Stylist Associate Editor, Meena Alexander (S1:E7)

Meena Alexander was the Associate Editor at Stylist magazine when this episode was recorded. She has since gone freelance, but if you want to pitch to Stylist, her advice stands because she knows the brand inside and out. In 2018 she left The Times to join Stylist, rising from sub editor, to features editor, features director and finally associate editor. She achieved a lot there, and has the awards to prove it: she was one of Campaign MediaWeek's 30 Under 30 in 2022, and in 2023 she won Best Section Editor at the BSME Talent Awards and PPA’s Next Gen Award. She’s also the author of How To Be Curious: Ideas To Make You Think Differently, which was published in 2024. Honestly, she’s a massive over-achiever, but she’s so great that you can only be happy for her. The good news is that after listening to her advice you might be a massive over-achiever too, as she shares details of a 3 line formula to pitch timely ideas, the one thing you can include in a pitch that will blow the Stylist team’s mind, and why the conversations you have with friends and family are a good starting point for an idea. She also reveals what the team wants to see in their inbox more than anything. Like other Press Insider episodes, this interview was recorded last year. Expect sporadic mentions of 2024 news and events, but fret not, Meena’s insights are still right on the money today. KEY TOPICS: How to become a journalist at Stylist How to become a trusted PR at Stylist How to pitch an article to Stylist Article pitch examples for Stylist How to write an article for Stylist magazine How to get free press coverage at Stylist How to become a regular freelancer at Stylist How to future-proof your writing or PR career ABOUT THE GUEST: Meena Alexander, Associate Editor, Stylist Magazine Meena Alexander is an award-winning writer and editor. She writes features and profiles about people, trends and the cultural moment. She’s usually based in London but I’m currently on the move, working remotely in Southeast Asia. Formerly the Associate Editor of Stylist, she’s also held roles at The Times, edited books, judged literary prizes and hosted live panels. If words and big ideas are involved, count her in. She’s the author of How To Be Curious: Ideas To Make You Think Differently, published by Headline Books in February 2024. In 2023, she was named Best Section Editor by the British Society Of Magazine Editors and appeared on the PPA’s Next Gen list. In 2022, she was one of Campaign’s Media 30 Under 30.    Find them on: Meena Alexander’s Website  (where the above bio is sourced from) Meena Alexander’s Instagram Meena Alexander’s book on: Amazon Bookshop.org   LIST OF RESOURCES MENTIONED: Franchise examples that were referenced: Just Curious Frame of Mind Processing Example articles: Keep trying to stop vaping but can’t? 5 women on how they finally managed to stop What it’s like to have untreated ADHD? Chaotic and isolating, so please don’t tell me it’s a trend or an excuse Inspiring staffers and freelancers: Amelia Tate Kat Brown ABOUT PRESS INSIDER’S HOST: Kelly Bowerbank is a digital journalist, editor and content strategist with 16 years’ experience in the lifestyle sector. She has worked for multiple high-profile media brands, including woman&home, Marie Claire, The Stylist Group, and The Guardian. She has over eight years' experience crafting editorial strategies and leading teams, and has spent more than a decade commissioning, editing and creating content in various formats across a diverse range of subject verticals. In 2013 she was nominated for New Section Editor of the year at the PPA awards, and in 2020 she was nominated for Digital Editor of the year at the AOP awards. She’s mentored experienced print journalists and trained graduates into award-winning digital writers. In 2022 she stepped down from her role of Global Editor at womanandhome.com to go freelance and write more. She’s represented by Anna Pallai at AMP Literary.    Follow Kelly Bowerbank’s Instagram Subscribe to Kelly Bowerbank’s Substack Find Kelly Bowerbank’s Linkedin   SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: Share this episode: Every share of this episode makes another season more likely. If you enjoyed listening, share Press Insider with your network on Whatsapp, Linkedin and on your favourite social media platforms. It can be found on all the main podcast networks including: Apple podcasts Spotify Amazon music   Follow the host on social media: Follow Kelly Bowerbank’s Instagram Subscribe to Kelly Bowerbank’s Substack Find Kelly Bowerbank’s Linkedin Email feedback: Send feedback about this episode and suggestions for future guests to [email protected]