When I first set up Sparkbright in 2008, I knew absolutely nothing about running an online magazine. Nothing at all. I just wanted to provide a space for new and upcoming writers, where they could see their work published. I thought we’d last an issue or two, at a push, having no experience whatsoever, and very little knowledge of the internet.

We’re now taking submissions for our seventh issue, and we’ve been running for three years. I’ve learnt a lot in this time, and thought I’d share some of what I’ve learnt.

• Do research the idea before starting up. Have at least some idea of where you’re going to get submissions and readers from, and how you’re going to generate interest in your site.
• Do make sure you’ve got enough time to dedicate to running the magazine. I’m very aware that I fall behind with submissions quite regularly, and I’m even more aware that in the last couple of months I’ve not given Sparkbright as much attention as it deserved, so I’m trying to get back on track.
• Do have some idea of what you want to include in your magazine. Make this as clear as you can in your submissions guidelines. If you’re not picky about subject matter, at least be aware of a basic standard of writing quality against which you judge your submissions.
• Do use social networks. We’ve got a Facebook profile (be our friend!) and a Twitter account (follow us!), and they’re great for interacting with your audience.
• On a related note, if you use sites like Facebook and Twitter, do remember to update them! I’m very bad at this. I may also be developing social-networking-multiple-personality-disorder. OK, it’s not a real thing, but it does get very confusing at times!
• Don’t expect overnight success. If you keep at it, word will spread and you’ll gradually find yourself with more submissions coming in each month, and you’ll start to hear things like ‘I heard about you from a friend who was in issue X’. And that’s always exciting.
• Don’t worry about any negative comments. As long as you run the magazine with a professional attitude, and you’re never rude to people, you should be fine. I had an incident a few issues back where someone accused me of ignoring her submission, and got very angry about it. I found the response that I’d already sent to her, and re-sent it with an apology that she’d not seen the original email. Since then, I’ve heard nothing bad said about me as an editor, which is a relief!
• Don’t expect to keep your magazine running forever. Many different people have told me that most online magazines fold after the first or second issue, which is fine. Don’t feel like you have to keep it running –  you’re under no obligation to do so.
• And finally: don’t be afraid to have a go. What’s the worst that can happen?