The FLip Side:: what Publishers Want You to Know

I came across this article on a site called Ed2010.com, Ed is a mysterious editor in New York who gives heads-up on jobs in the magazine industry. He also gives us aspiring editors advice on this tight roped industry. In his latest blog post, Ed got Jayne Jamison, Vice President and Publisher of Seventeen, to speak up about what publications are looking for in good canidates. So to all my fellow magers read CAREFULLY.


What should junior editors know about the publishing side of magazines?
It’s important to know how other people perceive your magazine. Hard to believe, but not everyone shares your view! I also think it’s great for editors to understand what the advertisers think of the magazine and what challenges the ad/sales people face (just ask ‘em!). Editors should also know who the competitors are and keep the ad/sales side abreast of trends.

What is your best piece of advice for recent graduates?
It’s an extremely tight job market, so maybe your first job won’t be your dream job, but take it anyway. It’s always easier to get a job once you’ve had one. Working at a smaller publication will give you greater experiences and challenges anyway! You’ll be exposed to more on a day-to-day basis [than you would at a bigger magazine].

What do you think junior editors should do more of?
Show an interest in the business side. Editors who ask ad/sales people questions, like what do the advertisers think of the magazine, why do we (or don’t we) have a particular advertiser in the magazine, and how is the magazine is sold, are the most well-rounded. Seek out a salesperson at your magazine and start asking questions!

How is a publisher different from an EIC?
The editor-in-chief’s responsibility is bringing in readers and keeping them satisfied with innovative content; my role is to bring in advertisers by proving the importance of our market in building brand loyalty and selling the advertiser’s products. Both jobs are very demanding, and include managing, motivating, and training a large staff. It’s important for me to maintain editorial integrity and balance the separation between church and state, and it’s important for our editor-in-chief to speak passionately about our audience to advertisers.

What do you wish you had when you were first starting out?
I wish I had the confidence that I have now. I always thought everyone else was smarter than me, which lead me to work twice as hard. So my insecurity paid off! Also, don’t confuse style with substance.

Last bit of wisdom?
If you’re organized and efficient, you can have it all: a great career and a great family.