have an idea for a new magazine but no idea where/how to start!

[redhappy]

I have an idea that I really think will work, but not sure what next.

I know I'll need to do some market research, need to do a business plan, since I'm assuming I'll need funding.

Has anyone already done this? Can you share some pointers please?

What kind of scale are we talking? Making money type scale or zine/hobby scale?

Well it's aimed at preteen girls.

I would like to earn an income from it. But I have considered the possibilty of not-for-profit as I'm wondering if there may be the possibility of some funding.

Basically a magazine for girls, that is not pink or fluffy, does not tell them they have to wear makeup or have boyfriends. But of course I do want it to be something they can engage with and that they do want to read.

Conatct your local business link

Have you seen Anorak?

Mags are very tricky - an enormous amount of investment and work, and can be a bit of a black hole of both.

On-line & print?

Good luck with it anyway

I work for a magazine publisher so here are some random, and not at all thorough, thoughts:

1. For this market I would definitely start with something digital - not because the costs are so much lower (they aren't always) but I think it's a good way to get a brand established and refine what you want the brand to stand for without having to make costly print layout changes etc

1. In terms of fulfilment digital is definitely lower cost - print and postage costs can be massive depending on what scale you are talking.

1. It is just as important to know what the package is for your advertisers/sponsors (who will basically make or break the mag if you are doing anything on a large scale) as it is to know what your audience wants. To some people this is very obvious - to others it never seems to be.

1. Don't under-estimate the potential for spin-off events using your brand once it is established - from a business plan perspective I'd always look more favourably at someone who had already thought about the potential extensions to their brand already.

1. Do not tie yourself to a media-specific title - 'magazines' are consumed in a whole host of ways and on a varying timescale these days.

If I think of anything else I'll come back to this - am happy to answer any more specific questions you have.

HTH.

some good advice there from Zakuro.

the publishing world is on its knees at the moment- and unless you have massive exerience and a track record in this field you would struggle to get an investment.

I worked on a new launch magazine a couple of years ago - backed by one of the biggest publishing houses, experienced staff, multi million investment - and the publishers still panicked and pulled the plug at the last minute....

Thanks all for the great advice, lots to think about. Especially zakuro !

So the key issues as I understand it, are to think longterm and be prepared to diversify.

I think my next task is to do some more research to see what's out there, but not limit that to the traditional concept of a magazine.

I did like Anorak Betty and it is a little different to what I have in mind. So far I haven't seen anything that offers what I'm planning, and I'm hoping that's a gap in the market, not that nobody wants it!

After that I will need to do some market research I think? Any suggestions for where and how? I want to find out about young girls likes, dislikes, interests, how often do they read magazines, who chooses them etc etc

Maybe look into paying mumsnet for a survey? I think it is pretty cheap and you would then be able to find out proper numbers.

Good idea thanks.

I have asked on mumsnet before how people felt about the magazines their daughters read, and the responses were encouraging for this venture. Fits in with the 'let girls be girls' campaign too.

Actually, slightly different angle here, but does anybody know about funding?

Basically, the idea for this magazine came to me after I started getting annoyed at seeing the daily star at young children's eyelevel regularly .

I then saw all the young girls magazines as being a part of this too. Setting their expectations of our daughters, and in directions many of us are unhappy about. I want this to be a magazine that allows young girls to grow into young women who can create an enjoy a positive identity.

Soooo....... is there any scope for doing this alongside schools? Or other organisations? This is where the not-for-profit idea came from.

Maybe get in touch with:

Pink Stinks
Object
The Fawcett Society
The F word

Also your local business link and volunteering bureau. Does your local university do journalism, english, fashion, women's studies, sociology or anything else like that? Plenty of students would go for this.

Local girl guides might like to get involved.

Well, I was actually an English student at the university, planning to finish my degree after xmas so I still have lots of contacts there. I hadn't thought about that!

I really need to sit down and brainstorm, dp has been away for weeks, back tonight so I will have chance to get out the house on my own. Think an afternoon in a coffeeshop with the laptop will help my focus!

This idea has been brewing away for about a year, so lots of little ideas I've forgotten about and need to bring them all together.

I think in terms of my goal (or mission statement?) I feel quite clear, but I really need to work out the media I will use to get there.

Whereabouts are you? This sounds like an ace idea

Worcestershire... are you interested in being a part of it then???

Yes, I think I would. I'm near Newcastle.

Do you want to email me?
[email protected]

Emailed!

oops wrong thread

Hi
Might be worth looking at issuu, scribd and yudu online for ideas.
Also www.didgitalmagazineawards.com might be of interest once you publish.

Hope these help and goodluck!