Each Monday, we’re giving readers a chance to get to know the media a little better.
With a little flair.
Our goal is to give readers some insight into the work and work style of area journalists, and get to know a little bit about the person behind the byline. Start your week off with an online networking opportunity through our Media Monday blog post.
This Week: Rachel Gallaher, GRAY Magazine
Rachel Gallaher graduated from the University of Washington with distinction in the Fiction track of the English Department. She joined the publishing industry after college with an internship at Seattle Homes & Lifestyles. Rachel has written for various publications throughout the city, covering local arts, fashion, design and weddings. She joined the GRAY team with the first issue as a freelance writer, and has held various positions including regular contributor and Assistant Editor. She is now the editor of GRAY.
Q: What’s your favorite story you’ve done recently?
A: It’s hard to choose because we cover such a broad scope of Pacific Northwest design, but I have to say that I absolutely loved the article about Q Nightclub in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. I didn’t write the story, but I think it did an excellent job of showcasing the young, edgy side of design that we’re seeing more now.
Q: What skills do new journalists need?
A: There are a lot of great skills to have, but the top two in my book are organization and tenacity. You HAVE to be organized if you’re going to hit deadlines, and that’s one of the biggest things you can do to make an editor happy. As far as tenacity goes, I can’t even tell you how many jobs I didn’t get, how many story pitches were turned down, how frustrated I got when I started out. But with each disappointment my resolve grew stronger and I just kept hitting away at meetings and submissions. That really paid off–people noticed and gave me chances.
Q: If you weren’t working at your current job, what would you be doing?
A: I would probably be in grad school working towards my doctorate in literature or getting an MFA in fiction writing.
Q: Finish this sentence: “A good PR person is …”
A: … someone who knows how to tell a story in a way that is interesting and engaging. I get dozens of press releases daily, and the ones that stand out are always unique. They go beyond just trying to “sell me” on something.
Q: What hidden talent or skill do you have that viewers/readers don’t know about you?
A: I’m really good at darts!
The PR Pro Takeaway: Great advice to new journalists from a fairly new journalist. Gallaher has come a long way fast and is a force to be reckoned with both in the design publication field, and in a game of darts.