Backferry Consulting
Affordable problem-solving for small-circulation magazines
Linda Gardiner, PhD
backferry:
a highly effective whitewater paddling technique for avoiding
dangerous
obstacles and making your way safely downstream in rough water
As the principal of Backferry Consulting, I can help you navigate through the rough waters of magazine publishing in today's challenging climate.
With the knowledge gained in over twenty years' hands-on experience in all aspects of small-circulation magazine publishing, I can work with you to
launch
your publication successfully
create
a dynamic business plan
improve
customer service quality
increase
your circulation
strengthen
your fulfillment systems
use
your web site productively
run
your organization more efficiently
develop
and benefit from reader loyalty
If you're the typical publisher of a small-circulation magazine, you're called on to do a multitude of tasks - and you don't have the expertise, time, or inclination for all of them. In today's tough publishing environment, every publisher needs expert technical assistance on call.
How can your organization best use its limited resources to achieve its ambitious goals? That's the question I can help you answer. I have worked and consulted on startups, relaunches, and established magazines and newsletters, with circulations of up to 20,000 and budgets up to $1 million. I focus on the unique challenges of small-circulation and non-profit publishing, and collaborate closely with you to find affordable, workable, and creative solutions.
I offer a range of services:
a
one-time evaluation and recommendation session, including self-assessment
questionnaire and essential reading/resource list
short-term
or ongoing technical assistance with overall
organizational effectiveness, long-term planning and budgeting,
database management, web site development and maintenance, building and
implementing a business plan
circulation
growth strategies, including direct-mail campaigns as well as creative "guerrilla
marketing" techniques for tight-budget organizations, and
effective subscriber retention techniques
project
management: building and managing a team of specialists in circulation,
design, production, web development and other areas as needed, for
more ambitious startups or relaunches
For more information, or to schedule an introductory meeting, email me at gardiner@backferry.com.
