Trying to get prime phone time with Time Inc.'s Health magazine is an exercise in pitching futility, because you can't get beyond the receptionist. The health editors at this consumer health magazine that reaches close to 950,000 women in the 30-55 age demo, are serious about its "Don't call us, we'll call you!" policy.
It's best to fax or mail your pitches and chances are they will be filed according to editorial department. Although there might not be an immediate response, the good news is the magazine offers ample coverage opportunities. Health averages five features and seven to eight departments in each issue. Published eight times a year, editors usually are working two months out.
SECTIONS: Health Features: Features tend to focus on women-focused health issues ranging from nutrition and medical conditions to alternative health remedies and overall health and wellness. Departments: Features always will have a national angle and usually ideas will come from contributing editors at Parade.
EDITORS/LEAD TIME: Editorial Assistant, Paula Motte, Fax: 415/248-2779, Phone:415/248-2857; Lead Time: Two months
METHODS: Faxing or mailing story ideas to the editorial staff is best. Address pitches to "Notes Editor." Motte files pitch information by department and health editor.
COMMENTS: The health issues that are getting the biggest play are breast cancer, menopause and managed caren features. The departments, which deliver quick reads on the latest surveys and health trends that impact this audience. Here, product news and alternative remedies are given considerable ink. Stay away from pitching information about pregnancy and the real trendy health gadgets and diets.
Top-Level Edtiorial Management
Main Number: 415/248-2700
Mary Morgan, Publisher
Barbara Paulsem, Editor-in-Chief
Bruce Kelley, Executive/Managing Editor
Recent Articles in Health magazine
University of California, Los Angeles and Revlon's breast cancer center launch. The article profiled the leading breast cancer specialist who runs the center and highlighted its services.
Alternative Remedies. Latest acupuncture techniques that have a "proven" track record.
Cooking Healthy. Nutritional Food options for healthy lifestyles.