Q & A with New York Times Magazine Editor Paul Tough

In today’s rapidly changing publishing landscape, adaptability is key. AMPA spoke to New York Times Magazine editor Paul Tough about the skills a successful editor needs and what makes a great feature story. Tough is also the author of Whatever It Takes: Geoffrey Canada's Quest to Change Harlem and America and his work has appeared in Slate, Esquire, GQ, and the New Yorker.

Come to our event on October 23rd in Edmonton to ask Tough your own questions about feature writing, editing and magazine publishing. Tough will be in Edmonton as part of Read Alberta Magazines Month and LitFest. More details on this professional development session here.

AMPA: As a magazine editor, what do find most challenging and rewarding about the work that you do?
Paul Tough: The most rewarding part of my job is working one-on-one with writers, helping them figure out the best way to get across the story they’re trying to tell. It’s especially rewarding (though it’s rare) when I’m able to find and nurture a new writer and help him or her to develop a voice.
The most challenging part of the job is trying to keep on top of the news. It usually takes two months or longer for a story to go from assignment to publication in the Times Magazine, which means we editors need to be able to see into the future – to predict what our readers are going to want to read months from now.

AMPA: What is the number one skill a magazine editor needs to have and why?
PT: I think it’s the ability to read. That sounds kind of facetious, I know. But I mean a very intense kind of reading, where you’re able to see a long article as a whole, to observe and understand how its narrative evolves, and simultaneously to focus on minute parts of that story: how a particular sentence is constructed, how individual words are chosen.

AMPA: What makes a great feature story?
PT: At the Times Magazine, a great feature story needs at least three ingredients. The first is some real news. Unlike many more feature-oriented magazines, we don’t run stories that are motivated only by a writer’s or an editor’s interests. We need to have some real news, and we judge what counts as news in fairly traditional terms, more or less the same way that the editors of the New York Times do.
The second ingredient is a compelling narrative, one that lets a reader really get caught up in the story. And the third is a unique and engaging voice – a writer who knows how to use language to attract and delight readers.

AMPA: Your resume reads like a dream for aspiring writers. You’ve authored a book, written for significant magazines and edit for the New York Times Magazine, a highly respected pub, and did all of that in what appears to be a short amount of time. What do you recommend for those who aspire to reach similar heights?
PT: Well, it doesn’t feel like a short amount of time to me; I’ve been editing and writing for magazines for 22 years!
I’m not sure what career advice I’d give to someone entering the business now, for the simple reason that the business is changing so rapidly. In 22 more years, I think the magazine world will look entirely different than it does today. I’ve had the good fortune to be able to tell stories in magazines, on the radio, in spoken-word monologues, in a zine, on blogs and in a book. I think that kind of adaptability will become increasingly important as our media continue to change.

AMPA: There’s been much furor about recent magazine closures. In your opinion, what is the future of magazines?
PT: The magazine business, it seems, has been in constant flux since I started reading magazines. But this latest round of changes (and closings) seems more significant and more extreme than those that came before. I’m not sure where magazines are heading, but my guess is that 10 or 15 years from now, the medium will look very different than it does today.

Ask Paul your questions in person!

Friday, October 23, 2009

The Inside Story on Magazine Features: Q & A with a Magazine Pro

AMPA and Litfest are hosting a special professional development session with New York Times Magazine editor, Paul Tough.

Paul will discuss how to develop a killer feature story, plus it's your chance to pick the brains of this star editor. So bring your questions and get ready to take advantage of this amazing opportunity.

Hosted by LitFest and the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association (AMPA)

Stanley A. Milner Library, Sixth Floor, Room 7, Edmonton
2:00 pm
Cost: $10 for AMPA members and students. $15 for non-members.
Registration is required.

