The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group DIY Magazines Major Keary |
How to Start and Produce a Magazine or Newsletter has been updated and revised in this fourth edition of an exceptionally useful book for Australian readers. Gordon Woolf has over four decades of experience in printing and publishing and is a consultant to small newspapers and magazines world-wide. He knows his stuff, and he knows how to communicate.
It is a guided tour of the planning and execution of any publishing a magazine or newsletter. It does not assume any publishing experience or special technical knowledge, and is written in a style that won't leave the reader floundering in techspeak. It provides the information necessary to making sound decisions based on realistic costing, the importance of allocating of responsibilities, appreciating legal issues, and understanding all aspects of the production process. The author does not confine himself to print media, but extends the discussion to online publishing.
The book is especially relevant to community - either locality-based or common-interest - organisations that publish a newsletter or magazine. Members who are either directly involved in the process, or who have an interest in their club's publication, should study this book. I use the word 'study' rather than 'read' because any ongoing publishing venture, no matter how small, requires attention to detail. Simply skimming through a text such as this is a waste of time if you are serious about doing things right and doing them well. Critics of any magazine or newsletter may have their opinions discounted because they don't have the requisite knowledge or experience; this book will certainly provide the knowledge and - more importantly - an understanding of the issues.
In business it is often desirable to have a publication at either the client or employee level (or both). A trade magazine that keeps customers informed of products and product-related matters is good for business, and can attract new clients. A house magazine can do much to maintain staff morale and be used for important announcements.
Apart from the very practical discussions, I was impressed by the way the book progresses from initial planning and viability assessment through the processes of production to distribution, and the ins and outs of advertising. It contains all the fundamental information required and provides - for those so inclined -a sound foundation for further study of publishing technology, design, and typography. A companion Web site contains corrections and updates, and provides more information on publishing. Highly recommended. A must for libraries.
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Gordon Woolf: How to Start and Produce a Magazine or Newsletter 4/e ISBN 1-875750-21-5 Published by The Worsley Press, 191 pp., RRP $39.95 incl. GST |
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Reprinted from the April 2005 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia
