At some point in our life we have either collected magazines or at the very least read a few. We all have a general idea on how it looks but do you have any idea on how it is made? Magazine Printing is a lot of work but done right could make it a big hit.

1. Think of name for your magazine
Something catchy or something connected to your general subject would be best.

2. General subject
Are focusing on dogs? Photography? Teens? Think of something general but focused on a specific target market.

3. Target Audience
Be specific. Do you want teenage kids to read your magazines? Do you want professionals to want your mag? Knowing your target will help you remember your focus and your tone.

4. Research
Find interesting stuff to share on the magazine. Check which ones interest your target audience and try it out.

5. Gather researched materials
With all the research you did it is important that you put it together in a methodological manner so when you layout everything you will be able to see what else is missing or what won’t be helping your magazine.

6. Think about the features of your magazines
You have a general subject but naturally you need features. What do you want to share and what you want to highlight.

7. Find sponsors or advertisers
Since you are new in this field, it is advisable to lower your advertising rates than most magazines. Try to find sponsors or advertisers focused on your features.

8. Pictures
Gather pictures you want to showcase and pictures you need for your layout or articles.

9. Get co-writers or contributors
Send out a call for writers or contributors. Make sure to ask them to include a writing sample so you can check if their style of writing suits your magazine.

10. Find printers
Professional Printers in Magazines are extremely important. Look around first before you make a commitment with one. Have them share their samples and explain various paper types and gloss too. Try to haggle but don’t forget that quality is important more than anything else.

11. Edit articles of the writers and send back to them for finalization
Read and review all articles that was submitted to you. Grammar and typographical errors must be looked at immediately. Double check the content if its suits your features and that the language or words does not offend any person or groups.

12. Find publisher or Self Publish
There are lots of magazine publishers out there, find a company that caters to your needs specifically your subject. These publishers like your printers should give you a good and reasonable rate. If you feel that you can publish the magazine by yourself expect more work and more editing before the final printout.

13. Layout
It may be wise to ask for help on creating the layout especially if photo editing is not your strong point.

14. Market your magazine
Use the internet to your advantage. Excite people on the “to be published and distributed” magazine. Check social network groups that focus on your target market.

15. Distribution time
After all those hard work its time to distribute your work of art! Since you know your target market you know where to sell them. Soon enough you will get a list of subscribers so make sure you have a good database for it.

Magazines can contain just about anything you want to put in it but be extra careful on what you put in it. Magazine Printing is and will be a published document anything you put in it can be read by just anyone so take time to edit. Enjoy creating magazines!


Edwin Mullin is a web designer expert working in a magazine printing company. When not busy on his own site he can be found writing about magazines and post it online.