Expert editor Josh Jones is here to inspire you to make a magazine

This week, BRICKS speaks to multi-magazine editor and author of Just Make Your Magazine.

Actioning is arguably the hardest part of any creative process – we can all sit at home with good ideas, or comment on “what we would do” if that were us – it’s taking that leap of faith from thinking to doing that trips up so many of us when it comes to our personal projects. While taking time to develop an idea, experiment with formats and styles, and discuss it among our peers offers valuable insight, sometimes we just need a small (or big) push to actually start creating. 

That’s exactly what Josh Jones (Opens in a new window) has set out to do with his new book, Just Make Your Magazine (Opens in a new window). The book is described as “a field guide to publishing an indie magazine” and offers fuss-free advice from Jones, whose CV could rival any A-list actor’s IMDb filmography –  he is currently the founder and editor of culture & activism magazine Huck (Opens in a new window), food & culture magazine Sandwich (Opens in a new window), and pop culture magazine Ralph (Opens in a new window). He’s also edited the O2 Academy Magazine, Ibiza Rocks magazine, culture journal Special Request Magazine, cocktail magazine KANAPAi, and Pikes Hotel’s in-room book in Ibiza. Additionally, he’s been Managing Editor of Nike 1948 Magazine, Executive Editor of luxury music and style mag MARVIN Magazine, and is co-founder of art zine Pavement Licker (Opens in a new window). 

Most recently, he has launched International Magazine Gang (Opens in a new window), a global network of magazine makers that brands can come to and get a great print publication made. Oh, and he’s self-published this book.

Throughout the book, Jones breaks down his extensive expertise into helpful bitesize tips, from How To Start to navigating relationships among an editorial team to printing and distributing. His extensive expertise is supported by 12 leading voices from across the indie publishing scene, including Magculture (Opens in a new window) owner Jeremy Leslie and The Beat Juice founder Hanna Hanra (Opens in a new window).

Jones’ no-nonsense approach is not only helpful, it’s refreshing to read among an industry of gatekept advice and secrecy. His work has been hugely influential in supporting the British indie publishing business, and he has been an inspiration to us at BRICKS since its inception.

Below, we meet the editor and author to hear more about magazine making, self-publishing, and surprising advice.