When I started out with an idea for a magazine, I wanted some quick figures on the probable cost of doing a print version. However, I soon found that most printers wanted an in-depth description of the mag before they would quote. At that time, I just wished someone had a quick reference up on the 'net so I could mull the 'rough' figures before going to more trouble by requesting quotes. So here, short and sweet, I provide some of the figures I ended up with - for those searching for it. Please note, these figures are just an average of the quotes I received at the start of 2006, and are particular to my request...not to mention that costings could change dramatically over time (e.g. if ink, paper or postage costs changed). They are provided just for informational purposes, and before making any decisions you should consult a professional.

The figures I am giving are for an 80 page, 4-color magazine on #60 paper, with a glossy #100 cover. I will give you the rough 'setup' cost, followed by the per 1000 cost - in that way, you might be able get a rough estimate of the cost of your print run. Obviously, via the economies of scale, the more copies you print the less cost per copy. I cannot give an estimate on different page counts, so anyone interested in wildly different page counts will really have to take a guess. However, for most magazines between 60 and 100 pages, you can probably just do the relevant percentage adjustment on the per 1000 cost and get something close to the mark.

This is the breakdown of the costs (all in $US):

• Pre-press: Up-front=$2500, per 1000=$0

• Paper: Up-front=$2500, per 1000=$300
• Ink: Up-front=$200, per 1000=$25
• Printing: Up-front=$3500, per 1000=$60
• Binding: Up-front=$400, per 1000=$35
• Mailing: Up-front=$0, per 1000=$35

In total, the up-front cost from above is $9100, with $455 per 1000 copies on top of that. This gives a good illustration of the 'economies of scale' I mentioned above. For 2000 copies, the cost is roughly $10000, which equates to $5 per copy (a little difficult to turn a profit on). But for 10000 copies, the cost is roughly $13500 ($1.35 per copy), and for 20000 copies it is $18000 ($0.90 per copy).

Note that these are just the production costs of publishing a magazine - there could be all sorts of expenses not included above, from paying writers and illustrators, to the management of subscriber lists. However, hopefully the above figures give some of you an entry level view of the costs of printing a magazine, and also an understanding that to be successful it really is helpful to have a substantial audience right from the beginning.

The above article in no way constitutes authoritative advice. Please seek professional advice or quotes before making any business decisions. Publish-Yourself.info disclaims any liability in regards to the above article.