At some point before all the stories are even written, we decide whats going to be the featured article for an issue (the one that looks best, and has the most appeal, generally), and our photographer (Al Parrish) and senior art director (Linda Watts), spend the day trying out various settings, backgrounds, props, etc. until they (and the rest of us) are happy with the way the image looks.
The February cover project (the issue for which we are currently working) was quite challenging as Michael Fortunes’ piece, a three-legged occasional table with steam bent legs, was shot in Canada. It was fortunate that Michael was in Franklin, Ind. at the time we needed it to be shot. He was able to drive it to Indiana and his class was taken by a Cincinnati reader. So she brought it to us, we shot it, and sent it back up with her when she returned for another class a few weeks later, and Michael drove it home (then kindly donated it for a charity auction).
In the meantime, the editorial staff is hard at work writing and editing the articles for the issue (and shaking down contributors to meet their deadlines), and our advertising director (Don Schroder), is out knocking on doors (metaphorically anyway). Once we have the stories written and Don tells us how many ads have been sold, we make the final decision as to what goes where in the issue (and what, if any stories, need to be held for future use).
Less than a week later, all files must be sent to production and the production date is sacrosanct. (I rather think that for this issue, Ill be making all last-minute editorial changes during the weekend, with a turkey sandwich in hand.) And somewhere in there, we have to make time for a cover meeting to decide on amusing/brilliant/funny/arresting coverlines. (Secondary cover line here and it may be three lines simply isnt going to make the grade.)
When the printer sends digital proofs, we have one final chance to inspect the pages. This usually happens about a week after they are sent out. However, unless there is a serious problem, we are not permitted to make any changes.
The issue is printed approximately three weeks later and begins mailing to subscribers. It reaches newsstands two weeks later.
You did know you can actually call us with questions, right? Or send an e-mail? We are always happy to answer your woodworking questions. If we don’t know the answer, we will do our best to help you. Our e-mail addresses are hot-linked and phone numbers are listed on the Contact Us page at PopularWoodworking.com (along with old pictures of each of us I think its about time for new head shots).
Subscribe now, or gift a holiday subscription to ensure the February issue of the magazine is included in your subscription. It’s 47 percent less than buying at the newsstand. You dont want to miss the clever tricks Michael Fortune shows you for making bent laminations for his modern table (one of our editors calls it genius! ).
Product Recommendations
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