Writing Career Tips from the Editors of Today’s Most Popular Magazines

Have you ever dreamed of having a career in the writing industry? Maybe you’d like to be an author, an editor, or a magazine contributor? I truly believe that we each have a special story to share with the world and couldn’t be more thrilled to introduce the first installment of writing advice posts here on An Enchanted Life!

Today, the editors of major magazine publications such as Bella Grace Magazine, Mingle, and In Her Studio will be sharing their best writing career tips for a success in the industry. Without further ado, let’s meet these talented storytellers!

Writing Career Tips & Advice

Christen Hammons is the editor of popular women’s magazines including Bella Grace, Field Guide to Everyday Magic, Bella Grace New Generation, and Somerset Studio. She shares, “I’ve been at Stampington & Company for 12 years now. I originally went to school for teaching elementary school, while minoring in English. Shortly after graduation, I felt my heart shift and realized I didn’t want to become a teacher after all. I spent a couple years working as an administrative assistant for an environmental laboratory while trying to figure out what it was I wanted to do. I knew I had really enjoyed my literature and writing courses in college and found myself wondering if publishing would be a fit for me. I didn’t have any experience, and living in Orange County there aren’t a lot of publishing jobs, but I regularly checked online to see if anything was available near me. One day I spied a listing for an assistant editor for Stampington & Company. As an avid crafter, some sort of position in an art and crafts publishing company seemed like the perfect fit. I didn’t think I met the criteria, but I sent my resume to the director of publishing and asked her to please keep me in mind for anything I might be a fit for. She wrote back and shared they had a different entry-level position available and invited me to come interview for it.

The position was only part time, when I had hoped for one that was full time. It was essentially opening all the art submissions we received, logging them into a database, and returning them. It wasn’t quite what I envisioned, but I got my foot in the door. From there, whenever I was asked if I wanted to try my hand at writing something, I jumped at the opportunity. Eventually, I was promoted to assistant editor, and again, each time something new was presented to me, I went for it. I tried to get my hands into every aspect of the publishing department, also working hard to establish a strong relationship with the owner of our company. I’ve now been director of publishing/editor-in-chief for over eight years.”

“My biggest piece of advice is that you need to be willing to start somewhere.”
If you’re just starting out, you’re most likely not going to step instantly into your dream job. If there are companies you dream about working for, keep an eye on what they have available that may be a good fit for you or at least present future opportunities. If you have no idea where to start, consider launching a blog or sharing your writing on social media. You never know who is reading your work. Just start, and don’t stop.

Amber Demien is the senior managing editor for Stampington & Company which includes serving as editor of In Her Studio, Art Journaling, and Belle Armoire Jewelry. Amber shares with us, “I joined the Stampington editorial team nearly 10 years ago, when I was hired as the assistant editor, and during my time here I have managed some of our most successful magazines — I’m a lucky lady! I believe my success in my current position is due largely to my commitment to producing quality work, my adherence to deadlines, and by being a team player; that phrase has become a cliché, but it’s so important to work effectively and respectfully with your team.

During my personal time I accept freelance writing and copyediting jobs, which have been offered to me by, or because of, past colleagues — again, it always pays off to make sure people like working with you! In regard to freelance work, which is oftentimes remote, clear and frequent communication is vital. Even if the person on the other end doesn’t keep in touch, it falls on you to keep communication flowing so you stay on top of your assignments. Being proactive will always make a strong impression.”

“Being proactive will always make a strong impression.”
In regard to freelance [writing] work, which is oftentimes remote, clear and frequent communication is vital. Even if the person on the other end doesn’t keep in touch, it fall on you to keep communication flowing so you stay on top of your assignments.

Danielle Williams is the editor of top-selling publications such as natural skin care magazine, Willow and Sage, Mingle, where you’ll discover unique party ideas, and creative magazine, Art Quilting Studio.

Danielle explains, “I grew up an avid reader, lover of books, and fan of English classes. In college, I studied English and knew I wanted a career within the field. Six months after graduating from college, I started working as the assistant editor at Stampington & Company. It’s been over six years since then, and I have moved from assistant editor to editor, managing editor, and now assistant senior managing editor. I have had the opportunity to work on numerous of our publications, and it’s been a blast learning all about the publishing/editing process.

My advice is to not give up and to look for unexpected ways into the industry. Develop a strong social media/blog presence or a steady freelancing network if you’re having a difficult time finding an editorial/publishing job. Many of these jobs are digital now, so I suggest strengthening your tech and/or graphic design knowledge as well.”

“Look for unexpected ways into the [writing] industry.”
Develop a strong social media/blog presence or a steady freelancing network. Many of these jobs are digital now, so I suggest strengthening your tech and/or graphic design knowledge as well.

Thank you so much to the talented editors at Stampington & Company for offering their helpful advice! If you haven’t already, do take peek at Stampington’s magazines, I know you will adore them. You can find them at Barnes & Noble, Michael’s, Joann Fabric, or their website.

For more writing career advice, click here to read my interview with best-selling author, Georgianna Lane!