I created a mock-up of the magazine as soon as I we’d nailed the look-and-feel… It was the cover + about 6 internal pages. That was enough to start to go out and talk to people.
As for getting people to give me content and funding… no one did! I developed all the content, did the interviews etc. I did engage photographers and some writers as well, most of whom were wonderful enough just to get behind an idea and support it. As for funding, most of the first issue was paid for with savings although I did manage to get quite a few advertisers… to whom I will forever be thankful!

here are some common themes/questions…

“Now when I want to get a copy of your magazine its all sold out! I guess i will have to wait….”
Yeah – sorry. Mag Nation stores will have more soon. We can also post you individual copies if you order online. $15 for the mag + $7 postage

“I tried to find you at the after party”
Yeah – sorry. I don’t get ‘home’ to NZ all that often so I was hanging out with the whanau.

“I’ve often thought about publishing a magazine… can you give me some advice…”
The best advice I can give is to make sure you’re making a magazine for readers NOT just as a vehicle for getting your own writing /photography /design /illustration in print. It’s too risky and costs to much. I’d also start online, that way you can refine your content depending on what’s most popular and build up a readership and emailing list… this way you can prove it’ll sell and advertisers/sponsors will be more likely to come on board. Note: I didn’t do it this way but wish I had.

xx Kate