Canadian Yachting’s June issue(s) both have a way of evoking the lifestyle that many of us can only dream about.

Art director Petra Dueck agrees. “After all” she said, “if a cover doesn’t tell a story, then it is just a catalogue.”

She went on to say, “The two covers this issue are all about the feeling of boating. With summer sitting on the doorstep, the June issues of CY are about getting back on the water, enjoying the weather, and having some fun. We started off with some fantastic photo options expressing this feeling and the theme of “Entertaining Onboard." After some debate we decided to go with these two images as they invoked the joy of boating in summer and how closely they represented the theme and stories in the books. The cover lines were crafted to emphasize this feeling as well as to inform readers of the benefits. From the adventurous explorer spirit the west version brings, to the summer social spirit the east version does, these covers have summer covered.”

The Eastern cover is my personal favourite ever produced by Canadian Yachting. Sunset images are so difficult to work with, but Dueck has created a masterpiece. In my view, the subtle shading to help pop out the supporting sell lines almost disappears into the waves and clouds. The strong type treatment is bold yet elegant. The diagonally set “interrupter” in the upper left corner is like a sail tilting in the wind. The cover is warm and harkens us back to port for a Grey Goose martini, after a satisfying day on the water.

Click on images to enlarge

On the other hand, the Western cover totally captures the spirit of the BC coastal waters and rugged terrain. The type treatment is also bold and deftly handled. And the eye travels comfortably from the main sell line (great benefits promised) to the supporting hooks. The question is, is she alone, or is a special someone making lunch and opening a fine bottle of BC wine back on board ship?

Which one do you like best?  Vote at CoversSell.com.

An interesting story about The Walrus magazine, and how it manages to not only survive but thrive in today’s challenging environment.

Interesting statistics at end of article worth taking note of regarding digital:

Are we the Walrus?

Thanks to Kevin Brannigan, NewsGroup, for the heads up.
 

Mark your calendars…the 2013 CADS Classic Golf Tournament is scheduled for June 19th, 2013, at Pebble Beach, I mean Glenn Cedars Golf Club.

As always, the format is Best Ball / Double T-Off Tournament, so everyone can have fun and enjoy a day of mixing with publishers, circulators, retailers, distributors, wholesalers and friends of single-copy sales.

In a press release Dawar Taylor says:

“The C.A.D.S -Canadian Association of Distribution Specialists- Committee would like to extend the annual golf classic invitation out to our industry partners and friends abroad this year. The CADS CLASSIC has been ongoing for 30+ years with a ‘funtastic’ round of golf and ‘fantabulous’ dinner, so that we can all come together for one day and catch up with new/old friends within the publication industry. The tournament fees are kept relatively low to encourage many to come out, since this golf tournament is primarily put on for YOU! Any funds raised are put towards small prizes, awards, funeral condolence donations/flowers for industry members, and a donation to the Children’s Christmas Wish Fund. All existing or retired partners and friends from circulation, consulting, distribution, publishing, retail, transport, wholesale or anyone else associated with the distribution or circulation channels of books, magazines, and newspapers are welcomed.”

Please contact Dawar Taylor for more information regarding the format and pricing of this event: dtaylor@disticor.com / 416-899-0867.

The Summer 2013 issue of Fly Fusion is scheduled to hit newsstands May 27, 2013.

“The cover is the first underwater shot we’ve ever used,” said Chris Bird, group publisher. "We liked the energy of this image as the fisherman works his net.”

This Canadian category leader continues to post strong sales in the U.S. market as well. The title now ranks No. 2 in its category at Barnes & Noble…pretty impressive for a quarterly title! Sales of the current issue are running 75% better than the prior year at Barnes & Noble.

Sales in the U.S. have been growing steadily, despite the rather weak market conditions:

 

It seems like just yesterday that tennis star Martina Navratilova came out of the closet. But, in fact, it was a lifetime ago…1981. Over thirty years have passed.

The latest issue of Sports Illustrated is creating quite a media feeding frenzy for breaking the story of Jason Collins, the first gay athlete from one of North America’s big four professional sports (basketball, baseball, football, hockey) to declare his gender preference openly. 

It’s long overdue.

Congratulation to Sports Illustrated for breaking the story. It’s great to see such a iconic magazine brand getting this exclusive game-changing story.

The April 2013 issue of Canadian Geographic may not feature a fearsome predator, but the cover does have a way of “jumping” into your face.

Talk about “eye contact”…this cover sure delivers in that department.

