Introducing the New Kid on the Block

Chelsea Moody isn’t your average teenager or your average publisher. At 17 years old, Chelsea started her first publication, Etc. Art & Surf Magazine in January of 2007. In only a few months, she’s made waves in magazine publishing, no pun intended. She’s an inspiration for anyone starting – or anyone who already has – a publication. With her second issue out on April 4th, Chelsea’s proved that hard work and belief in your publication is the key to success.

Chelsea recently talked with MagazineLaunch.com about her experiences starting a new magazine, handling the growth after the first issue, and her grassroots marketing techniques. She also designed the entire publication.

How did you come up with Etc. Art & Surfing Magazine?
I started the magazine because I am constantly around the surf scene, since I live in Virginia Beach, and love the surf industry. I love the surf contests, and the magazines and everything to do with it. In Virginia Beach, it seems that art and surf fit hand in hand and that this idea, for an art & surf magazine, was totally overdue. I just started the magazine and I love it!

What made you want to enter the publishing world?
I love graphic design. I knew that what I wanted to do was magazine layout, but had got rejected (for info on internships) by many magazines in the field. I sat down and thought about it and wanted to make a magazine that fit, but was not limited to, Virginia Beach. A lot of people may think print is dead, but for me, there is nothing compared to having a hard copy in your hand.

How has the Internet helped you with your publishing venture?
The Internet hasn't really done that much for me simply because it is a free publication and our website is not set up for ordering. It has been a great tool for networking and easier for more people to send in submissions. It has let more people know about the magazine, but hasn't got them that hard copy that I talked about before.

What kinds of marketing and advertising have you done to promote your magazine?
I have stickers all around Virginia Beach and try to make it out to all the contests and events. I sent some to the surf expo and give them to all the surf brand reps to take whenever they are traveling. I had a surf contest back in November to kick off the whole idea of the magazine and am planning to do a little surf series in the summer.

How are you managing your circulation and distribution?
I send them out with anyone and everyone who travels up and down the east coast. I do most of the distribution myself... It's fun going to drop them off everywhere because you get to see people's reaction and how much they like the magazine. Every time I go into a shop the workers are always like "Is this the next issue? We are ready for it!" I am hoping to print 2,000 more copies with every issue and cannot wait to expand!

What tips can you give others on getting their first issue produced?
Network, network, network! Any and every tip someone gives you - write it down. It will all add up and help you in the long run. And just love what you do. It’s so cliché, but so true. If you love publishing this magazine, you will never give up and that's what's important.