To register, email ampa@albertamagazines.com with your name, phone number and email address.
www.litfestalberta.org

EVENTS

Thursday, October 15, 2009

The Power of the Page - Industry Insiders Event

Lit magazine gurus Jackie Flanagan of Alberta Views and Barry Callaghan discuss the power and influence this medium holds.
The Auburn,163-115 9 Ave SE, Calgary
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Tickets are $8.00 – call WordFest at 403.237.9068 for more information.
Check out the playbill for more fantastic events featuring Alberta artists.
www.wordfest.com

Saturday, October 17, 2009

What Not to Pitch - Style Your Magazine Query for Success

Hosted by Get Publishing Society and Alberta Magazine Publishers Association
Magazine editors and experienced writers will give you the tips and tools to put your best foot forward to successfully enter, branch out or specialize in magazine writing.

MacEwan University, City Centre Campus, Edmonton
9:00 am -12:00 pm
$10 for members (AMPA and Get Publishing Society); $20 for non-members

Editors Tracy Hyatt from Westworld and Gregory Kennedy from Where Edmonton and Craille Maguire Gillies from Unlimited are just some of the people you will meet at this interactive session that will include magazine pitch dos and pitch don’ts. Understand print and digital magazine trends. Learn about topics that never go out of style. Find out how to create eye catching storylines to pitch to different magazines. Get the scoop on opportunities to strut your writing for new magazines. For sophisticated and experienced writers, find out how to develop a niche for yourself. Leave this session with the inside scoop on how to make your query pitch shine, get an editor’s interest and get your writing published into magazines.

To Register:
Email your name and contact information to patwood@shaw.ca and send a cheque to:
What not to pitch" Workshop
c/o Cynthia Dusseault, Treasurer, GPCS
14011 - 91 Avenue, Edmonton AB, T5R 4Y1.

Make the cheque payable to Get Publishing Communications Society. Include your contact information, including your email address, with the cheque. Receipts will be provided at the workshop. Enrolment is limited.

This panel discussion is an initiative of AMPA as part of Read Alberta Magazines Month (RAMM) in October.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Copy Editing 101 with Lori Burwash

9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Rocky Mountain Room, Calgary Area Outdoor Council, 1111 Memorial Drive NW.

Cost: $90 Editors’ Association of Canada members, $120 non-members
Lunch and morning refreshments provided.
Find workshop and registration details here.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Magazine Soapbox

Truck Gallery
The Grain Exchange (Lower Level), 815 - 1st Street SW, Calgary

7:00 pm

Free event, open to the public

Editors from arts and literary magazines FreeFall (Leah Gillis) and filling Station will discuss visual arts and magazines; and the "ins and outs" of small magazine publishing. Writers Kim Firmston, published in FreeFall magazine and Geo Takach, published in Prairie Journal will also read a selection of their works. Bring questions, thoughts, and sample works for face-to-face time with some of the creative geniuses behind the pages of Calgary’s best small, independent magazines.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

How to Pitch Panel
Want to write for magazines and see your byline flashing back at you? Don't know where to start? Learn how to focus your pitches and sell your stories to noted Alberta magazine editors. These tips are straight from the pros and this panel is highly recommended for any writer looking to improve their batting average.

Featured editors:
- Barb Dacks, Legacy
- Michael McCullough, Alberta Venture
- Omar Mouallem, Avenue Edmonton
- Joyce Byrne, Venture Publishing

Grant MacEwan University, 10045 - 156 Street, Edmonton
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Room 436
Free event, open to the public

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Forests, Carbon and the Paper Industry

Join Canopy (formerly Markets Initiative) for a Webinar on October 22
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/512898401

Presented by Jim Ford, Director, Climate for Ideas
How credible is the term 'carbon neutral’ as it applies to paper and what should you know about this claim? As many paper companies move towards biomass energy, the are claiming that their paper products are 'carbon neutral’ when in fact their impact on greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has changed very little. They are simply burning more trees to make energy. This webinar will explore the reality behind the use of forest and tree biomass, lightly touching on carbon accounting rules in order to help you make wiser choices about your paper products in the face of climate change.
Forests, Carbon and the Paper Industry

