Starting & Running a Successful Newsletter or Magazine [Paperback]

Cheryl Woodard (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0873374614 | ISBN-13: 978-0873374613 | Publication Date: May 2001 | Edition: 2nd

Written by the co-founder of three of the most successful magazines of all time PC Magazine, PC World and Macworld, this practical, informative book discusses:

• raising start-up money • attracting the best help • choosing the right marketing strategies • creating a solid subscription base • building loyalty among readers and advertisers • competing effectively • publishing successfully on the Internet.

The book also includes an expanded resources chapter sprinkled with websites and software and publishing services.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Been dreaming about starting your own newsletter or magazine? Did you know that more than half of the thousands of new publications started every year in this country fold before the second issue? Now, do you still think it's a good idea? It can be. You don't have to depend on blind luck if you follow some of the guidelines offered in this comprehensive and well thought out book by the co-founder of three of the country's most successful new magazines. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

I wish I had this book when I started ...the only book I've seen that provides crucial information publishers need. -- Tim Keck, Publisher, The Stranger

If you have the will to publish...let this book show you the way...absolutely teeming with essential, practical information. -- Peder C. Johnson, Publisher of Desktop Journal

The business expertise that all publishers need is well-presented in this book...a must-read for would-be publishers. -- Minneapolis Star-Tribune

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Nolo.com; 2nd edition (May 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873374614
• ISBN-13: 978-0873374613
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #854,866 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Cheryl Woodard learned the publishing business like most people do -- by jumping bravely into it without any preparation whatsoever. She co-founded PC, Macworld, PC World and Publish magazines, concentrating her attention on ad sales, circulation marketing and business management issues. In 1993, Cheryl began consulting with book, software, newsletter and magazine publishers. Author of Starting & Running a Successful Newsletter or Magazine, she specializes in helping business owners or chief executives sort out marketing and overall business strategies. Woodard teaches business planning at the Stanford Professional Publishing Course and other professional development programs. She also serves on the board of directors of the Independent Press Association in San Francisco. She lives with her husband and two children in Berkeley, California. She can be reached via her Web site at: http://www.publishingbiz.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Transforms Your Publishing Idea into a Business, October 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Starting & Running a Successful Newsletter or Magazine (Paperback)

I must disagree with the comments made by the reader from Bremerton, WA. The book is not intended to teach the process of conducting interviews and writing articles and creating a layout. If that is the kind of book you need, I suggest "Make a Zine" by Bill Brent. The very first line of Woodard's introduction states "this book is a step-by-step guide to the business side of publishing". In my opinion, Woodard does a fantastic job of just that. Based on the tips and methods presented in this book, I have prepared a business plan for a publication and will actually begin printing a mag in the near future. The financial section of the book was clearly presented and should be easy enough for anyone from any discipline to grasp if they work at it. However, the true value of this book is in the development of ad and subscription revenue and strategy creation. Great read, very informative and relevant.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Only way to earn $ with a magazine is to make it a business, August 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Starting & Running a Successful Newsletter or Magazine (Paperback)

For some people, they're only interested in publishing their own writings, only making a zine. For others, they want to make magazines full-time. The only way to make a living off of publishing your own magazine is to make it a business, and this book is PERFECT for those who really are set on organizing their publications. If you wanna do a zine and don't care about getting any money off of it, don't get this book. But if you want some sort of reward for your efforts, you *must* consider getting this book and organizing yourself like a business. I learned a lot from this, and it helped me see and plan on what kind of financing I would need to start my own magazine.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars best of the bunch, October 6, 2001

By 

Kay Wiggins - See all my reviews

This review is from: Starting & Running a Successful Newsletter or Magazine (Paperback)

I read three books like this one before starting my magazine. This one was definitely the most complete and understandable. She doesn't cover prining, computers or production technology. And she doesn't talk about writing or editing. But she does a great job showing you how to get subscribers, sell ads, raise startup money, and hire good people. If you want to start a magazine, forget the other books and read this one.