We have grown used to POD Subsidy and POD self-publishing over the past 15 years. Well, now a company called MagCloud are offering a print-on-demand service at no set-up charge. Purchase costs on each magazine are set at 20 US cent per page for submitted PDF files.
This is the first time I have come across a company offering POD with this kind of quality and costing and specifically aimed at the magazine/periodical. With strictly US shipping and the fact that it is print on demand, I suspect this would not be ideal for a weekly subscription magazine, but would seem ideal for a monthly issue, considering that MagCloud look after subscription payments as well.
Here is some of the detail from their ‘About Us’ webpage.
About Us
MagCloud enables you to publish your own magazines. All you have to do is upload a PDF and we’ll take care of the rest: printing, mailing, subscription management, and more.
How much does it cost?
It costs you nothing to publish a magazine on MagCloud. To buy a magazine costs 20¢ per page, plus shipping. For example, a 20-page magazine would be four bucks plus shipping. And you can make money! You set your issue price and all proceeds above the base price go to you. Shipping is a flat $1.40/copy (USPS first class mail) for quantities 1-9, or a flat $13 for quantities from 10-100 (per box of 10-100).
How are they printed?
MagCloud uses HP Indigo technology, so every issue is custom-printed when it’s ordered. Printing on demand means no big print runs, which means no pre-publishing expense. Magazines are brilliant full color on 80lb paper with saddle-stitched covers. They look awesome.
What do I need to do to participate?
You’ll need a PayPal account or major credit card to buy magazines, and publishers will need a PayPal account so we can pay you earnings. To create a magazine, you’ll need to upload a PDF, which means you’ll have to create your magazine in a program that outputs high-res PDFs like Adobe InDesign.
During our Beta orders must be sent to a US shipping address.
Do I need to join?
Anyone can browse magazines on MagCloud today. During our Beta you will need a MagCloud account to purchase magazines or subscribe to notifications. Create an account! »
Publisher accounts are by invitation only during our Beta. We have a form for you to request an invitation ».
MagCloud’s website can be found at the following address;
http://www.magcloud.com/home
