SUMMARY: The main responsibility is to write accurate, interesting and readable features, snippets and other copy for the publication, online, digital and social media platforms, ensuring that all text is in Good Marie Claire style and tone.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- To write original material and, when necessary, promotional copy, ensuring that it is:
- Factually accurate and grammatically correct
- Fresh, lively, reader-friendly and cliché free
- Written in Marie Claire style and tone
- Reflective of the magazine’s readership
- Source and write items for certain set sections, specifically allocated to the features writer, each month.
- Research stories thoroughly and ensure that the best possible sources/professionals are interviewed.
- Make sure all articles are submitted on or before the allocated deadline.
- Participate constructively at monthly features meetings by sourcing and contributing story ideas.
- Keep abreast of both local and international news that is of interest to the Marie Claire reader.
- Formulate strong relationships with professionals in different fields (sources), to build up a solid list of contacts and, occasionally, to represent the magazine at functions or speak on its behalf.
- Have an interest in books, music, restaurants and socialising — and to be able to write reviews.
- To help editors needing to localise or expand copy from other sources by doing the additional research necessary.
- Be sufficiently in tune with the local scene to be able to identify the people and places that should be featured.
- When necessary, write fashion and beauty copy that is fresh, factual and on brand.
- When necessary, write copy for our website and/or mobi-site, and on our social media platforms.
- Travel occasionally, when a story requires it.
- Manages and liaises with writers, internal and external, on all editorial.
- Builds relationships with writers to ensure strong stories for the publication.
- Negotiates freelance rates (in line with Associated Magazines rates).
- Finalizes and communicates clear briefs to freelancers and staff writers, and thereafter administers content to completion.
- Liaise with the art department after features have been commissioned to discuss topics and subjects to be photographed.
- Mentors and nurtures more-junior staff writers; finds and develops new writing talent, particularly black writers.
- Keeps up-to-date on general and news knowledge.
- Maintains a strong network of contacts.
- Has a good knowledge of available syndication material (and what stories/subjects already covered).
- Convenes features meetings.
- Originates editorial ideas and sources stories, including those with local content.
- Assists the editor in compiling the features list, ensuring a balanced mix of features.
- Draws up the booklist.
- Participates in discussion of content and cover options, and assists with cover lines.
- Edits/rewrites/localises OR writes a share of the features and/or the pages for a certain section of the magazine, as agreed with editorial team.
- Writes headlines, intros and captions when necessary.
- Double-checks potentially libelous or controversial articles, asking sub-editors to return them for sign-off after lay-out.
- Helps oversee adherence to the magazine’s brand values and reader profile.
- At book make-up, checks that the flow and pace of features is good and that there aren’t any repetitions or contradictions.
- 3 to 5 years’ features-writing experience for a similarly high-profile women’s title.
- Relevant Diploma/Degree in Journalism/Media Studies
- Honest and accurate when reporting — only handing in copy once sure of all the facts in it.
- Good interviewing skills;
- Good writing style;
- Think creatively;
- Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines;
- Able to work with a team;
- Good general knowledge, to be able to write copy on a wide variety of topics.
- Strong knowledge and interest in social media
- Resourceful — able to use such research tools as the Internet.
- Keen to learn and flexible — with a willingness to adapt, cut or expand copy if that becomes necessary.
- A good team worker who can handle deadlines and work effectively under pressure
- Valid driver’s license.
For submissions: click here
Website: http://www.assocmags.co.za