Jessica is a freelancer and former VP of Media for publications including: Competitor Running, Triathlete Magazine, VeloNews and Women’s Running. She is based in California. Jessica recently wrote a piece on California Now for LCI client Save the Redwoods League. Check out her piece on the new Harold Richardson Redwoods Reserve here.
What’s your top priority at work for today?
My current focus is consumer lifestyle with a focus on food, travel, fitness, and wellness, so it’s different every day. On the docket this afternoon: filing a story on Monterey Car Week. The festival marries the most expensive vehicles in the world (some as pricey as $100 million!) with the rugged beauty of the Central Coast. Pure luxury.
Tell us about your dream assignment.
I was the editor in chief of Women’s Running magazine for many years and have a deep love for the sport. My dream is would be to marry my passion for running and travel by covering a training camp in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This is where the very best runners in the world hone their craft on well-worn trails and dirt tracks.
Describe one of the wackiest proposals/ideas you’ve been sent.
A few years ago, the myth of “runner’s face” circulated online. A number of firms supporting plastic surgeons attempted to take advantage of the idea by pitching their treatments as an antidote to sagging facial skin that occurs as a side-effect from high-impact activity. The problem? High-impact activity does NOT make skin sag, so there was really nothing to cure. The pitches hinged on doctors weighing in on this scientifically implausible “condition.” Bonkers.
What is your PR/marketing pet peeve!
Honestly, I think most editors are too hard on PR/marketing professionals. It’s a tough field! My only complaint is not respecting a “no thank you” from an editor. I don’t feel comfortable telling others how to do their jobs, so… you get the idea!
What’s a top industry trend you’re currently following or are interested in?
I love that the lifestyle industry is embracing inclusiveness. For too long, the norm was for editorial to be aspirational with a very limited idea of what people actually desire. Travel was tailored for the wealthy, fitness for the thin, etc. Industries are now expanding their view of who their audience is and reaching out to welcome those who were formerly pushed to the margins.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a freelance writer, editor, and content marketing professional living in California. My editorial background has spanned everything from enterprise software to romance novels, but I’m currently embracing the lifestyle space. I’m also a lifelong (fingers crossed!) runner with more than a dozen marathons under my belt. Feel free to contact me on Twitter @jessiesebor.
Questions or comments for Jessica? Respond below.
Hi Jessica,
As someone who’s had at least one foot in the lifestyle industry for many years, I agree with your point about it (finally) becoming more inclusive. It’s frankly an issue that should have evolved way before it did, but at least things seem to be on the right track now. Thanks for sharing your insight!
Regards,
David C.
Thanks for your insights, Jessica. I began my career in the luxury sector, and I very much appreciate the expanded audiences now being embraced by editors across outlets. As beautiful as many luxury items are, I know that I personally left the field because, personally, they weren’t as meaningful to me as music, theater, dance and other art-based experiences. And those are for everyone!
Thanks for all the redwoods love, Jessica!
Thanks, Jessica – great post. I used to be a cross country runner (until my ankle fusion surgery, which kind of upset the apple cart). For years, our agency represented the famous SF footrace, the Bay to Breakers – and all the best runners were from Ethiopia. Cheers, David
Jessica, if you ever find yourself in San Francisco, let me know and I’ll take you for a run along the Marina!
Craig