How to Start and Produce a Magazine or Newsletter

Rating:
Summary: Get both books
Review: "Still inspired" is almost right with his review. If you are seeking a book by someone who has worked at the big end of town (discussing finance etc) then Cheryl Woodward has written the book (Starting & Running a Successful Newsletter or Magazine) you should buy. Gordon Woolf's book is much more the book for the ordinary person who wants to start a local publication or is asked to start or take over a club magazine or company newsletter. I found especially useful the free advertisement rate calculation spreadsheet you can now download from the book's website (there's a password inside the back cover)-- that was worth the price of the book on its own. But for most people the answer is to buy both books. Each covers things the other doesn't. Both authors know their stuff.

Rating:
Summary: Get both books
Review: "Still inspired" is almost right with his review. If you are seeking a book by someone who has worked at the big end of town (discussing finance etc) then Cheryl Woodward has written the book (Starting & Running a Successful Newsletter or Magazine) you should buy. Gordon Woolf's book is much more the book for the ordinary person who wants to start a local publication or is asked to start or take over a club magazine or company newsletter. I found especially useful the free advertisement rate calculation spreadsheet you can now download from the book's website (there's a password inside the back cover)-- that was worth the price of the book on its own. But for most people the answer is to buy both books. Each covers things the other doesn't. Both authors know their stuff.

Rating:
Summary: Buying online sometimes is a let down.
Review: I am a lover of books. I have modest experience in writing and independent publishing. Back when I knew nothing of what I was doing a magazine I published won acclaim. Now, as I contemplate re-entering the publishing field with a newsletter for game and small livestock farming I am trying to learn all I have forgotten and much of what I never knew.

This book by Gordon Woolf is not the answer. Other books of his might be excellent, but this one was of no practical help.

I found Starting And Running A Successful Newsletter or Magazine to be a 5 star; How To Start A Magazine to be a 4 Star, and How To Produce A Small Newspaper to be a 5 Star [although this last one is out of print]. I am now starting to read another, Publish Your Own Magazine, Guidebook, or Weekly Newspaper, but have to reserve judgment until I finish reading it.

One final comment. Woolf has a terrific web site and provides a lot of advice and tips. He is truly customer-oriented and has prepared other quite useful books, newsletters and templates that are of great value.

Oh, and Midwest Book Review is doing a disservice to all book lovers. Their reviews should be removed from Amazon.com's service as they will eventually hurt sales.

Rating:
Summary: Something's Missing
Review: I have to say I was disappointed after reading this book. I think it is a useful tool for learning the technical terms associated with publishing. However, I needed a little more information regarding the dos and donts. Cheryl Ann Woodard's book has all the nuts and bolts. I couldn't put it down.

Rating:
Summary: Outdated and not very informative
Review: I was hoping to learn things I hadn't seen in other books, but I didn't. Not only is the book outdated, but it's also quite limited in what it offers. I was not happy with it at all.

Rating:
Summary: Outdated and not very informative
Review: I was hoping to learn things I hadn't seen in other books, but I didn't. Not only is the book outdated, but it's also quite limited in what it offers. I was not happy with it at all.

Rating:
Summary: Most improved book I;ve reviewed.
Review: My review of edition three slammed this book. So? Mr. Worsley has gone back to re-write and re-format this book. This resulted in the most improved book I have ever come across.

Buying on-line and expressing one's views, positive and negative, can be most rewarding.

Although this book is primarily for the novice thinking about producing a church magazine or such, it is an excellent first-step for those of you considering producing a commercial publication.

I found Starting And Running A Successful Newsletter or Magazine to be a 5 star; How To Start A Magazine to be a 4 Star, and How To Produce A Small Newspaper to be a 5 Star [although this last one is out of print].

One final comment. Woolf has a terrific web site and provides a lot of advice and tips. He is truly customer-oriented and has prepared other quite useful books, newsletters and templates that are of great value.

This revision is one book we plan to sell at our webstore, LJ's Breaking Free, for we truly believe it is essential.

I heartily recommend Edition Four.

Rating:
Summary: For aspiring publishers of a magazine or newsletter
Review: Now in an updated and expanded third edition, Gordon Woolf's How To Start And Produce A Magazine Or Newsletter is the best instructional guide for aspiring publishers of a magazine or newsletter available today. Drawing upon his more than thirty years of professional experience in magazine and newsletter publication, Woolf covers all aspects of the process from determining what kind of magazine or newsletter to publish, what is meant by "copy", and producing a publication, to the publishing options and alternatives of photocopying; small offset printing; illustrations; layout and design; paste up; computer productions; the e-zine; the economics of publishing; distribution; the legal ramifications of publishing; and more. If you are contemplating publishing a magazine or newsletter, in print or on the Internet, then begin with a thorough reading of Gordon Woolf's How To Start And Produce A Magazine Or Newsletter.