We’ll see if this issue scores or if it croaks. 

I like its chances. 

The Jun/Jul 2013 issue of Canada’s History is set to hit newsstands May 27th, 2013. Here’s what Mark Reid, editor, has to say about the issue:

"The Bluenose was the greatest racing schooner to ever sail the waves. Fast, graceful, she took on all comers — and outran them all. To Canadians mired in the Great Depression, Bluenose offered a spark of hope. Gathering around their transistor radios, they thrilled to her exploits as time and time again she defeated her American rivals.

After the original Bluenose sank in the Caribbean, Nova Scotia built Bluenose II. The ship proudly represented Canada for decades. But when rot was recently discovered in the beautiful schooner, many feared it would lead to her ruin. Thankfully, a massive restoration effort has saved Bluenose II. This June, she will once again be sailing as Canada’s cultural ambassador — a reminder of a different age, a time when men of iron sailed ships of hard timber and helped shape a nation.

The legend of Bluenose and Blunose II lives on, and you can learn more in the June-July 2013 issue of Canada’s History magazine."

Canada’s History (aka The Beaver) has had much success with covers featuring ships over the years:

• Apr 2012…Set all time sales record. Still holds record for best in this time slot. Sold 36% better than the rest in 2012
• Dec 2006…Set all time sales record. Sold 96% better than the rest in 2006. Won Gold at Canadian Newsstand Awards
• Dec 2004…Best seller that year. Sold 48% better than the rest in 2004
• Dec 2003…Best seller that year. Sold 48% better than the rest in 2003
• Jun 2009…2nd best ever for this time slot. Sold 13% better than the rest in 2009
• Jun 1996…Best seller of 1996. Sold 15% better than the rest in 1996

The 2013 Travel Guides, published by Canadian Joe Turkel, are looking quite fine.

These annuals are not available by subscription, and are 100% newsstand driven products. The publisher supports the channel with aggressive newsstand marketing. All three are priced at $6.95 in both Canada and the U.S. markets.

“We are thrilled to have our three travel guides on newsstands across the U.S. and Canada as well as in other countries around the world. Our 2013 guides are being sold in over 9000 retail locations and we expect our sales to double versus our 2012 newsstand sales," said Turkel. The magazines are distributed by Coast to Coast.

Last year’s guides sold well:

• Florida Guide sold nearly 11,000 units
• Canada Guide sold nearly 9,000 units
• California Guide sold nearly 7,600 units
  

The summer issue of GardenMaking is set to hit newsstands on May 13th, 2013.

“Roses tug at a gardener’s heartstrings, but they can bring heartbreak if they don’t survive our winters,” said editor Beckie Fox. “Our feature describes 43 Canadian-bred roses that are as beautiful as they are dependable.” 

But Beckie points out… "And if roses aren’t your passion, there are plenty of other plant temptations in the summer issue: easygoing container plants; tall, slim trees for small spaces; and excellent eggplants.”

Click to enlarge image:

1. Subject Matter Matters…Roses are to GardenMaking as Jolie is to Vanity Fair
2. Great use of skybar area
3. '8 Helpful Tools' numerically quantifies benefit-oriented hook, as does '43 All-Canadian Beauties' in the main sell line
4. Well-placed starburst elegantly packs in three additional appeals
5. Big Bold Type Treatment both aggressive and sophisticated

The 2013 issue of Pools, Spas & Patios is set to debut on May 13th.

Published by Kenilworth Media Inc., Pools, Spas & Patios is the only Canadian magazine targeted to the backyard leisure living market.

Editor Blair Adams says:

This annual magazine showcases the latest pool and spa designs and encourages readers to relax, retreat, and rejuvenate through the creation of a backyard oasis. Inside the 2013 edition, readers will find:

• ‘Sensual Appeal’ profiles designed to offer inspiration by showcasing the backyards of those who took an ordinary space and turned it into an extraordinary one
• An exclusive, step-by-step guide to selecting the pool that best meets their family’s needs
• Eco-friendly pool care tips
• Landscaping ideas for small spaces
• Editor’s picks of the hottest pool, spa and backyard products
• The ‘backyard service finder,’ Canada’s premier resource of pool and spa builders, retailers, service professionals, and landscapers
• How to select a hot tub/swim spa
• Expert advice on mastering the barbecue

Both beautiful and practical, this cover delivers many reasons to buy.  The magazine is being promoted aggressively with retailers such as:

• Chapters
• Shoppers Drug Mart
• Home Depot
• Loblaws
• Lowes