The Managing Editor Show
By Jess Tyson
The Managing Editor ShowFeb 07, 2017
EP029: How the Hell Do I Pick an Editorial Strategy?
Let me stop you right there, fam. You have to stop thinking about your strategy as *your* strategy...(wha?)... because it’s not FOR YOU. It’s for your audience! Don’t write about what you want… write about what THEY want.
Once you have stepped back and considered that your editorial strategy has very little to do with what you want or need, it sets you on the right path for building an audience that fits. I can tell you right now that it will involve asking questions, reading up, and stalking your competitors so get your Google ready!
LINKS
MUSIC
- Luigi Boccerinni - String Quintet in E major, Op. 11, No. 5 (Minuetto)
- Pretty Lights - My Other Love
EP028: Context Is Literally Everything
Were you aware that SOL is the last missing piece of your content marketing plan? Finally, all your content marketing dreams can come true with one easy session of SOL! And if that doesn’t work, there’s always DTF to get you through those long, stressful nights.
Whaaaaaaaa? These days, as the global market both explodes and shrinks, context is more important than ever before. It can mean the difference between a successful pitch or an accidental/offensive romantic overture! So keep it SFW and double-check your acronyms before hitting send on those pitches.
LINKS
MUSIC
- Grieg - Suite for string orchestra Op.40 'Holberg Suite' - 5 Rigaudon (Allegro con brio)
- Pretty Lights - Lost and Found (ODESZA Remix)
EP027: Maybe the Best Productivity Hack You Never Thought Of
GUYS. Burnout is a PROBLEM. Being a content marketer is tiring and can run you down real quick. It’s hard to stay engaged and excited about your content when you’re tired, angry, and resentful of all the time sucked into terrible pitches. It may sound like we’re living in opposite-world, but the trick to managing your time when you’re too busy to even deal? Stop thinking.
LINKS
- Michele Linn on Twitter: @michelelinn
- Content Marketing Institute
- The Busier You Are, the More You Need Quiet Time
- Trello
MUSIC
- Maurice Ravel - String Quartet in F Major (Assez vif – très rythmé)
- Sapient - Universal Diorama Redux
EP026: Pour Some Sugar On Me!
Have you ever sent a managing editor a message just to be helpful and not ask anything in return? No? Well, maybe you should! Relationship-building is one of the best ways to get your pitch situated for success. If you help me and find ways to connect that don’t have ANYTHING to do with asking for something... odds are I will remember that fact when I see your pitch come through my inbox later.
LINKS
MUSIC
- Handel - Concerto grosso n.1 Op.6 HWV 319 in G - 2 Allegro
Danny Martin - Robochop
EP025: Why Intuition Matters for Managing Editors
I have talked a lot (a *lot*) about how to keep your pitch out of my trash. But what about becoming the person that holds all the power? If you’re a good writer, you have the foundation of what it takes to be a managing editor. But landing that job takes more than impeccable grammar and spelling. Jessica has walked the road from freelancer to writer to managing editor and shares just what it takes to get your foot in the door as a managing editor.
LINKS
- Jessica Lawlor on Twitter: @jesslaw
- Why Public Relations Gets No Respect
- Muck Rack
- The Write Life
- This Is Why Your Guest Post Pitch Was Rejected
- Bonsai
- ClearVoice
MUSIC
- Luigi Boccerinni - String Quintet in E major, Op. 11, No. 5 (Minuetto)
- Pretty Lights - My Other Love
EP024: How to Break Away From the Fear of Writing
Writing is terrifying. TERR-IF-YING. Putting pen to paper (I’m sorry, I mean fingers to keyboard) can feel like such a finite act. Like THIS IS IT. The final countdown of content. There is nothing else out there for you besides this one and only document.
But it doesn’t have to be that scary or serious! Sometimes we, ourselves, are the biggest obstacles. With years of practice, I have learned how to quickly navigate around these pitfalls so my writing is faster, easier, and more authentic. I’m sharing these tips that can help any writer floundering at the screen to find their footing and begin writing again.
