The Flatplan 2022
Thinking about launching your own magazine? Now’s your chance! The fourth edition of The Flatplan, our magazine-making masterclass, is happening online on the 5 & 6 March.
The world of indie publishing is flourishing and with that, more and more people are intrigued by the idea of creating their own magazine. However, knowing exactly where to start can be daunting—that’s why we created The Flatplan.
We’ve brought together some of the best indie magazine-makers right now who’ll cover everything there is to know about creating a successful publication. You’ll leave with the knowledge needed to nurture an abstract idea into a real-life magazine others will want to buy, read and enjoy!
What does it involve?
Dream!
Developing your idea
Identifying your USP
Believing you can make it happen
Commissioning & editing
Designing
Printing
Getting your magazine into shops
Using digital platforms to promote your title
Understanding the financial side of making magazines
What’s the format?
The Flatplan takes place online across two half days — a Saturday and Sunday. Each day runs from 12-3pm (GMT). Before it all kicks off, you’ll receive a single Zoom invitation to cover both days (single day tickets are not available, the masterclass runs across the two days).
Ten speakers—including some of the best indie mag makers working today—will share their knowledge in a series of presentations and small breakout groups over the two days, using Zoom. Each speaker will be briefed to address particular areas, but you’ll also have the opportunity to ask your own questions.
How many places are there?
The masterclass is limited to 50 spaces to allow everyone enough time to take part in discussions and share ideas at the end of each day. Thirteen of these places are complimentary — open to application from PoC creatives and students/under 23’s. Please see below if you’d like to apply for a free space!
Places cost £120 per person, which covers both the live sessions and access to an archived video recording of the entire event. All tax (VAT) and booking fees are included — no added extras! Attendees will also receive a one-off 15% discount for the magCulture shop.
Who’ll be speaking?
Managing director, Park Communications (printers)
Nina Carter
Co-creative Director, It’s Freezing in LA!
Holly Catford
Art director, Pit magazine and art editor, Eye magazine
Rhona Ezuma
Founder, Thiiird
James Laffar
Managing director, Ra & Olly (distributors)
Harriet Fitch Little
Editor-in-chief, Kindling
Jeremy Leslie
Host, founder of magCulture
Rob Orchard
Co-founder, Delayed Gratification
Ella Paradis
Editor, The Black Explorer
Ariane Spanier
Creative director, FUKT magazine
Who is The Flatplan for?
The Flatplan really is for everyone, whether you’ve got no experience at all, some, or you’ve already had a great idea for a magazine and just need a little help to get it off the ground. You’ll learn from some of the biggest names in the indie industry, providing heaps of practical advice, creative inspiration and insider knowledge to help you take your idea from seed to fruition!
Plus! Once you’ve made your booking, you’ll be invited to tell us more about your idea so we can tailor the day accordingly.
Previous attendees have gone on to produce a wide range of magazines, including Icarus Complex, Black Explorer, Yana, Screentime, Ephemeral, Louche, and 502 Bad Gateway.
‘It was during one of the magCulture Live conferences that I had the idea to launch a magazine on climate change. So, I was super thrilled when only a few months later they offered a workshop on everything you needed to know about the process of making a magazine from distribution, to financing, to finding writers and the right kind of format….all my questions were answered and I was encouraged in the process. Five months later I was holding the first copy of my magazine’
— Afsaneh Angelina Rafii, Icarus Complex
‘Flatplan 2020 was a unique opportunity to pick the brains of seasoned magazine makers, printers and distributors, providing the practical advice and creative inspiration needed to set our fledgling magazine idea in motion’
— Ruby Rees-Sheridan, Screentime
Complimentary places for PoC attendees
We are offering up to 10 free places specifically for People of Colour. We recognise there is an under-representation in all areas of publishing, and understand that structures need dismantling in order to begin to change the industry. Although a small gesture, we hope these spaces will enable vital projects to flourish and magCulture commits to the ongoing support of the 10 applicants beyond the Flatplan event.
To apply for a complimentary place, please send a short proposal for your magazine idea (no more than one A4 page) to lauren@magculture.com with the subject line ‘Flatplan Online 2022 Submission.’ Deadline details below.
Complimentary places for students and under 23s
We also offer 3 complimentary spaces to students and those under the age of 23. If you’d like to apply for a student/under 23 space, please send a short proposal for your magazine idea to lauren@magculture.com, with the subject line ‘Flatplan Online 2022 – Student/u23 Submission.’ Deadline below.
Application T&Cs
We are open to proposals at all stages of their development, be it the seed of an idea, or a fully-formed magazine. The magCulture team will select the best ideas we receive.
The deadline for all applications is 6pm Friday 11 February, and we'll be in touch by Friday 18 February to let you know if your application has been successful.
If you have any questions please email lauren@magculture.com.
We’re grateful to Park Communications for their support of The Flatplan.