council in Esher for the number). I am sure they can help in advising how you can get funding etc...

regards

 

[ann]

Hi guys,

Would like to say thank you to each and everyone of you who took time to answer my post with great advice. Really truly grateful.

The local area does already have few local newspaper and supplements that cover things such as what's on, guide to movies, restaurant, news etc..

Maybe I explain myself incorrectly when I said specific issues, not necessarily issues as in political, community etc..not that kind of issues. What I meant was maybe if I produce something aimed towards particular readers, particular activites and so on.

Just for facts and info for my plan: What I'm looking for is some advice on how to approach local shops and establishments to maybe promote my prospective magazine in their premises so its available to interested readers. Would I have to offer then free advertising or a discount on ad space?

I was also thinking maybe to distribute the mag direct to houses. I'm not sure whether I should charge for the mag or distribute free.

I know my potential advertisers but how do I approach them? do I send them letters or do I ring them or email them?

Since I have no tangible product to show them its going to be a challenge getting advertisers on board. So maybe I could offer them big discount on advertising.

I would like to have interesting articles in the magazine, do I have to pay the contributor of the article or could I say I put a credit at the bottom of article, the one I always see on magazine e.g written by blah...blah..with their name, business, website etc..How about if the local business wish to submit an article promoting his business, would I have the right to charge them then because this is more of an advertising?

Fab1 - you mentioned about contacting the Surrey magazine, I always thought that I could ask someone who's published their own mag before since they've been there done that and they could offer advice but it doesnt always work because sometimes that person will hesitate to help since they will feel you're a competition or that you're just after for free info.

Thank you in advance

Ann x

 

[Amber]

Hi Ann,

I think you're on the right lines with trying to focus on a particular group of readers rather than just aiming to produce a general "covers-everything" style of magazine. Publishing is one of the most competitive areas to break into, so your first step should be to really examine what's available in your area already in terms of local newspapers (both freesheets and paid-for newspapers and magazines), and then do some market research to find out what people would like to read about that they can't already get.

As far as articles go: good content is what will sell your publication, both to readers (if you want to charge for it) and to prospective advertisers so you'll need to think carefully about how you go about getting this. Some writers will write in exchange for a byline (this is especially true of aspiring writers who want to build up a portfolio), but if you choose to go down this route, make sure you're getting good quality writing, and content which people will actually want to read, rather than just accepting any contribution just because it's free.

You'll probably also be able to persuade local business owners to write articles for you as long as you allow them to plug their business: again, just make sure they are actually able to write well enough (or that you have a good editor on hand ) and that they don't just write a blatant advert, which no one will want to read!

Sorry, I seem to have rambled on a bit! I used to work in journalism and have helped set up a couple of new magazines (although dealing mainly with editorial rather than advertising etc) so feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.

And, of course, if you do decide you want to find a good writer, check out the link in my signature

 

[sreeves]

Remember and get printing prices first.... this will give you a min budget... then add an extra amount, whatever you feel correct.... then this will be you full budget....

example...
A5 printing of a magazine... roughly 24pages, glossy... etc... 400 quid....

400 = min budget....

Then add whatever.... say.... an extra 400...

so that would be 400 x 400 = 800.... this is how much you would should try raise via advertising... If you raise 400 then you have covered your printing cost.... if you make more ... then you can use it to print next time... and this will bring your min budget down....

I hope this makes sense... hahahaha anything else send me a PM.... I also design magazines aswell if you need anything in that field...

cheers
Stevie

 

[top-click]

Hi Ann, just to throw my 2pence in!

I get all sorts of free news etc thru my door at home - and the only one i read cover to cover is just like what you are talking about, so you go for it! - It sounds great.

There have only been 3 issues (monthly) of this mag, they are delivered free to the door, and have grown fatter with advertising each issue. It is a mixture of local business advertising, local interest, news etc - the only place they 'seem' to advertise is within their own magazine.

Hope it helps!
Rob

 

[Jose]

Hi Ann,

You seem to have many unanswered questions. My thoughts on this are that you need to sit down with someone and formulate a plan.

By going through this process you will be able to prioritise areas of action and research.

Always, ready to listen. see link below for more details.

 

[tollyboy]

Annb, you have to decide to take one of two routes on a project like this. Do you:

a) Offer straight 100% advertising and nothing else. If so, you have to find the advertisers, not easy. One advantage of this approach though is that you just design the ads and that's that.

b) As well as ads, provide editorial content. Tricky as you'll need to find something interesting, witty and informative to say every week, month, bi -monthly or however often you plan to publish. Where are you going to get the info from?

I know a woman who produces a local newsletter in my area. I designed the first two issues, and as far as I know, is still going straong. I contains local content, poetry, charity news, local history as well as a few ads.

Another local publication in my area is an A6 sizes booklet which is purely ad based and looks pretty slick. The ads mostly come from local govt agencies as well as general commerce. I think they get some local govt backing.

Anyway, just a bit of food for thought...