Magazine.. should we launch!?

[zlad]

Hi,

So quick overview of whats going on.. My buddies venture was a magazine/multimedia company and he wanted me to jump on board. After lots of hard work we've got everything ready to print (writers, editors, designers, etc..) but we dont have any advertisements to place in the first issue (other than sponsored pages, maybe). However many potential advertising clients said theyd be interested once we have something to actually show them.

The original plan was a loan of $3000 to cover printing for 3000 copies of the first print. However, would it be smarter to get a loan for about $1000, to cover 1000 copies.. and use those to leverage/convince clients that our magazine is quality? That way print the 3000 copies with some ads already in.

The magazine is free, money through the advertising, so we're not worried about it being "purchased". We have a sound distribution network so that doesnt concern us either.

My only concern before taking the loan is.. are magazine's going the way of the dinosaur due to the world wide web?

Please reply to those two concerns only: should we print 1000 first issue for a lesser loan and are magazine's soon to be extinct?

Thanks,

Zlad.

ps: feel free to PM me! or zlad_d@yahoo.ca

[inle]

Start small if you are unsure..
but it will be good if you can find ways to convince advertisers to cover your cost..
I seen it done before..

I STILL prefer to read newspapers, magazines & books, compared to epapers, emagazines, ebooks..

[jmeijers]

Maybe you can also offer free advertisements for the first copy of the magazine, in exchange for the store-owner to promote the magazine.

[my_misyel]

You can make ex-deal to other advertisers like offering a free ad space for 2 months and as a return, the companies will advertise your site too.

[FlY_LiKe_<JORDAN>_]

What kind of magazine is it?

[zlad]

Hey all!

Thanks for the replies, YE is a pretty sweet group of ppl eh?

..its a by youth for youth, uncensored teen content magazine based in Toronto.

[inle]

When will the 1st issue be launched?
I figure that I can offer some help to increase your odds in getting advertisers & at least breaking even..

But I wonder if we got TIME for some intensity moves..

[BizGuy]

Zlad,

Welcome to the world of Magazine Publishing!
I personally think magazines will be here to stay. People still like to touch and feel something tangible while reading their favorite magazines by the pool or to have something on the coffee table etc.
The key is now, to combine your print publication with a solid online network giving your future advertisers the power of both mediums.
With our magazines we have a solid online following through twitter, facebook and other social networks and our own online sites. Its important to brand yourself as a well integrated media company instead of positioning yourself as a magazine brand.

Feel free to ask any other questions as I love to assist!
Also, PM me if you need any pointers in getting the BEST printing pricing for magazines and what to look for in a publication printer etc.

I posted this a couple months back here on YE which I thought may be helpful for you.

here are numerous factors when starting and running a successful magazine. I have been in the publishing biz for over 4 years now and have learned quite a bit.

Important factors you will need to consider prior to jumping into the extremely competitive magazine publishing industry:

1)Investigating the feasibility of a new publication concept is a critical step in starting a magazine. The best way to do this is to be extremely thorough with your market research which will include a very detailed search on any and all competitors. Asking yourself what will make you different from the others?
Deciding on your distribution methods are very important and of course ensuring you have a strong editorial team and graphic designers are a must!

2)Circulation Considerations (print run is a very important aspect of your profitability. It is also a very important number for your potential advertisers. They WILL want to know how many magazines are being printed, where they will be distributed and to which target demographic) You will eventually want to get an audit of your circulation done through a company like: VAC - Verified Audit Circulation - Building Confidence in Advertising for the 21st Century

3)Establishing a Media Kit design & Ad Rates

4) Pre-selling ad space (this is a quick way to learn whether or not you will be able to get the advertisers support for your niche publication. Without the advertisers, magazines cannot survive.)

5)These days, you will also want to couple your print circulation with a strong online presence to enhance your advertisers return on investment. This way they can get potential clients from both your print run and your online version of the magazine.

So to recap, here is a short list of details that you will want to go over thoroughly prior to launching a magazine:

Marketing Research & Due diligence
Circulation Management
Content & Design
Finance & Business Management
Getting Started
Legal Considerations
Marketing & Publicity
Printing
Production
Readership & Audience
Revenue & Advertising
Web Site Solutions

If you cover your bases on the above and you have any specific questions, feel free to post them here as I would be happy to help!

Also, I have great relationships with printers across North America and would be happy to suggest a few depending on your printing needs (quantity, type of paper, binding etc.).

The magazine publishing business can be extremely rewarding but like any business start-up or entrepreneurial venture, it demands working smart and surrounding yourself with a great team!

Cheers,

Adam Toren

[xenex]

I would get a loan of $1000 or less if needs be, so you can get something to show potential advertisers, then once you have recieved funding from the advertisers use that money to increase printing numbers and pay off the $1000 loan.

[cabibbal]

Is there a website/sneak preview of the magazine?

[zlad]

Hey, I just remembered I posted this thread and thought Id give an update if anyone ever checks back on it.

We've put the magazine on hold until January 8th, 2010, which is when we'll be back up and running! Scheduled first print will be for February 15th, 2010!

Im pumpped, thanks for all the input so far and if anyone has anything else to say please feel free!

Thanks,

Zlad.

[hugh009]

I was involved as a co-publisher of a magazine in the mid 90s when NICHE magazines like our Angel Times were HOT! Guess what they still are HOT! Go to your local Barnes and Noble and look at the NICHE magazines that are still being printed! I teach Web 2 Mktg and tell students that if they are looking for a new publishing venture as an ebook, ecourse, DVD, etc. then go and study the HOT niches!

In addition to the wonderful advice as to printing a limited amount develop yourself one heck of a WOW! web site to go along with the print magazine. Today publishers are learning they have to do this to make it. so take the other money that was going to printing 3000 and get hopping on a knock m dead web site!

Hugh

[Lisatheone]

What kind of returns can you get from publishing a mag? I heard that today they have a high failure rate. Not to down your idea, just curious about the numbers.

[pingpongpimp]

I did it 5 years ago with a local music magazine, 32 pages 1 color newsprint with 4 color cover glossy saddle stitched and 2 pages inside 4 color with 1 partner. We already had computers and a camera, so we made a press kit with our inkjet and sold 1/4 page space to mostly clubs and promoters. Each page was about $800 @ $200 per 1/4. So with 2 and half pages of sold advertising it would cover the cost to go to press. This was before people used email to promote. It was fun in the beginning, but just became a drag. Finding content to fill the other 28 pages was time consuming. After about 2-3 years we decided it was time to call it quits. Profit was a little over minimum wage. BUT we knew everyone and their mama in the music industry, free cd's free entrance to clubs, and had enormous amounts of models. Everyone wanted to hang out with us. Times have changed, everyone looks to the internet for upcoming events and promoters used email drops for advertising. I wish I knew what business ment at the time. I made bridges and burned bridges. Looking back, with just $2k a month It bought us connections that would be impossible to get, friendship that last longer, and street cred. Pre-mag, watching concerts from the back row paying $50, post-mag hanging out with the same artists backstage talking about dogs and gardening. It launched other bigger and better ventures.

[BusinessAdviser]

Line the money up first. As for 1,000 vs. 3,000, no one cares. That's too small.