9:00 am to 10:00 am PDT

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/512898401

Friday, October 23, 2009
RAMM cocktail reception followed by films presented by the North of Nowhere Expo

Metro Cinema, Citadel Theatre, 9828 101A Ave NW, Edmonton

5:30 pm: Come check out Alberta magazines and have a bite and some vino on us!
7:00 pm: Radical Jesters: A Film about Media Hoaxers & Culture Jammers with HONK! No Noise is Illegal
8:30 pm: American Radical: The Trials of Norman Finkelstein
Admission to films is by donation, recommended donation $8 to $12

Friday, October 23, 2009
Small Press & Maga/Zine Fair
Hosted by the Edmonton Small Press Association (ESPA) and the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association (AMPA)

Stanley A. Milner Library, Library Theatre Lobby, Edmonton
12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Free and open to the public

AMPA & ESPA team up to present a one-day event in the Library Theatre Lobby to expose you to some of the great literary activities happening in our backyards. Find some of your favourite magazines like filling Station, Legacy, Notebook, Penguin Eggs, Synchronicity, and more, all in one place.

Friday, October 23, 2009
Vehicle Magazine Launch Party
Rocket ship, airplane, car, truck, bike, motorbike, roller skates, camel, dog, skateboard, longboard, shortboard, surfboard, limosine, jetpack, unicycle, landspeeder, speeder bike, imperial at-at walker, piggy-back, dragon-back, Tonka truck, time-machine, tractor, bus, train, zamboni, crawl, slide, run or walk. Whatever your vehicle...Seriously...GET HERE.

Art Central, 205-100 7th Ave SW, Calgary
6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
rsvp / Hilary, 403.521.0143, info@vehicle-magazine.com
$5 cover charge gets you a free magazine!

Saturday, October 24, 2009
RAMM cocktail reception followed by films presented by the North of Nowhere Expo

Metro Cinema, Citadel Theatre, 9828 101A Ave NW
6:00 pm: Come check out Alberta magazines and have a bite and some vino on us!
6:30 pm: Freedom of Expression: Resistance & Repression in the Age of Intellectual Property
7:30 pm: You, Me & the SPP: Trading Democracy for Corporate Rule
*plus post-film Panel Discussion, Director in Attendance
Admission to films is by donation, recommended donation $8 to $12

www.edmontonsmallpress.ca/nonexpo.html

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

How to Pitch Panel, Calgary

Alberta magazine editors Andrew Mah, Laura Pellerine of Where Calgary, and Evan Osenton of Alberta Views will discuss tips and tricks for writers with all levels of experience in this How to Pitch education panel at SAIT Polytechnic in Calgary. Stay tuned for more details.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Boreal Woodland Caribou and the SAG Report
Join Canopy (formerly Markets Initiative) for a Webinar on November 11
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/803639616

Presented by Josée Breton, Conservation Campaigner, Canopy
In April 2009, Environment Canada published the long awaited 'Scientific Review for the Identification of Critical Habitat for Woodland Caribou, Boreal Population in Canada'. The report shows that, overall, caribou populations are in trouble: for many herds, the probability that they will still be here in 100 years is less than 50%. Learn what you as a paper purchaser can do to support the protection of Canada’s Woodland Caribou.
Boreal Woodland Caribou and the SAG Report

10:00 am - 11:00 am PST
Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/803639616

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.
System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista
Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

- Board Member, Dandelion Magazine Society

- Proofreader, JuneWarren Nickle's Energy Group

Check the Job Board for details.

To UNSUBSCRIBE from MagaScene, please send an email with the subject "UNSUBSCRIBE" to ampa@albertamagazines.com.

MagaScene is written and compiled by Anh Chu. To be in included in the next issue of MagaScene, please send an email to ampa@albertamagazines.com.