There is nothing more exciting, and terrifying, than a blank sheet of paper for a writer. Of course, for most of us today, that is a blinking cursor in a new Word document on an otherwise empty screen. Like a skier looking down on an untracked hill of powder snow, we plunge ahead anticipating an exciting run but are somewhat unsure of how we will successfully navigate our way down the page. The creative process is underway.
Each issue of Eatdrink magazine begins something like this. We set forth with some definite ideas in mind, but each writer is on an independent journey with their contribution. Their individual ski runs conclude with an emailed file to our Managing Editor Cecilia Buy, who takes a keen eye to their submission, ascertaining that they fulfilled their assignment with the grace we expect. Kym Wolfe is our diligent proofreader. Our Food Editor Bryan Lavery has a look as well, with the goal of ensuring that we are accessible but also accurate and appealing to the sophisticated diners and drinkers in our readership.
While all this has been going on, our salespeople have been working on the other side of this business. While we place our editorial content as primary to maintaining our relevancy to readers, our advertisers are the lifeblood of the operation. Without them, we can’t afford to publish our efforts.
Each ad is like each story, with a goal in mind, a beginning and an end. Studies have proven that the magazine reader sees the ads as integral to their experience of the magazine; they pay attention to them. In most other media, ads must work twice as hard to engage the reader, whose goal there is NOT to pay attention to the ads or commercials. Magazine ads have a definite advantage.
About half of the ads in Eatdrink are supplied to us, and for the rest, we are directly engaged in the creative process of making a successful ad. Ultimately, readers make the decision on where they spend their money, but we give them plenty of enticing ideas.
Marrying the ads with the editorial in a way that is pleasing for the reader and effective for the advertiser is the final task. We engage with readers on our website and through social media, and take that VERY seriously, but the magazine is the most tangible expression of our relationship with readers and advertisers. I hope everyone is as pleased with this first issue for 2019 as we are. That is our goal.
Peace,
Chris
