Following is a Q&A with Stacy Small, managing editor of OverTime (OT) Magazine:
By Greg Shemitz:
Q: What’s your background as a journalist? Please tell us about OverTime Magazine and your responsibilities with the publication.
A: I’ve worked on staff at several consumer and trade magazines, and most recently was the editorial director for Elite Traveler Magazine, the upscale luxury lifestyle magazine for private jet travelers. I’ve written about luxury travel, lifestyle, entertainment, business, sports, real estate, and health & fitness for publications including Variety, Valley, Conde Nast Traveler, National Geographic Traveler, Fitness, Shape, Men’s Fitness, Angeleno and Mademoiselle. OverTime is a lifestyle and business magazine for professional athletes and professionals in the wide world of sports. As managing editor, I am responsible for the entire editorial operation of the magazine.
Q: What types of stories are most likely to pique your interest? What kind of material should public relations people be on the lookout for?
A: I am extremely interested in hearing stories about professional athletes who’ve become as successful off the field as they are on it. I’m also very interested in keeping abreast of what athletes/high-profile professionals are wearing (including accessories, high-end watches/jewelry), what they are driving, where they are traveling, what they are/should be reading, how they are/should be staying in shape. We’ll be recommending new movies, great music and top restaurants in each issue. Anything that will appeal to a super-wealthy, high-profile market — with an average household income of $1.6 million — has potential to be of interest.
Q: What recent projects have given you the most satisfaction or are most reflective of your work?
A: Playing an integral role in the launch of Elite Traveler Magazine was a very satisfying experience, especially since the magazine has truly become the leader in its genre in just a few years. I am also proud of a new Palm Beach business publication I recently helped launch (www.newbusinesstoday.com), and am extremely thrilled and flattered to have been chosen to oversee the launch of OverTime.
Q: What industry publications, Web sites and services do you refer to?
A: ProfNet, MediaPost, Mediabistro, Folio. I regularly post queries on ProfNet, as I find the response rate to be tremendous and especially helpful in helping me locate great sources when I’m on a tight deadline.
Q: What do you like/dislike about dealing with PR people? Any tips you’d like to give them?
A: I appreciate it very much when PR people contact me with a short/direct query rather than an entire media kit or several press releases sent as attachments. Know what my needs are, check in with me to see if what you have to offer is of interest, and if so, then it’s appropriate to follow up with more info. It really bugs me when a PR person I’ve never spoken to before floods my inbox with releases and photos I have no use for. The best tip I can give is to keep queries targeted and brief.
Q: How and when do you prefer to be contacted?
A: Anytime by e-mail.
Q: What’s the best way to send news releases to you? Mail, e-mail or fax?
A: E-mail.
Q: Do you accept photos/graphics/artwork? If so, how do you want to receive them? Any specific formatting requirements?
A: Yes. I prefer that you send high-res digital photos (TIFF format with a minimum size of 5×7, 300 dpi) to me upon my request.
Stacy Small
Managing Editor
OverTime (OT) Magazine
674 Fern Street
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
E-mail: overtimemag@aol.com
Phone: 561-838-4373
Fax: 801-439-6377
Web site: www.OT-Online.com