Overview
Magazine Training International (MTI) is a non-profit mission whose passion is to see lives changed as vital Christian magazines in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and around the world make an impact for Christ on their communities and nations. Our goal is to provide professional training and resources in magazine management, editing, design, writing, and digital publishing to those God has called to the ministry of Christian magazine publishing.
Training resources available from MTI include manuals that can be used as self-study guides or in group settings. These manuals are available in print or in PDF format. Full 14- and 12-hour-courses on magazine management and magazine design are available on two DVD sets. Our website (www.magazinetraining.com) provides free downloadable ebooks, training videos, and samples of a wide variety of forms and tools magazines need to operate successfully. We also offer free webinars on timely topics from publishing professionals six times each year. All webinars are recorded and are available in our archives. Individuals who would like to take time for more in-depth study with feedback from an instructor can enroll in online courses offered twice a year. Discounts on the online course tuition fee may be available upon request.
MTI conducts on-site training conferences in locations around the globe. In 2018, we will begin offering training in Africa. Please check our website (http://magazinetraining.com/events/) for a list of all training opportunities available on-site and online.
The Magazine Directory, also available on our website, is a listing of over 240 Christian magazines. Visitors can search for magazines based on purpose, target audience, country, language, and region. Christian magazines are welcome to create a free listing at any time. Each listing includes the magazine cover, a detailed description, and contact information.
MTI Courses and Manuals
Managing the Magazine with Confidence and Skill
The companion to our managing the magazine course, this practical manual on the business of magazine publishing delivers the tools you need to establish your magazine on a solid financial base for future growth and increased ministry outreach.
You’ll learn how to develop a business plan, build circulation, get advertisers, control costs, make a budget, handle magazine orders efficiently, use research, and manage personnel. You will assess the present status of your magazine, identify problem areas, and apply tried and true principles to solve problems. And, if you’re planning to start a magazine, it is essential reading in order to establish your magazine on a solid foundation.
The authors are experienced MTI trainers Dr. Kent Wilson and Dave Wilson. Kent is executive coach with Vistage International, president of Nonprofit Leadership Exchange, and former executive publisher of NavPress. Dave is former director of operations for NavPress Periodicals.
This manual is offered in English, Bulgarian, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Korean, Malayalam, Romanian, Russian, Spanish
Advanced Business of Magazine Publishing
Developed for graduates of the Managing the Magazine with Confidence and Skill course, this manual delves deeper into the business of magazine publishing. Although the manual was developed for use in a graduate seminar style course, you may also find it useful as a self-study tool. We recommend you read it only after reading the manual, Managing the Magazine with Confidence and Skill or taking the course.
The authors are experienced MTI trainers Dr. Kent Wilson and Dave Wilson. Kent is executive coach with Vistage International, president of Nonprofit Leadership Exchange, and former executive publisher of NavPress. Dave is former director of operations for NavPress Periodicals.
This manual is offered in English and Russian
Design for Magazines
This manual on professional magazine design covers everything you need to know as a magazine publisher, editor, or designer in order to increase your magazine’s appeal to readers, enhance readability, and communicate more effectively.
You’ll learn how to create a distinctive identity for your magazine, visually translate editorial content, select and arrange fonts, use templates to create a design system, develop great covers, and design on a modest budget. And, you’ll discover how to evaluate your magazine’s “voice” and develop a redesign strategy when it’s time to update the publication.
Authors Greg Breeding, Gary Gnidovic, and Adele Mulford are all award-winning designers who have taught design in MTI conferences worldwide.
This manual is offered in English, Bulgarian, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Croatian, Romanian, Russian and Spanish
Editing the Magazine
The magazine editor must know how to select and edit manuscripts, plan issues, and schedule and produce the magazine. But that is only part of the editor’s job. In this information-packed editing manual, you’ll also learn how to develop your magazine’s profile, work with writers, write effective callouts, titles, and side bars, conduct reader research, and solve common manuscript problems.
Also included are sample production and article planning charts, sample article assignment letters, and other forms which may be adapted for use. Several articles are also included in a comprehensive appendix of resource materials and information.
The former senior editor of Discipleship Journal, author Susan Maycinik Nikaido is a freelance writer.
This manual is offered in English, Bulgarian, Malayalam and Romanian
Writing Effective Magazine Articles
Whether you want to learn how to write or whether you need a tool to teach others to write, this manual is for you. You’ll learn how to do research, organize your article, write great leads and conclusions, and compose eight different types of articles. Topics include conducting interviews, handling Christian topics, editing your own writing, and keys to powerful writing. Often used by editors to teach prospective writers, the manual also includes teaching suggestions and exercises.
The former senior editor of Discipleship Journal, author Susan Maycinik Nikaido is a freelance writer.
This manual is offered in English, French, Polish, Romanian and Russian
Managing the Magazine: The Business of Magazine Publishing (A DVD Course)
This intensive course on the business of magazine publishing was recorded in Los Angeles before a multi-cultural audience comprised of Christian magazine publishers from around the world. Topics include strategic planning, developing a business plan, building circulation, acquiring advertising, managing subscriptions, increasing distribution, understanding production fundamentals, conducting research, managing finances, raising funds, generating income, handling personnel, and refining your management and leadership style. It is enriched by interaction between participants and trainers as publishers from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North America ask questions and make comments.
The Business of Magazine Publishing (A DVD Course) This course is offered in English, with subtitles in Russian, Chinese (both simplified and traditional), and Spanish. PDFs of the Managing the Magazine with Confidence and Skill manual in English, Russian, Romanian, Bulgarian, Korean, Spanish, and Chinese (traditional and simplified scripts) are included.
Design for Magazines (A DVD Course)
Attractive design can increase your magazine’s appeal to readers, enhance readability, and more effectively communicate your message. In this information-packed course you’ll learn the secrets of designing effective covers, enticing spreads, appealing departments, and exciting tables of contents. And, you’ll view hundreds of visuals as three experienced design professionals teach you the fundamentals of magazine design. The course will benefit not only designers, but also editors and publishers. Whether you are an experienced designer or a novice, you can expect to receive fresh insights, creative ideas, and new energy and enthusiasm for the task of magazine design.
This course is offered in English, with subtitles in Russian, Chinese (simplified and traditional), and Spanish. PDFs of the design for magazines manual in English, Bulgarian, Chinese (traditional and simplified scripts), Croatian, Romanian, Russian, and Spanish are included.
