The Magazine from Cover to Cover

by Sammye Johnson, Patricia Prijatel

The leading textbook on how to turn a budding idea into a full-fledged magazine has evolved, adapting to the current trends in the industry. Now in its third edition, The Magazine from Cover to Cover has been thoroughly updated to include the effects of technology and current events on magazine publishing. In this comprehensive overview, authors Sammye Johnson and Patricia Prijatel provide a fascinating perspective on the rich history of magazines in America, an overview of present publication practices, discussion of groundbreaking research, and a look forward to the challenges and opportunities in store for the industry. They use case histories from selected magazines and interviews with editors, designers, and other publishing professionals to showcase the creativity that is propelling magazine publishing forward.
WHAT'S NEW IN THE THIRD EDITION?
- A new Chapter 2, "The Magazine in a Digital World," written by Lori Blachford, Peggy Fisher and Larry Stelter Chair of Magazine Journalism at Drake University, delves into the constant evolution of the magazine industry in this digital age
- Updated throughout to reflect the impact of technological change and the economic crisis on all aspects of the magazine field

Genres: Nonfiction

400 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1999

Reviews

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this for my Magazine Production class. I don’t know if I really have a “real” rating for it, but I’d give it a 4, since it wasn’t too too bad or dry to read and it gave pretty decent information. I feel like I was able to learn a good amount, even if some of it was a bit outdated, which our professor told us it was. Overall I didn’t hate needing to read this.

[kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finally finished it! It took me a long time, not because it wasn't interesting—because it was so interesting!—it was just really dense and I have a problem reading for class. So now that I am graduated, I enjoy reading textbooks I guess?

This was lovely. I especially enjoyed the chapter on magazine legalities. Way more interesting than I thought it would be.

The examples throughout are great, and the amount of research that went into this book is very impressive.

If you borrow my copy you will note that there are several editing issues in it, though (e.g., missing periods). But I forgive them. If they hire me to edit the next edition.

[Sonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting review of magazine publishing, but starting to become dated as the industry changes and evolves (especially now). Glad it's foreseeing a rosy future for print publications, but one huge negative are the few typos I've found so far. This is the second edition and it's sad that it hasn't been as meticulously edited as I'd expect from this sort of book.

[Emily Rhoades · Rating 5 out of 5]

I use this for my magazine course it is really good.