10 votes

Starting a zine

Is it possible to start an indie literary (web?)zine in this part of history? Do you have any tips on marketing, gaining submissions, the publishing itself, editing and other things involved in the making of a zine?

Your own experiences, speculations and links to articles are welcome!

9 comments

  1. Zarasophos
    Link
    Very much yes. I was once Editor in chief of a magazine (first online, then print), that was run by volunteers, organised only through Discord and Google Docs. It takes a lot of time, but...

    Very much yes. I was once Editor in chief of a magazine (first online, then print), that was run by volunteers, organised only through Discord and Google Docs. It takes a lot of time, but mechanically, it's very doable. My main input would that from a certain point onward, projects become impossible to run alone. You need to have collaborators, and regular and helpful ones at that. It really helps to take stock and see if and how you can get those, and if you have them, working with them on something you're all excited about really can be a blast.

    7 votes
  2. [6]
    unknown user
    Link
    Literary? You have piqued my interest. Do share what information you can about it.

    Literary? You have piqued my interest.

    Do share what information you can about it.

    2 votes
    1. [5]
      Comment deleted by author
      Link Parent
      1. daturkel
        Link Parent
        I think your main issue is going to be getting quality submissions. If you assume the 1/n submissions will meet your standards, and you want p submissions per "issue," then you can expect to need...

        I think your main issue is going to be getting quality submissions. If you assume the 1/n submissions will meet your standards, and you want p submissions per "issue," then you can expect to need roughly n*p submissions, at least. Assuming you're not paying, then talented people will submit to outlets that will pay or at least have larger public profile.

        This is not to say you shouldn't try it. The DIY spirit is sort of the whole point of a zine. But also, based on the standards you imply in your post, don't be surprised if you find some of the submissions to also be "shit."

        5 votes
      2. [3]
        unknown user
        Link Parent
        Are you planning to include writing about writing?

        Are you planning to include writing about writing?

        1. [3]
          Comment deleted by author
          Link Parent
          1. [2]
            unknown user
            Link Parent
            Either way, if you're looking for a starting roster, hit me up.

            Either way, if you're looking for a starting roster, hit me up.

            1 vote
            1. [2]
              Comment deleted by author
              Link Parent
              1. unknown user
                Link Parent
                ...Yes, you've neglected to mention that. That might restrict your international reach somewhat. What you might want to do is advertise through local channels. Universities, libraries, book clubs,...

                ...Yes, you've neglected to mention that. That might restrict your international reach somewhat.

                What you might want to do is advertise through local channels. Universities, libraries, book clubs, book stores, time cafés if you have those... Anywhere where there's a lot of young people who aren't there to dread their existence.

                Also, don't hit me up, 'cause my Swedish is maybe two words.

                2 votes
  3. [2]
    Akir
    Link
    Clearly you will need to use this piece of software. I noted that you were talking it being in Swedish, but just so you know the word 'zine' has a bunch of implications here in the US that set...

    Clearly you will need to use this piece of software.

    I noted that you were talking it being in Swedish, but just so you know the word 'zine' has a bunch of implications here in the US that set them apart from professionally-produced commercial magazines. Mainly that it's going to have small distribution, written by one person or a very small number of collaborators, and that it's not going to have many issues. More often than not, a zine is going to mostly contain art of some sort, and often full of edgy opinions. Most of the time I see modern zines, they are free.

    1 vote
    1. m15o
      Link Parent
      Haha that software looks awesome, but almost crashed my browser :D Love it though.

      Haha that software looks awesome, but almost crashed my browser :D Love it though.