WellBeing Magazine is delighted to welcome Ally McManus as its new editor. The experienced writer, editor and sub-editor – formally at ELLE – commenced her new role today. BD chatted to McManus to find out more about what her role will entail and what she's most looking forward to.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background?
I began my career as a freelance feature writer for a few quarterly magazines in Melbourne while working in corporate communications. I then moved up to Sydney for a sub-editor role at the wonderful BEAUTYDIRECTORY and beautyheaven. Missing my roots in print, I took on a role at ELLE as deputy chief sub-editor, but I knew that my heart was in the health and wellbeing world. When the opportunity came up to become production editor at WellBeing Magazine, it was a no-brainer.
What attracted you to the magazine and the job?
I have been an avid reader of WellBeing since I was a teenager. I would get lost in the pages, which all spoke to me in different ways: thought-provoking features on wellbeing, to nourishing recipes, to new ways of looking at health and sustainability; the magazine’s overall tone and feel was something I resonated with so deeply. I had always anticipated that editing would be my next career move; I am so excited to flip the role from reader to editor, and to be contributing to the WellBeing reader’s experience in a meaningful way. I had also always dreamt of working with Terry (the editor-in-chief) one day and I am still pinching myself that this is a reality.
What will your role entail?
I will be managing the production of the magazine (WellBeing is published bi-monthly), editing wellbeing.com.au, editing half of the content in the magazine (Terry edits the other half), writing shorts and commercial features for the magazine, overseeing the design process, as well as editing and producing the weekly WellBeing newsletter.
What are you most looking forward to?
I am really looking forward to working with the amazing and talented team at WellBeing; it is a huge honor to work on a publication that has such a reputable name in the market as Australia’s leading natural health and living magazine. I am already very passionate about living a happy, healthy and balanced life, and I am so excited to extend that in a professional capacity.
What sort of things would you like to hear about from brands and PRs?
Anything that falls under the health and wellbeing umbrella! Natural and certified organic beauty products, eco-friendly lifestyle brands, health and fitness innovations, new nutrition developments, health-oriented travel escapes etc.
How should people get in touch with you?
Please contact me on AMcManus@universalmagazines.com.au or 0401 530 276.
