Lorraine Phillips, former publisher of SisterPower magazine, went from idea to newsstand after landing three distribution deals on the very first attempt; and has now created a practical guide for potential publishers that demonstrates her process and provides details on exactly how she did it.

With a conversational tone to put newcomers at ease, the book covers such topics as magazine business fundamentals, how to brand and design a publication, how to plan a magazine, business start-up costs, why a web site is needed and what it should contain, where to find great sources for content and imagery, how to work with printers, the importance of distribution, and the legalities of publishing.

Phillips provides examples of the actual documents she created and used (e.g., production schedule, media kit, letter to distributors), which can be easily adapted by readers for their own particular publishing needs. In addition, there is a comprehensive appendix filled with hundreds of resources and links to web sites that help answer start-up questions, as well as an extensive glossary of publishing terms that allows even fledgling magazine publishers to communicate like pros.

For more information on "Publish Your First Magazine: A Practical Guide for Wannabe Publishers," visit www.publishyourfirstmagazine.com. ( )