How can you become a magazine editor?

How can I become a magazine editor?

• Answer:

  no way! IM in 11th grade AND I wanna become a magazine editor too! I wrote to Seventeen magazine for advice on how to become one and theyre advice was very helpful, so ill share it with you! Interested in being an editor? We love hearing that; we think it’s as fun to be seventeen as it is to work here (okay, almost). We would love to help you learn more about it. Let’s start with where you are NOW. In high school, we would recommend that you just write as much as possible. You could write for yourself (like in a journal or whatever) or write for the school or local paper. Just write—because we want you to start developing your own voice and your own ideas of what works, communication-wise. Your writing practice doesn’t have to be traditional. As long as you’re writing, it’s good. Also, you should read. Read whatever you like—but if you’re interested in being a magazine editor, you should read lots of magazines. Read them in an educated way—notice the editor’s point of view. Is there a common theme? What is she trying to communicate to the reader? You can learn a lot that way about what to do and what NOT to do. Also, it’s good to get a sense of what magazines YOU really love and to watch those particular titles evolve. That way when (and it will happen) you interview at that place, you’ll really know what you’re talking about. FYI, most magazines (like Seventeen) don’t hire high school interns. There’s time for that in college. If you’re ready for college, and you’re SUPER serious about getting into magazines, then you may want to at least consider going to college in New York City. Even though there are magazines in other places, New York City is the magazine mecca and pretty much every major publication is based here. If you go to college in NYC, then you’ll get to intern year-round instead of competing for the summer internships with students from all over the country. If you’re an NYC student, you’ll go for a fall internship, do an awesome job, and then be on the inside track for summer. Nice! The next big question is WHAT SHOULD I MAJOR IN? Major in what you LIKE. When it comes to getting into magazines, it’s all about the work experience, so college is the time for you to get an internship. How? Contact your favorite magazines and ask: Find out the number through information and call the Human Resources department who’ll be able to tell you about their internship program. (Don’t call in May for an internship that starts in June—you should start looking about six to eight months in advance of the time you’d like to start interning.) Competition is TOUGH, so keep following up after you send your résumé and cover letter. Editors are looking for people who totally get what is different and special about their magazine, so it’s really important that you only approach magazines you’re passionate about. Whew! We hope it was helpful. You will do great—no matter what field you decide to get into. Know why? Because you’re smart enough to be asking these questions now. Good luck! xoxo, Seventeen i hope i helped!