Dear Ed,
I’m graduating from a New York City college this May, and I’m looking for my first editorial assistant job. I’d like to work at a national magazine, but I’d like to do it in my hometown of Los Angeles. Are there editorial assistant spots in major magazines’ West Coast offices?
Thanks,
Antoinette, New York, NY
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Dear Antoinette,
Contrary to popular belief, “West Coast offices” at national magazines tend to be one or two senior-level people who are there merely to wrangle celebrities for covers and to attend events in LA (and report on the gossip that surfaces at these events). So editorial assistant opportunities at magazines in Los Angeles are limited.
Some national magazines, like Bop and Tiger Beat, are based in
the L.A.-area, so if you’re into writing for pre-teens, those would be good magazines to consider. There are also plenty of regional magazines, like Los Angeles, Angelenos, and Los Angeles Weddings, and entertainment industry magazines, like Daily Variety and Hollywood Reporter, so pick up copies of those magazines when you’re visiting home to see their mastheads and find out how to get in touch with editors.
If your heart’s set on working for a national magazine, living in New York City is your best bet. But if moving back to L.A. is more important, consider editorial, non-magazine opportunities, too, like CitySearch, AOL city guide, DailyCandy, and MetroMix.
Love,
Ed
