ASBPE's international counterpart, Trade, Association, and Business Publications International (TABPI) has launched an interesting service--the first of its kind that I've heard of. It's called the Magazine Critique Service (MCS), and was conceived of as a medium-priced option for smaller (or just limited-budget) magazines that may not be able afford outside consultants to help them carry out a full redesign.

At a cost of $575, the Standard Critique gets your publication examined by three reviewers, who'll provide specific feedback on the magazine's editorial and design. TABPI gives a report to the editor, who can thoroughly review the results with the editorial and design staff. Sample reports are here (80KB PDF) and here (44KB PDF).

TABPI is also offering a Premium Critique service at $975. With this option, one of the three reviewers is a TABPI-approved editorial consultant, who'll conduct a one-hour conference call with you and your staff. You'll also get a written report.

The TABPI web site has a list of some of the reviewers, reproduced here:

• Robert Freedman, senior editor, REALTOR Magazine, and former ASBPE president.
• Shawn Hoefler, art director, HPAC Engineering
• Robin Sherman, associate director, ASBPE, and former editorial director, Argus Publishing
• Jyme Mariani, managing editor, GM Pro, and president, ASBPE Dallas/Fort Worth chapter
• Karen Angus, art director, GIE Media
• Jennifer Hicks, executive editor, Foodservice Equipment Reports
• Len Strazewski, Journalism Department, Columbia College Chicago
• Frank Alkyer, publisher, Downbeat/Music Inc./UpBeat Daily
• Paul Conley, head of Paul Conley Consulting.

Be aware: There's a deadline. To make the program feasible, it will be offered for only a few months of each year. This year's submissions must be received on or about Sept. 22, 2006. TABPI says publications should get their reports about 8 to 10 weeks after receipt of the submission.

Complete information about the MCS, including answers to frequently asked questions, a submission form, and links to the sample critiques, are available on the TABPI website.