ABOUT
If you desire to start a magazine but have had trouble finding information on the subject, then you’re in the right place. Unlike self-publishing a book, the resources available on magazine publishing are next to none. One need only take a minute to do a cursory search on Google to discover that there are currently only a few books on the subject; fewer still specifically related to magazine publishing as opposed to starting a newsletter! Due to the paucity of resources on the subject, Magshoestring was created to be a venue where aspiring magazine publishers could obtain the information they need to launch their own magazine. The mission of Magshoestring is two-fold; 1) to provide pertinent and practical information on the most salient aspects of starting a magazine. 2) to provide cost cutting strategies and tips to substantially reduce the overall amount of startup capital needed to launch a magazine in the US market.
40% to 60% of all new magazine launches in the US are what are commonly referred to as “Mom and Pop” publications. These are small circulation magazines started by people who typically have very little or no experience at all in magazine publishing...
In regard to the first point, unlike the few books currently available that assume you have a sizeable staff and millions of dollars in startup capital to launch your magazine, Magshoestring presupposes that you know nothing at all about magazine publishing and, in addition, are literally on a shoestring budget. Why? Simply because 40% to 60% of all new magazine launches in the US are what are commonly referred to as “Mom and Pop” publications. These are small circulation magazines started by people who typically have very little or no experience at all in magazine publishing and, quite unfortunately, it is precisely these aspiring neophyte entrepreneurs who are completely overlooked by books on the subject.
In respect to the second point, most people assume that you need millions of dollars to launch a magazine. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth! There are plenty of techniques and strategies that can be implemented to dramatically cut your startup costs. These areas include but are not limited to:
Page count
Paper stock
Binding
Cover coatings
Print Run
Demographics
Distribution
In addition to providing pragmatic information on magazine publishing, it's also important that all the information available on this site is reasonably priced. It just doesn’t make sense to instruct individuals on how they can start a magazine on a shoestring and then turn around and charge an arm and a leg for the very information they need to do just that! Magshoestring believes that information should be easily accessible and readily available to the masses. It is for this reason that Magshoestring only provides instant downloads. Immediately after payment confirmation, you have instant access to the files that you ordered. There is absolutely no waiting or delays for the information you need when you need it!
Magshoestring will be constantly adding more content, such as articles related to various aspects on magazine publishing, startup tips, etc. to add to the wealth of information already available. It is hoped that you will take the opportunity to peruse this site to get all the information that’s applicable to your magazine launch plans. Think of Magshoestring as an invaluable co-partner that can assist in your pursuits to realize your dream of starting a magazine. Feel free to contact Magshoestring if you have any questions related to this site. Good luck and much success!