LINKS:
MUSIC:
-
Grieg - Suite for string orchestra Op.40 'Holberg Suite' - 5 Rigaudon (Allegro con brio)
-
Pretty Lights - Lost and Found (ODESZA Remix)
EP023: Is Content Intelligence As Pretentious As It Sounds?
Who the hell does this Brandon guy think he is? Coming up into MY show and trying to tell ME what to do with his fancy schmancy “content intelligence”?!?
Wait, I can do what with it?
Cut out all those terrible hours spent combing through historical posts and analyzing the engagement data? Take the guesswork out of content creation by knowing what’s hot and what’s not for my audience?? Create a powerful content strategy that saves me hours upon hours of trial-and-error curation and nails it every time??? Well, why the hell didn’t you say that in the beginning!?!
LINKS:
MUSIC:
- Handel - Concerto grosso n.1 Op.6 HWV 319 in G - 2 Allegro
Danny Martin - Robochop
EP022: 4 Quick Editing Hacks You Can Win With Today
It’s no secret that most people suck at writing. And I mean SUCKKKKK. This season I aim to tackle this problem by sharing writing tips, tricks, and hacks to get your content out of the trash and into production. It all starts with editing the crap out of your draft (literally). Chopping out 15% of your content will go a long way towards cutting the shit and making your words (those that are left, anyways) shine like a diamond in the rough. It doesn’t stop there, though! Checking your voice, making actual sentences (surprisingly hard for some people), and reading to your cat are just a few of my favorite editor things.
RESOURCES:
MUSIC:
Sapient - Universal Diorama Redux
Maurice Ravel - String Quartet in F Major (Assez vif – très rythmé)
EP021: What's the Point of Guest Blogging?
Guest bloggers. Love ‘em. Hate ‘em. Love to hate ‘em. Why do we keep on with this complicated relationship? I’ll tell you why. Because you need us and we need you and neither one of us is getting off of this damn boat. But let’s spend some time and iron out the waves before we all get sick. I’m going to share the Managing Editor buttons to push that will get your guest blog out of the inbox (or trash) and into publication.
RESOURCES:
MUSIC:
- Pretty Lights - My Other Love 2
- Luigi Boccerinni - String Quintet in E major, Op. 11, No. 5 (Minuetto)
EP020: Does Content Marketing Actually Suck?
Have you ever been rolling along, doing the same ol’ thing you’ve been doing for a hot minute, and then suddenly have the following realization?:
“Holy shit. This final product seriously blows. WHAT HAVE I BEEN DOING WITH MY LIFE?”
No? Okay, well, if you are a content marketer, maybe it’s time to pull up a chair and have a think because it’s entirely possible your content marketing plan sucks and it’s time to revisit this whole shebang. Content marketing has been trundling along on autopilot for far too long and it’s high time we all have a frank discussion and a possible “come to Jesus” on what, how, and why we are marketing in this way.
PLUS! A very important announcement about the future of The Managing Editor show... tune in!
RESOURCES:
- Craft Your Content
- Stephen King’s On Writing
- Trello Editorial Calendar
- Tim Ferris Four Hour Work Week
MUSIC:
- Grieg - Suite for string orchestra Op.40 'Holberg Suite' - 5 Rigaudon (Allegro con brio)
- Pretty Lights - Lost and Found (ODESZA Remix)
EP019: Rand Fishkin, Wizard of Moz, on the Tumultuous Relationship Between SEO and Content
Why is SEO so important when it comes to closing the deal? Because nobody, literally nobody, goes to the very first website they encounter and says “Ok cool I don’t want to look around, read reviews, or compare prices. I will just plop down $700 on this item right here and now!” Think of your own behavior… would YOU do that? If the answer is yes, then rest assured that you truly are a unique rainbow snowflake in this cold, harsh world. Nobody earns business on the first visit and that’s where SEO comes in. It brings people back to you over and over again like a black hole in the shopping universe. Rand Fishkin jumps into this topic feet first and shares this and more on SEO, keeping people from becoming numbers, and the dangers of data-driven marketing.
