Crazy for Sudoku
Abby Taylor, editor-in-chief, Dell Puzzle Magazines and Christine Begley, associate publisher, Penny Press and Dell Magazines:
1. What do you consider the single most important achievement your magazine has accomplished in today's marketplace?
Being able to stand out from the competition in a very crowded field due to our superior design, attractive graphics, and high production quality. With Sudoku titles flooding the magazine racks, we've been able to generate strong sales by providing a large number of high-quality puzzles at an affordable price.
2. Looking back at your history, what was the most important hurdle you were able to overcome?
We did see the Sudoku craze coming, but it was still a scramble to get our first title out on the newsstands in time to meet the sudden interest. We released our first Sudoku issue nine weeks after initially discussing the need for such a magazine.
3. What was the biggest pleasant surprise?
Seeing a puzzle that has appeared in Dell's magazines since 1979 under the name Number Place become so popular worldwide as Sudoku. It's generated more "buzz" than any other type of puzzle in many years, and the fact that people who don't normally solve puzzles are enjoying Sudoku in record numbers is very exciting.
4. What is the biggest challenge you are facing today?
Continuing to produce puzzles to interest these new solvers, and finding the next puzzle trends.
5. Imagine you have a magic wand, and you can strike the magazine and make it a human being. Describe that human being.
This person is smart, logical, and enjoys new challenges. She is constantly surprising you, and making you think in ways you haven't thought before.
6. The number of new magazine launches has been on a steady increase. What advice do you offer to someone wanting to start a new magazine?
Keep your eyes and ears open to trends both here and abroad.
7. Finish this sentence: In 2010, your magazine will be...
Continuing to challenge all levels of Sudoku solvers with clever, interesting puzzles.
|
