Several people have asked me recently what software I use to create the village magazine I edit, Northlew News. To be honest, I keep it as simple and low cost as possible, using mainly free software.

Put simply then, these are the tools I use. Other alternatives are available!

WORD PROCESSING: LibreOffice Writer. This is a free, open source alternative to WORD. This is best for writing, editing and proofing copy.

MAGAZINE DESIGN: Canva, a free to use online graphic design programme. Quite intuitive including templates and design tips. Another great advantage is they you can collaborate with others, and when the magazine is complete you can send a downloadable link direct to the printer. You can also save the final product as a pdf for publishing online.

Canva does have a PRO version for an extra cost. If you are a registered charity or community group it may be possible to access the PRO version for free. See their terms and conditions.

PHOTOS AND ILLUSTRATIONS:

• As a keen photographer many of the photos are my own – and I keep my eye out for good illustrative shots. That does mean I take a lots of photos ‘just in case’. Storing them on my Amazon Prime account means I have easy, searchable access to them.
• I keep a close eye on the village Facebook page where the community often post their own excellent photos. I will then ask permission and give credit for any photo I use, ideally getting a high quality version from them.
• Writers will often submit photos together with their article. If it is their own photo that is fine (if it is of suitable quality).
• Beware that submitted photos may be copyright. The writer may have downloaded them from somewhere across cyberspace. If they do not have permission, and you as editor infringe someone’s intellectual property rights you are in danger of being sued for a hefty amount of money. Beware!
• As a low-cost magazine I will search for alternative images on free sites such as UnSplash. Professional photos that photographers choose to share in return for you giving them credit.

ONLINE PUBLISHING As a Parish Council we both print the magazine for those in the village and create a very readable online version that actually reaches a far larger, world-wide audience. This is particularly loved by people who once used to live in the village, have family who still live here – or have just fallen in love with it while on holiday.

I choose to use a ‘flip-book’ which allows the pages to turn on your screen just like a real book. It also allows a reader to download a pdf version to their computer or smartphone.

After experimentation, the one I use is Fleepit. We were using a free version but found that for a modest amount each year it was worth paying for the extra flexibility of a paid version, including the ability to customise, embed in your website, and avoid advertising being added around it.

BUDGET Using volunteers, and budgeting carefully, the magazine pays for itself. Local businesses are offered full, half or quarter page advertising rates and these just about cover the cost of printing and the Fleepit licence.

VOLUNTEERS are very important. I am thankful to writers, interviewers, photographers, quiz masters, proof readers, advertising coordinators, and those who check the layout and design. It is a team effort that results in this being more than a village, but a vibrant community.

So now, having got that far… the rest is up to you. Please do let us know how you get on!