Resources:
Music:
- Mozart - Serenata for Strings K.525 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik' in G - 2 Romanza (Andante)
- Groovy Hip Hop - Royalty Free Music from Bensound
EP018: Should You Hire Someone to Pitch You?
What’s up, pitchessssss? On Episode 18, Elisa and Jess get real the different ways hiring somebody to do your pitching can make or break your career. A successful pitch can land you on stage in front of influencers and game-changers while a generic novel sent to strangers can burn bridges and send your career into the gutter. Save yourself the hassle and embarrassment with their tips on not sucking at a pitch.
LINKS
MUSIC USED
- Handel - Concerto grosso n.1 Op.6 HWV 319 in G - 2 Allegro
- Danny Martin - Robochop
EP017: If It's a Maybe, It's A No
On Episode 17, Elisa & Jess discuss how a writer’s interest in their work dictates its success and why editors need to trust their gut when it comes to an engaging (or not!) piece. A writer’s feelings about their work is contagious. If you can’t show that you care, nobody will care... especially your editor and your reader! Pour some heart into your work to push it to the next level. And when it comes to the final round, editors need to hold their writers to that standard.
LINKS
MUSIC USED
- Mozart – Serenata for Strings K.525 ‘Eine Kleine Nachtmusik’ in G – 2 Romanza (Andante)
- Pretty Lights – Around The Block feat. Talib Kweli (Datsik Remix)
EP016: On Being Original and Unique
- Bullet Journaling - http://bulletjournal.com/
- "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***" by Mark Manson - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019MMUA8S/
- Martha Stewart gif
- "Fantasy in C Major Op.15 D.760 'Wanderer' - III. Presto" - Daniel Blanch
- "The Crunk Alphabet" by Blake (c) copyright 2010 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/blakeht/27293
EP015: Writing for Style Guidelines ISN'T Losing Your Voice
- "Scratch: Writers, Money, and the Art of Making a Living" by Manjula Martin - https://www.amazon.com/Scratch-Writers-Money-Making-Living/dp/1501134574/
- Proof that Hemingway had an editor - http://www.scribnermagazine.com/2015/02/max-perkinss-letter-ernest-hemingway/
- "Shostakovich: Waltz 2 from Jazz Suite" - Armonie Symphony Orchestra
- "Make Her Say" - Estelle
EP014: Bonus! Amy Schmittauer, Vlogger at YouTube's SavvySexySocial
- SavvySexySocial (Amy's YouTube channel) - https://www.youtube.com/user/savvysexysocial
- Vlog Like a Boss (Amy's new book!) - http://vloglikeaboss.com/
- Bullet Journal - http://bulletjournal.com/
- The One Sentence Journal - https://www.amazon.com/Happiness-Project-One-Sentence-Journal-Five-Year/dp/0307888576
- "Eight Character Pieces for Cello and Piano Op. 78 IV. Small Waltzes Allegretto" - Guido Schiefen and Gunter Ludwig"
- "Grown Up" - Danny Brown
EP013: An Exceptional Pitch Strategy
- Samepage - https://www.samepage.io/
- "Coppelia, Act 1 Waltz Moderato" - Stanislav Gorkovenko
- "All I Need" - Daz Dillinger
EP012 Follow the Directions - It is THAT Simple
- If This Then That - https://ifttt.com/
- A Super Sneaky GIF - https://media.tenor.co/images/e2e501971a8b4ad89f3af3800dee76ba/tenor.gif
- "Five Variations over a Theme by Franz Schubert (Waltz in C-Sharp Minor, D. 643)" - Roland Keller
- "Steady Mobbin'" - Ice Cube
EP011: How the Right or Wrong Founder Can Make an Editors Life Awesome or Miserable
- Speechpad - https://www.speechpad.com/
- Rev.com - https://www.rev.com/
- Adrian Rosebrock from PyImageSearch - http://www.pyimagesearch.com/
- "Piano Sonata No. 11 in A Major, K. 331: Rondo "Alla turca" - Evelyne Dubourg
- "Rolling Down the Freeway - Freeway
EP010: Editors Don't Know Everything
- Anthony Burgess - The Clockwork Condition (published in The New Yorker)
- Tweetdeck for Twitter
- "Beryozka (Russian Waltz)" - St. Petersburg Brass Quintet
- "The Emperor" - DJ Cam
- "Combination of the Two" - Big Brother and the Holding Company
EP009: Stop Cheating Your Submissions. This Isn't a Book Report!
