Magazine Publishing Course and Guidebook
Expert-led, textbook-style course on print & digital magazine publishing. Enroll today!
Module 1.1: Developing a Unique Magazine Concept
Module 1.2 Defining Your Target Audience
1.3. Creating an editorial mission statement
1.4 Establishing an Editorial Calendar
Module 1.5: Brainstorming Article Ideas and Themes
2.1. Understanding the Elements of a Strong Article
2.2. Developing Attention-Grabbing Headlines
2.3 Crafting Compelling Leads and Introductions
2.4. Structuring Articles for Readability and Engagement
2.5. Mastering the Art of Storytelling
2.6. Conducting Effective Interviews
2.7. Incorporating Visual Elements (Images, Infographics, etc.)
2.8 Writing Captivating Conclusions
3.1. Editor-in-Chief: Overseeing the Editorial Process
3.2. Managing Editor: Coordinating Content and Production
3.3. Section Editors: Specializing in Specific Content Areas
3.4. Copy Editors: Ensuring Accuracy and Consistency
3.5. Fact-Checkers: Verifying Information and Sources
3.6. Proofreaders: Catching Errors and Typos
4.1 Maintaining Journalistic Integrity
4.2. Fact-checking and Source Verification
4.3. Avoiding conflicts of interest
4.4 Handling Corrections and Retractions
4.5. Understanding Copyright and Intellectual Property
5. Editorial Workflow and Process
5.1. Pitching and Assigning Stories
5.2. Managing Deadlines and Editorial Calendars
5.3. Editing and Revising Content
5.4. Collaborating with Writers and Contributors
5.5. Preparing Content for Production
Business Planning and Strategy
1.1. Developing a Business Plan
1.2. Identifying Revenue Streams (Subscriptions, Advertising, etc.)
1.3. Creating a budget and financial projections
1.4. Defining Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
1.5. Analyzing Competitors and Market Trends
It used to be said of editors, writers and publishers that they had "ink in their veins".
If you are here on this page, you might have an idea for a magazine that you can't get out of your head. That's what happened to me and how I started 5 print magazines and one digital magazine. I just couldn't let go of the possibilities.
When I launched the first magazine, I had the benefit of industry experts I hired to teach me the business. There were no online courses, and journalism schools just focused on writing and theory. While important, theory doesn't pay the bills and writing is only part of the publishing equation.
In the past 25 years, the publishing industry has changed dramatically. With digital advancements, what used to take days and weeks now takes hours. I've seen the business of magazine publishing go through a major upheaval in its traditional business model and everyday practices.
I wish I knew then what I know now. I would have avoided some major pitfalls, knew who to hire and who to avoid, how to save money and leverage relationships to boost revenue, and how to better attract a loyal readership amongst many other things.
Most magazines are started by large corporations with huge budgets and staffs. My first print issue I did completely on my own. Writing. Editing. Layout. Prepress. Printer negotiations. Print run checks at 2 am. Ad sales. You name it. I learned everything on an 'as needed' basis from the school of hard knocks.
Not knowing these details cost me a lot of money saved from my previous career. My first publication would have been sold more profitably than it was sold for, and I would have avoided the personal heartaches and challenges that face solopreneurs in the publishing business.
That is why I created this course. You can learn from my mistakes and my triumphs, learn the nitty-gritty of publishing life, and what it takes to create a successful magazine publication, whether print or online.
This course will help you distill your editorial concept and guide you through publication. It's the resource I wish I had when I started out.
Yours truly,
Mary Semmer
From concept to circulation. Start your publishing journey now!
Get Expert Feedback
EXCLUSIVE BONUS: Personal Business Plan Critique Valued at $500 - Yours FREE with Course Completion!
Take your magazine publishing dreams from concept to reality with our expert guidance. Upon finishing the course and submitting your completed business plan, you'll receive:
This one-on-one feedback, typically valued at $500, is your stepping stone from course graduate to industry-ready publisher. Don't miss this opportunity to have your vision shaped by experienced hands in the publishing world.
Unlock your potential - let's perfect your path to publishing success together!
How long do I have access to the course materials? You'll have lifetime access to all course materials, allowing you to revisit the content at your own pace and as your publishing journey evolves.
Is this course suitable for complete beginners in publishing? Absolutely! The course is designed to cater to both beginners and those with some experience in publishing. We start with the fundamentals and progressively move to more advanced topics.
Do I need any special software or equipment to complete this course? No special software is required. You'll need a computer with internet access and basic software like a word processor and spreadsheet program.
How long does it typically take to complete the course? The course is self-paced, but most students complete it within 8-12 weeks. However, you're free to take as much time as you need.
Will this course help me if I'm interested in digital-only publishing? Yes! While we cover both print and digital publishing, there's substantial content focused on digital strategies, online monetization, and adapting to the digital landscape.
Are there any prerequisites for taking this course? There are no specific prerequisites. A passion for publishing and a willingness to learn are all you need to get started.
Is there a refund policy if I'm not satisfied with the course? If you're not completely satisfied, you can request a full refund within the first 7 days of your purchase.
Join our How to Start a Magazine course and get reassurance that if the course isn't what you need, you have 7 days to request your money back with no questions asked. Although our students have loved the course so far we want to make sure you get value for your money and find the course helpful.