I’ve been publishing newspapers and magazines for a long time, including launching several different publications through the years in Nevada and Arizona.
And one thing is certain after all these times.
The second issue is actually tougher to do than the first one.
Why?
Simple math.
When you decide to launch a monthly publication, it takes a few months to get everything going. You have to determine the area you want to target, sell enough ads to make sure you can pay for it all and at the same time come up with some interesting articles and other features that your will draw reader interest.
This process can easily take a few months before you send the first issue to the printer and then get it out for distribution.
Then you have to do it all over again. But this time, you don’t have a few months to get another issue out.
You only have a few weeks.
So, the math says you have two months less time to get the second issue done.
First thing to do was come up with a cover story. I had already done some research on the Somerset Academy – Skye Canyon campus and noticed that principal Kate Lackey has been the driving force at the school since it opened seven years ago.
I dropped by the school to drop off some papers there and introduced myself. Principal Lackey was there and graciously gave me a few minutes to pitch the article.
She agreed and I arranged for writer Dave Berns to interview her and for Ben Robertson to provide photography.
Second, I received a number of emails from various people in the community after they had picked up the first issue. Those tips led to a feature on Nurse Cheri and the services offered at her business, Revitalize Wellness.
I also went to the Centennial Hills Library, again to drop off papers, and made a connection with the library staff about getting calendar entries.
The library has a full monthly schedule of great events, both for adults and children. If you find yourself with an open schedule, I highly recommend checking out the offerings there.
— Kirk Kern