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How to Start a Magazine on a Shoestring is designed for aspiring small circulation (5,000 to 100,000 copies) magazine publishers or anyone who desires to learn more about magazine publishing and the processes involved in launching a successful publication. Upon completion of the course participants will be competent in all the major steps required to effectively launch and distribute a consumer publication in the US market. Emphasis is invariably placed upon print magazines as opposed to internet magazines (e-zines) and those cost cutting strategies/techniques that will enable participants to substantially reduce the amount of initial investment capital needed to successfully launch and distribute a consumer magazine.   

A partial list of the topics covered include:

• Fine tuning your concept

• Discounted magazine layout software

• Obtaining a BIPAD and UPC

• Creating an effective printing quote

• Inexpensive stock photography

• Offset vs digital printing

• Paid vs free distribution

• Creating a media kit

• Determining ad rates

• Free demographic information

• Seducing advertisers

   and more!

How to Start a Magazine on a Shoestring has been offered at Santa Monica City College, West Los Angeles College, Los Angeles Valley College and El Camino College. A 300 page course reader is utilized during the seminar. Although it is possible to sign up for the seminar without purchasing the reader, it is highly recommended that the reader be purchased as it complements the material covered during the seminar and contains invaluable information on all aspects of the magazine publishing process. To sign up for the next magazine seminar, please follow the link to Santa Monica City College's website: www.smc.edu and go to the "Workforce Development" tab on the left and then scroll down to the "Continuing Education" page. There you can register online.