In this chapter you will find some additional items that merit attention. Some of the following points refer only to the UK, so if you are elsewhere, do check what pertains in your own country.

Numbering Of Periodicals

There is a requirement for all published books and periodicals to have an ‘official’ number printed on them. This helps people find your publication if they wish to obtain copies, as it can be looked up, by its number, at places such as bookstores, and enquirers can then find out who publishes it, how often it comes out, what it costs and where it can be obtained. The numbering system for periodicals is called the ISSN – International Standard Serial Numbers. To obtain an ISSN number, see the contact details in the resource list (Appendix 4).

Bar Coding

If your magazine becomes really successful and you are able to sell it through a wholesale distributor, or through retail outlets, it will be necessary to have a Bar Code printed on the cover. Once registered, your individual bar code can easily be originated in a number of readily available graphics programmes for use on your magazine. See the resource list for details (Appendix 4).

Advertising Rates

In the UK, advertising rates are listed in BRAD (see also section on advertising). To be listed in BRAD, which will help let potential advertisers know about you, see the contact details in the resource list (Appendix 4).

Audited Circulation

It is possible to have your circulation officially audited, which then gives potential advertisers a statement about how many people read your publication. It can be expensive to do this, but is likely to bring additional advertising revenue as a result. To find out about auditing you should contact the ABC, whose details are given in the resources list (Appendix 4).

Data Protection

There are requirements about what information can be held on people and what has to be disclosed on request; some information has to be registered officially. As a magazine publisher, you may need to register if you hold personal information on people. To find out, contact the Data Protection Office listed in the resources section (Appendix 4).

Website

It will help your publicity, and your general image, if you have a website for your publication. A website can be set up relatively easily and the cost will depend on how sophisticated it is, who designs it for you and how often you need it changed. For information on web design, see Appendix 4.

Membership Of Professional Bodies

As a publisher, you may wish to join a body that can represent your interests, provide you with information and advice, give you accreditation and so forth. The PPA (Periodical Publishers Association) is a body that can do this. The British Association of Communicators in Business is another possible body for you to consider. You may also be eligible to obtain a press pass if you are a recognised journalist or publisher and this can entitle you to entry to events you attend in a professional capacity. Details of the above bodies may be found in the resources list, Appendix 4.

Insurance

You should have insurance if you are in the publishing business. Some types of insurance that could be relevant are professional liability/indemnity, libel and public liability. You might also want to consider health insurance if you are producing the publication on your own and wish to have assistance with the cost of providing alternative services if you are ill and unable to work. You can get quotes for insurance from a wide range of suppliers and, if you are a member of the PPA (see preceding paragraph), you will be eligible for their group scheme after any specified qualifying period.