For reasons I probably don’t (or maybe I do) need to explain, I’ve developed an obsession with independently published magazines, especially the artsy-fartsy/fashion-y ones run by a small group of passionate people.

I understand the commitment, the dedication, the long hours, and the attention that goes into even the tiniest detail. I’ve experienced the frustration when contributors don’t follow through, the elation when the final product is finished, the nervous jitters that invade your stomach (can someone explain why this happens?) when an issue is released into the wild of the general public, where everyone can see and judge and criticize.

I read this interview at Stack.com (if you haven’t checked out this service yet, do it now. I’ll wait.) and absolutely had to get in touch with Bec at Blanket magazine to find out if she was spending time camped out in my head. It’s so reassuring to know there’s someone out there experiencing the same things and struggling with the same issues.

Blanket magazine’s current issue and website

I have a tremendous amount of heartfelt admiration for indie magazine publishers–really, independent creatives in general, because I know how much energy and dedication goes into producing something so deeply rooted in personal aspirations. There’s a really interesting (to me, anyway) section in Blanket called Soul Publishers, where the editors speak to a selection of independent magazine publishers about what they do and why they do it.

Bec was really lovely and responsive, and even invited me to meet with her group of indie publishers in Manchester–which would be great, save the cost of flying to England. Though, come to think of it, I haven’t been to the UK in a while…

I’ll likely start reaching out to other independent publishers more often. I’d like to offer the kind of encouragement and positive feedback that’s gotten me through many a difficult time. Might as well spread the love, right?

Do you know of any other indie magazines I should check out? I’m practically obsessed.

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