Magazine Features Editor

• generating topics for articles and encouraging a team of staff to do the same;
• holding regular features meetings where the whole department generates new ideas;
• deciding which feature will appear in which issue;
• managing a team of staff and freelance feature writers;
• commissioning an in-house or freelance writer to write a feature;
• sending out briefs for work to writers (with a detailed summary of what is needed, the deadline, word count and fee, etc);
• editing features and ensuring they are good enough to print – this may include sending work back to the writer with queries or a request for a rewrite;
• occasionally, researching and rewriting features/sections;
• contributing to art desk and production desk discussions around format and illustrations;
• proofreading all pages after the production team has set them out before going to press;
• maintaining and raising the profile of the magazine;
• networking with others in the industry;
• attending seminars, conferences and trade fairs.

• Salary is dependent on the economic climate.
• Magazines generally do not pay as well as newspapers.
• Magazines are more lifestyle friendly with staff working shorter hours than many newspaper staff. The monthly glossies tend to work a standard 9.30am to 6pm day with occasional late nights on press days; trade magazines usually work an eight-hour day.
• The job is predominantly office-based, although this can vary between publications. There may be some opportunities to get out and about, but this is far more likely in a writing role.
• Magazines are becoming more flexible in offering part-time opportunities.
• Self-employment is not usually possible.
• The gender balance is fairly equal but most features editors working for women's magazines are predominantly female (as they are male in men's magazines).
• There are opportunities throughout the UK, but most are concentrated in London.
• The dress code tends to be smart but casual. On the glossies the look is less 'fashion victim' and more fashionable/groomed.
• Magazine features editors have a lot of responsibility, which can make the job stressful. However, compared to other journalistic jobs, there is minimum disruption to personal lives.
• In smaller publications, features editors may have to take on some of the main editor's responsibilities in their absence.
• Travel opportunities are limited and will vary according to employer. Some features editors may get limited opportunities to travel in the UK, and even abroad. There may be obligations to attend press trips and social events.

Courses