New Job Posting: Managing Editor

Lexicon Consulting, a Des Moines media firm, is looking for a managing editor.   The person will replace Julie Collins (Drake -05).  Check it out here.

Des Moines Freelance Summit July 18

iowa society of professional journalists 

freelance summit 2009

who: Editors from local publications including Meredith Corp. and The Des Moines 

Register will be available to talk about their work and how you can get involved 

in writing, copy editing, photography, graphic design and web development. 

Come learn about possible opportunities in Greater Des Moines, network with 

editors and discover best practices to running your freelance business. 

what: Activities include roundtable networking, where editors and freelancers will 

meet in small groups, and a panel discussion featuring both seasoned editors and 

freelancers who can answer your questions. A complete list of editors and itiner- 

ary will be published here in June. 

when: Saturday, July 18, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Registration begins at 9) 

where: Des Moines Social Club, 1408 Locust St., Des Moines 

fee: Before July 3: $20 for members and $30 for nonmembers 

        July 3 and after: $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers 

        *Includes roundtables, light breakfast and lunch. 

For more information, e-mail iowaspj@gmail.com 

Newsweeklies trying to follow The Economist--finally

The Atlantic has an excellent article evaluating why The Economist continues to gain readers and advertisers while Time and Newsweek shrink into irrelevance.  Newsweek's recent redesign follows The Economist's lead--but, as the article says, it's about ten years too late.   Yes, the economy is hurting the media, but the media are also hurting themselves, and have been for decades.  In this article, Michael Hirschorn explains some of the many ways American magazines miss the mark—and miss their audience's needs.  Good reading.

Flair Magazine Founding Editor Dies

Fleur Cowles, who started one of the most graphically innovative magazines ever—Flair magazine, published for the full year of 1950—has died in London.  Fleur visited Drake in the 1990s and offered her inimitable insight.  In preparation for the book I was writing, I asked her what magazine she would read  if she could choose only one.  "I would start my own," she said.

Fleur motivated The Telegraph of London to run an unusually cheeky and entertaining obituary. Read it here.

Rest in high fashion, Fleur. (Her name was actually Florence, and she preferred to think she was 92, not 101.)

DEAR PEP: How do I dress for a job interview?

DEAR PEP: I just landed a job interview at a magazine for early next week, but I'm not sure what to wear. Are suits necessary at magazine/newspaper/publishing jobs? If not, what is the typical outfit for the perfect interview? Obviously I want to show that I'm a serious candidate, but I thought a suit might be too stuffy for the job. Any help would be greatly appreciated!—New Grad.

DEAR GRAD: No, a suit is not necessary is you are applying on the creative side—as a writer or designer. You might get a little more formal if you are applying for the business side or are headed to a trade publication for a button-down field such as law or business. For writers and designers, in general, you just need to wear your best duds, but you can go slightly casual. Make sure everything is clean, pressed, and clear of lint, dog hair, or any other tacky embellishments. Make sure your shoes are clean and nicely polished.

Some suggestions:

FOR WOMEN:

• Your best slacks or a skirt that is at least knee length. It’s nice that you have great gams, but this is not the time to show them off.

•A top that fits you well and is cut so it covers your breasts. Again, this is no time to show off, so keep your busty beauty to yourself.  

•A casual jacket would work well and will come in handy for meetings and other occasions once you get the job.

• Appropriate shoes. If you don’t wear stilettos (good for you, your feet will thank you in 20 years), this is no place to start. Heels are fine if you have them, but nice flats work just as well. Avoid nun shoes. And wear socks just this once—you can find comfy-knee highs and thigh-highs. I would avoid open toes here, especially because they look really dorky with socks. If you must show off your toes, go commando, but do your nails.

FOR MEN:

• Your best slacks and a good belt. If your belt is showing wear, invest in a new one. Make sure the pants just hit the top of your shoes.  

• A clean, pressed shirt tucked in neatly. A dressy, long-sleeved button-up is best.

• A tie. Just this once. It won’t kill you.

• A sports jacket. No need for the full suit, but a sports coat is a nice touch and will come in handy later.

• Appropriate shoes. Nothing athletic at this point. Good leather, or faux leather.

Julie Collins Shares Writing Wisdom

Alum Julie Collins (o6)  has started a blog about her adventures as a freelance writer.  She offers solid  advice and perspective at Julie Tries Writing.