The Magazines Handbook is a comprehensive introduction to the magazine industry. It traces the development of magazine publishing and explores the business of magazines and the role of the magazine journalist. Using examples from consumer magazines, trade journals, periodicals and specialist publications, McKay discusses the key jobs in the industry from sub-editor to fashion assistant and journalist through to publisher.
The Magazines Handbook outlines the specialist skills involved in magazine journalism including commissioning, writing news, researching, interviewing, production and sub-editing. Specialist chapters discuss electronic publishing and on-line journalism, magazine design, photography and picture editing and the legal framework in which magazine publishers have to operate.
The Magazines Handbook critically questions many of the assumptions of the magazine industry and combines the practical aspects of magazine work with some of the best writing about magazines from both journalists and media theorists. The Magazines Handbook includes:
* Interviews with magazines journalists, editors, picture researchers and publishers
* Advice on starting out and freelancing in the magazine industry
* An analysis of 'new journalism' and reportage
* A glossary of key terms and specialist concepts
* Information on contacts, courses and professional training.