The beauty and spirit of St. John will soon be showcased in the new full-color St. John Magazine — a luxurious, glossy, oversized publication set to debut in November.
The magazine will be published by Tradewinds Publishing, the publisher of St. John Tradewinds newspaper.
St. John Magazine will utilize the knowledge of the local community of the professional staff and featured columnists of St. John Tradewinds in addition to freelance contributions of other local writers and photographers, said Publisher MaLinda Nelson.
St. John Magazine, which will be a paid publication for sale on newsstands and by subscription, aims to fill a niche on the island, according to Nelson, who has been publisher of St. John Tradewinds newspaper since 2003.
“St. John can promote itself around the world with a world-class publication,” said Nelson.
“I felt that St. John was so special in its own light that it really needed a magazine with just St. John content,” said Nelson. “It’s been a personal goal of mine for the past two years.”
Nelson collected countless magazines from around the world in preparation for the publication of St. John Magazine, she explained.
“I told myself that I wanted to start my own magazine, and after two years, time had passed so quickly,” said Nelson. “When I say I’m going to do something and don’t follow through with it, it bothers me.”
Professional Writing, Photos
The professional content — writing and photography — will come together to create a luxurious lifestyle publication featuring everything from local cuisine to island homes, enjoyed by both locals and visitors, explained Nelson.
“I’m working with professional writers and photographers to create a luxurious magazine devoted entirely to St. John,” the publisher said. “The magazine is going to attract everybody — residents and visitors.”
Showcasing St. John
St. John Magazine will differ from the numerous free tourist publications circulated in the territory, according to Nelson.
“The main focus is to showcase St. John the way it is,” she said. “St. John has its own story to tell and a high-quality, internationally-circulated magazine will do that.”
The magazine will showcase the true spirit of St. John, the publisher continued.
“Although St. John as an island has changed, the spirit of St. John really hasn’t changed, and we’re going to showcase the spirit that’s been here forever,” she said. “Those who really understand the true nature of the island are going to love the magazine.”
“Incorporating the depth of knowledge about the island of the newspaper’s staff and our connections to island homes and chefs and our professionalism will provide some outstanding, interesting content,” Nelson added.
Readers can look forward to indulging in all different facets of island life, Nelson explained.
“It’s a lifestyle magazine, so we’ll feature local cuisine, art, and island homes; and we’re going to have St. John history and back time stories,” she said. “It’s about the insights of natives and residents who love living here and doing business here.”
“It will be informative and educational for those who may have just moved here, and definitely for those visiting the island, but it will also be a keepsake for St. Johnians and long-time residents,” Nelson said.
Biannual Publication
The magazine will be published biannually. The fall/winter edition will reflect the happenings of St. John during that time of year, and a spring/summer edition will reflect seasonal activities, including St. John Festival and island weddings.
St. John Magazine will be on sale at newsstands throughout the USVI and BVI, and Nelson is negotiating with the major newsstand distributor to east coast airports servicing the Caribbean to carry the magazine as well.
Additionally, Caneel Bay Resort has ordered a bulk purchase of the magazine for distribution in guest rooms. Caneel Bay marketing officials foresee guests taking the magazine home with them.
Several resorts under development are planning bulk purchase of the magazine for distribution to prospective clients, she added.
Requests for magazine subscriptions, which are available, have already started coming in.
To download a St. John Magazine media kit, visit www.stjohnmagazine.com. For further information regarding advertising and subscriptions, contact Nelson at mnelson@stjohnmagazine.com or at 776-6496.
