An inspiration for young writers and aspiring magazine editors, today's Thriving Around Thirty feature is Virginia Chamlee, Managing Editor of Jacksonville Magazine and all of its sister publications (904, Home, Bride, Taste, YourHealth and two annual sports publications). I had been following Virginia's blog and seen her name around ever since I started Just Me aghan a few years back. We finally met at a blogger event at Fab'rik and recently coordinated our busy schedules for coffee. Jumping right into it here's our interview. I hope it allows you to gain some useful information on life as an editor.
Tell us about your journey to becoming an editor.
I have always loved to read and write so, when it came time to declaring my major (English), it was an easy decision. I interned at Jacksonville Magazine in college and began freelancing shortly after.
My first job out of college was as a staff reporter for a legal publication. I worked there for almost two years and, since the job was remote, it afforded me a lot of free time. So I decided to apply for a journalism fellowship. I was selected, along with three others in Florida, as a political journalism fellow through the American Independent News Network. Eventually, that turned into a full-time position, so I left the legal reporting to write about politics and the environment.
Eventually, the company I worked for was bought out by a large media company in DC, and the Florida site was shut down, so I did a bit of PR work while I looked for something else in journalism. The job at Jax Mag opened up and I’ve been there ever since.
under (I'm getting old) around the age of thirty. If you or someone you know might
Tell us about your journey to becoming an editor.
I have always loved to read and write so, when it came time to declaring my major (English), it was an easy decision. I interned at Jacksonville Magazine in college and began freelancing shortly after.
My first job out of college was as a staff reporter for a legal publication. I worked there for almost two years and, since the job was remote, it afforded me a lot of free time. So I decided to apply for a journalism fellowship. I was selected, along with three others in Florida, as a political journalism fellow through the American Independent News Network. Eventually, that turned into a full-time position, so I left the legal reporting to write about politics and the environment.
Eventually, the company I worked for was bought out by a large media company in DC, and the Florida site was shut down, so I did a bit of PR work while I looked for something else in journalism. The job at Jax Mag opened up and I’ve been there ever since.
What does an average day look like for an editor like you?
An average day for me looks pretty much like anyone else’s—lots of sitting in front of a computer and typing. Of course, there are some days that are more exciting than others. Starting the day with exercise (I am really into Orange Theory at the moment) is imperative for me, as I tend to have a lot running through my head.
On any given day, I might be working on four different magazines (other than Jacksonville Magazine, we also publish 904, YourHealth, Bride, Home and Taste) and twenty different stories, so it’s important for me to have an extracurricular activity that takes my mind off work for at least an hour a day.
What is the biggest perk of being an editor?
The fun events I get to attend—restaurant openings, parties, that sort of thing. Also, press trips (which I don’t go on that often) are amazing and usually packed with delicious dinners and really fun activities.
Many of my readers are other bloggers/writers, what is your biggest pet peeve when dealing with writers?
My biggest pet peeve when dealing with other writers is the assumption that the reader wants to hear what you (the writer) have to say. As a writer, particularly for a lifestyle publication, your job is to tell a story—someone else’s story. When writers submit pieces that are essentially opinion pieces, with no quotes or outside sources, I can tell they don’t fully understand that.
Do you have any advice for aspiring editors?
My advice for aspiring editors is to read. A lot. I am a voracious reader—of books, of blogs, of magazines, of newspapers. You can’t grow as a writer or an editor if you think you are the best writer in the room. There’s always room to grow and reading the work of others is a great way to do that.
How can someone dress like an editor? Are you into statement pieces, do you go by the rule of three, what is your secret?
“Dress like an editor” is a funny concept to me, because most local editors aren’t necessarily into fashion. My daily uniform depends on what I’m doing that day, but I always have a jacket and a pair of heels in the car. That way, you’re always ready if an important interview or lunch meeting comes up.
Personally, I am very much intro statement pieces. I love jewelry, especially vintage pieces, but shoes are my weakness. Right now, I’m really into a pair of Elyse Walker python espadrille flats. They meld beach with professional and they look great with a skirt or a pair of slacks.
Personally, I am very much intro statement pieces. I love jewelry, especially vintage pieces, but shoes are my weakness. Right now, I’m really into a pair of Elyse Walker python espadrille flats. They meld beach with professional and they look great with a skirt or a pair of slacks.
Virginia Chamlee
Magazine Editor of: Jacksonville Magazine, and all of its sister publications (904, Home, Bride, Taste, YourHealth and two annual sports publications).
Virginia's do it all attitude is energizing, I hope you can see that from this interview. Her intelligence and keen sense of style (her shoes are always on point!) are admirable and make her a definite role model for anyone looking to follow a similar career path.
I will continue to bring you interviews with successful individuals
be interested in being featured in a Thriving under Thirty piece, please email meaghan@meaghanalvarado.com.
Northeast Florida Creatives I'm talking to you!!
