Answer: There are a few publication editing software products, but many of them are designed for large publishing operations (like a city newspaper or a big-time consumer magazine). They might be too expensive and too complicated for most smaller scale publications or websites.

If you are already using or considering a Content Management Software product - a tool that organizes articles, photographs, and other elements for websites and print publications - then you might see if your CMS program includes front-end modules to help you manage the process of creating content. There's a great Wikipedia article about CMS systems that includes a list of them..

Also check out two third-party vendors who created extensions to inDesign to handle workflows: Woodwing and DTI

And finally, here's a list of stand-alone products from a range of vendors. We have no experience with any of these programs, so check for references and see who else is using them.

• Scoop
• Editorial Express
• Magazine Manager
• EditKit
• AuthorIt
• Quark Publishing System (QPS)
• K4 from Managing Editor

More Information

I recommend my business how-to book for publishers, Starting and Running a Successful Newsletter or Magazine. It will help you understand the key decisions that drive your profits. My second book, Every Nonprofit's Guide to Publishing (co-authored with Lucia Hwang) covers budgeting issues in even greater detail. Look for both in your local library, well-stocked bookstores, or buy them right now from Amazon.com.