Whether it’s poetry, short stories, essays, or experimental forms, launching your own publication can be both exciting and daunting.
With careful planning, creativity, and persistence, you can turn your idea into a platform that nurtures and shares fresh literary voices. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started—along with tips on where to seek funding.
1. Define Your Vision and Niche
Every great magazine begins with a clear purpose. Ask yourself:
What kind of writing do you want to publish—poetry, fiction, essays, or a mix?
Who is your target audience?
How will your magazine stand out from the many literary publications already out there?
Your niche might be experimental poetry, emerging regional voices, themed issues, or work by underrepresented writers. Having a strong identity will help you attract readers, contributors, and funders.
2. Choose Your Format: Online or Print?
Online magazines are easier and cheaper to set up, with lower distribution costs and global reach.
Print magazines offer a tangible, collectible product and often feel prestigious—but they require higher investment and logistics for printing and mailing.
Some editors start digital-only and introduce a print-on-demand option later. Hybrid models are also popular, offering both web-based and physical editions.
3. Build Your Team
Even small magazines benefit from collaboration. Consider recruiting:
Editors (fiction, poetry, features, etc.)
Designers (for layout and covers)
Social media managers (to promote content)
Proofreaders
If you’re starting out solo, keep things simple, but plan to grow your team as the magazine develops.
4. Set Up Your Infrastructure
For an online magazine, you’ll need:
A website (WordPress, Squarespace, or platforms like Substack or Medium).
A submission system (Submittable is popular, but Google Forms or email can work initially).
Social media channels to connect with your audience.
For print magazines:
Secure a printer (local printers, or online services like Mixam in the UK).
Decide on distribution (direct sales, indie bookshops, events, or subscription-based).
5. Plan Your First Issue
Decide on a theme or open submissions.
Set clear submission guidelines and deadlines.
Reach out to writers—through social media, writing groups, or universities.
Curate carefully: the first issue sets the tone for your magazine’s identity.
6. Consider Your Budget
Running a magazine involves costs: website hosting, domain names, design software, printing, postage, and possibly submission fees. A detailed budget will help you know what funding you’ll need to seek.
7. Finding Sources of Funding
Funding is often the trickiest part of launching a writing magazine. Options include:
Grants and Arts Funding
Arts Council England and equivalents in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland offer grants for literary projects.
Local councils sometimes provide small cultural grants.
Charities or foundations that support literacy and the arts may be open to funding applications.
Crowdfunding
Platforms like Kickstarter or Patreon can help you build a community of supporters willing to fund your project in exchange for perks (e.g. copies of the magazine, name credits, or exclusive content).
Sponsorship and Partnerships
Approach local businesses, bookshops, or universities to sponsor an issue or advertise in your magazine.
Partner with writing groups, festivals, or cultural organisations who may contribute financially or promote your work.
Subscription Models
Offer a subscription service where readers pay a fee (monthly, quarterly, or annually) to access exclusive content or guaranteed copies.
Advertising
Though small literary magazines often avoid heavy advertising, selective ads from publishers, writing courses, or independent bookshops can generate modest income.
8. Marketing and Building a Community
Use social media to share calls for submissions, teasers, and writer spotlights.
Engage with writing communities on platforms like Twitter (X), Instagram, and Facebook.
Attend (or host) literary events, open mics, and festivals to raise your profile.
A loyal community of readers and writers will be your magazine’s strongest asset.
9. Keep Growing
Once your first issue is live, reflect on what worked well and where you can improve. Stay consistent with your publishing schedule, seek feedback from contributors and readers, and adapt as you go. Over time, your magazine can grow into a recognised and respected literary platform.
Final Writing Thoughts
Launching a new writing magazine is no small feat, but with vision, determination, and the right support, it’s entirely possible. Start small, focus on quality over quantity, and don’t be afraid to ask for help—from collaborators, funders, or your community of writers and readers.
Your magazine could be the launchpad for the next great literary voice—why not make that journey happen today?
