Magazine Editorial 
and Flat Planning

Magazine editorial work involves overseeing and managing the completion of a magazine. This process can include:

• Sourcing content from regular and irregular contributors.

• Communicating with advertisers.

• Verifying facts, dates, and statistics.

• Writing topical articles.

• Choosing appropriate imagery, graphics, and photographs.

• Collating and compiling all content.

• Proofreading submitted content.

• Flat planning the magazine.

• Liaising with publishers and printers.

• Reviewing and approving proofs prior to publication.

The flat planning (layout planning, page planning) process consists of organising the layout and pagination of a magazine. It involves deciding on the location of text, images, graphics, advertisements, and other content elements within the magazine. It is key to ensuring there is designated space for each content piece; that there are no opposing pieces of content positioned near each other; and that the final layout is readable and aesthetically pleasing.

 

I have worked on multiple magazines, with responsibilities ranging from assisting with article completion, proofreading, choosing appropriate photographs, flat planning, liaising with contributors, and working with printers, up to managing the whole magazine process from conception to completion.

The latter involved leading a volunteer team in the completion of a quarterly not-for-profit 60-page colour publication, created for the local community. This role required that all [the above listed] aspects of the magazine editorial process were completed, either by myself or managed as part of the small editorial team. 

 

The content displayed in this section are examples of my work and the work behind creating a magazine. This includes:

• Flat plans that are utilised by the editorial team to decide upon the best way to lay out a magazine, ensuring conflicting articles and adverts are not placed alongside each other, pictures are displayed correctly, advertisements are located as agreed with vendors, and the overall aesthetics of the magazine are pleasing and engaging.

• Documents—both blank and examples of completed documents—used by both the editorial team and the printers to dictate the layout of the magazine.

• Documents utilised to manage expected, regular, and new contributions.

• Proofs of a magazine during the design stage, allowing for editors, proofreaders, and key stakeholders to ensure the magazine is presented correctly, and implement changes as needed.

• Magazine copies in the final stages of design and proofing, reaching the point of printing.