Each month we reach out to journalists and media professionals to chat with them about their experiences in the industry. For this month’s edition of ‘Questions for Journalists’ we spoke with Sheldon Smith, the Managing Editor at Northern Star Publications Ltd.
Sheldon Smith
Managing Editor, Northern Star Publications Ltd.
@sheldons465
What topics are of special interest to you right now?
In my role as Managing Editor, we deal with all services, products, innovations, etc. that relate to the oil and gas industry. Being in publishing is a time-sensitive business, as something you publish could potentially be old news by the time the magazine is printed. I really enjoy company profiles or people profiles because they tell so much about a respective company or person. Another challenge is the current economic downturn industry is facing. On a more personal level, I’m a freelance journalist for hire who’s very interested in sports writing. I like to keep up to date with the sporting world, especially hockey.
What stories or project are you most proud of? Why?
I have written many company profiles through my job that received tremendous feedback commending me on a job well done, which means a lot to me because when I was hired into my role, I had very little business writing experience. Also, my first published story in the Calgary Herald during my practicum there in 2014 was a tremendous honour. In the summer of 2014, I wrote a freelance story for Trot, a standardbred horse-racing magazine, on the future of harness racing in British Columbia. The piece, over 1,800 words, was an early birthday present to my mother, who trained and raced horses as I was growing up.
What tips do you have for people who want to pitch you a story or their client?
Find a specific angle or reason why you think the story is of interest. What makes it interesting and why would people want to read this story? Dig deeper than the 5 Ws. A pitch is all about the angle.
Thanks for chatting with us, Sheldon!
Have a story you would like to share? Let us know on Twitter at @PRTheAgency or in the comment section below!
