I want to start a local music newsletter, but how do I start?

Question

I want to put out a bi-weekly newsletter, but I don't know how to inform people about it(so that I can publish their material). I want it to be mainly for struggling musicians, but with a little poetry and art thrown in there. How would I go about informing people about it? And what businesses in my town do you think would let me have it on display. The newsletter will be FREE of charge.

Answer 1

From one musician to another -- bless you!!!!  What a great idea.  Although I own/teach from a music studio I only do an in-house newsletter.

If you're really committed to doing this newsletter then just start doing it.  Don't worry about informing people ahead of time.  Get the first one out and go from there.  Too many great ideas have never had a chance to happen because people "waited" for all of the right things to happen before they put their great idea into action.  Speaking from experience, GO FOR IT!

Start with places like your local music & bookstores, especially the independent ones, coffee shops, the library and so forth. The  next time you're out shopping notice what reading material they have out on their counters.  Ooooo, if you have any local indie radio stations get to know the folks there, tell them about your venture and ask if they'd do a blurb.  Use flyers, word of mouth, even the internet... there must be local community forums, your local Chamber.   Maybe do up a sample issue to show people so they can see what great thing they would be supporting :-)

Good luck to you.  Your community is lucky to have you!