Magazines and Periodicals Publishers

Publishing can be defined as "the business of issuing printed matter for sale or distribution". The various types of publishing done today include:

1. Vanity press - print on demand
2. Commercial publishing - large publishing houses

In the first case, most of the cost of marketing and distribution is borne by the author. In commercial publishing cost of marketing, sales and distribution are met by the publishers.

Types of publications

• Free publications are funded by advertising costs.
• "Zines" are often small, photocopied publications that are sold by subscription to a specific audience.
• News stand publications are usually glossy magazines with a larger audience and appeal to advertisers because of their targeted group of readers.
• Newsletters are usually tied to an organization. They are often free for consumption.
• Online magazines are relatively low in cost and reach larger audiences than print publications.

Things to consider in Assessing a Suitable Publisher

Area of expertise

During your assessment you may want to consider:

• The areas of expertise or what type of magazines are part of the publisher's domain?
• Is it relevant to your field? Would the publisher find your work relevant?

Collaboration

• Level of involvement in each project. Does the publisher work closely with his team.
• Working closely reaps greater fruits and can be a win-win situation.

Marketing

• Will the magazine publishers actively market you as a writer?
• Is there a website with SEO friendly material available?
• Are there going to be tours or meet & greet affairs arranged for you?

Sales and distribution set-up

• Consider the reach of the magazine publisher in terms of commercial book stores including online sales stores.

Networking

• You may want to check the publishers lobbying strength with the larger book stores.

Pulse on the competition

• What are the different ways that the publishing house keeps up-to-date with the competition?
• A proactive publishing house will be able to keep up with trends in the marketplace and thus have stronger network.

A great way to discover options in the world of magazine and periodicals publishing is to visit www.nla.gov.au