ASBPE has partnered with Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) to provide a magazine critique service specifically for business-to-business publications.
The Magazine Critique Service (MCS) offers solid advice from veteran B2B editors, designers, and publishing consultants at prices less than typically found in the B2B publication market. It can serve as a first step for mid-size magazines interested in gauging their current performance. It provides objective, outside analyses from some of the most respected editors working in B2B journalism, telling you what you and your staff are doing right — and what you could be doing better. The critique shows the decision makers in your organization how to take your content to the next level.

How the MCS works

You submit two recent issues of your publication. A team of editors and designers examine them. Two editors and one designer review each submission, so you’ll get a variety of opinions. You will receive a report with detailed feedback on specific editorial and design aspects of your publication. Carefully reviewing the MCS report with your entire staff allows your publication to brainstorm over what’s working and what needs improvement.

Who reviews my magazine?

We have an elite squad of real editors and designers who have the skills, knowledge and experience to help you create a better product. We’re not so much interested in “B2B celebrities” as in editors and designers who have served as competition judges, won awards in their home countries, and actively work in their professional associations: people with a passion for the B2B magazine world. The goal is to have everyday —— but experienced —— editors and designers giving real-world feedback. A selection of the reviewers includes:

• Robert Freedman, senior editor, REALTOR Magazine
• Shawn Hoefler, art director, HPAC Engineering
• Robin Sherman, former editorial director, Argus Publishing
• Jyme Mariani, managing editor, GM Pro
• Karen Angus, art director, GIE Media
• Jennifer Hicks, executive editor, Foodservice Equipment Reports
• Len Strazewski, journalism faculty, Columbia College Chicago
• Frank Alkyer, Publisher, Downbeat/Music Inc./UpBeat Daily
• Paul Conley, popular b2b blogger and head of Paul Conley Consulting

 

“I highly recommend the … Critique Service to anyone who wants an unbiased, professional opinion about their publication. “I was very impressed with the panel of professional editors, designers, and educators who reviewed my publication. The report I received was detailed, thorough, and provided all the information I needed to guide our committee members toward accepting a much-needed redesign — it literally gave us a roadmap to follow!” — Scheryl A. McDavid Publications Director American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists

Reports and cost
A Standard Critique from the MCS costs $625 (U.S.) or $575 for ASBPE members. Three members of our team will evaluate your sample issues page by page. We’ll return the complete results to you in an electronic or binder format, whichever you prefer. To view a sample report, click here: Sample #1 (535K PDF) or Sample #2 (527K PDF).
If you want more feedback, we also offer a Premium Critique service. For $975 (U.S.) or $925 for ASBPE members, one of your three reviewers will be a TABPI/ASBPE-approved editorial consultant. In addition to the report, the consultant will conduct a one-hour conference call with you and your staff, allowing for more detailed, interactive feedback and a question-and-answer session.

Submissions, deadline and timeline

This service is offered for only a limited time each year. To submit your magazine for critique, download the MCS order form (49K PDF), fill it out, and mail in your submission package so as to arrive on or about Oct. 1, 2007.
Ship completed entries and payment to:

2007 Magazine Critique Service
c/o TABPI
10800 Pearl Rd., Suite B4
Cleveland, OH 44136
USA

The average processing time is about 8-10 weeks from the time we receive your materials.

The Magazine Critique Service (MCS) provides consulting services starting at $575. • See a sample MCS report (535K PDF). • Download an order form (49K PDF). • See the MCS FAQ.

Submission deadline is Oct. 1.