- Sococo - https://www.sococo.com/
- A straight-up awesome-as-hell Dickens GIF - http://giphy.com/gifs/doctor-who-ninth-christopher-eccleston-RL3wXReCz3BW8
- "Natha Waltz, Op. 51/4" - Sergei Oskolkov
- "Gang Related" - WC
EP008: BONUS! Ann Handley from MarketingProfs and AnnHandley.com
- Up Goer - http://splasho.com/upgoer5/
- Hemingway App - http://www.hemingwayapp.com/
- "Six German Country Dances, K. 606 No. 1" - Capella Istropolitana
- "Motormouth" - RJD2
EP007: How to Get Rejected - with Grace
- "Elegia: Vals" - Maria Siewers
- "Black Magic" - Cool Kids
EP006: How to Work with Editors Without Losing Yourself
- https://about.canva.com/work/ - Canva For Work
- "Sentimental Waltz, Op. 51:6" - Sergei Oskolkov
- "Come Clean" - Jeru the Demaja
EP005: Honey & Vinegar: The Fine Art of Follow Up
- "Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 45: III. Anitra's Dance" - Tbilisi Symphony Orchestra and Jansug Kakhidze
- "Google Me" - Teyana Taylor
EP004: BONUS! Kate Erickson from Entrepreneur on Fire
Cue the singing candelabras - we have a guest! In the first Bonus Episode of MES, Elisa & Jess—Jesslisa? Elisess? We'll figure something out—welcome Kate Erickson, Content Creator and overall Big Deal at Entrepreneur on Fire, an online one-stop-shop for budding entrepreneurs. The three talk content management, an online tool for organization, and what it's like to critique your significant other's work.
RESOURCES
SONGS USED
- "Piano Concerto in A Minor, Opus 54 II. Intermezzo. Andantino grazioso" - Vienna Symphony
- "I'll Buss 'Em, You Punish 'Em" - Canibus
EP003: Stop It With the Canned Email Pitches!
Episode 3... insert John Ritter falling off a bike here. Originality and not mailing it in are on the agenda today, as Elisa & Jess tear apart the notion that canned submissions are worthy of a managing editor's consideration. Basically, if you're going to take the time to reach out to a content site, have a thought! Jess also dives into a great program called CoSchedule.
RESOURCES: SONGS USED:- "Piano Trio in A Minor, Op. 50 II. Tema con variazioni - Variation No. 6 Tempo di valse" —Kempf Trio
- "Hey Now (Mean Muggin')" —Xzibit
EP002: What the Hell Does a Managing Editor Do?
Having introduced themselves, Elisa & Jess—Jesslisa? Eliss?—dive into exactly what it is they do. Dispelling the bigger myth that managing editors merely want to cut and slash your manuscript like something Wes Craven would have created, ElJessa reaffirm that managers are, indeed, your friends. Repeat with me: they are not gatekeeping banshees, they are your friends.
RESOURCES: SONGS USED:- "Der Karneval in Rom (The Carneval in Rome) Temp di valse" - 21st Century Orchestra and Ludwig Wicki
- "Callin' Out" - Lyrics Born
EP001: What's the Managing Editor Show and Who Are These Ladies?
In the premiere episode of The Managing Editor Show, Elisa and Jess hit the ground running, discussing not only the format of the show but their credentials as well. With over 15 years of combined experience, the conversation veers into the personal, covering everything from their favorite drinks, to the proper way to utilize yoga pants, to the Portland, Oregon metro system, to annoying Australian workout videos. In a nutshell: "Words. Bourbon. Ab videos."
RESOURCES: SONGS USED:- "A Farewell Waltz (1831)" - Victor Ryabchikov
- "Gangsta Rap" - Tha Dogg Pound