This week FeaturesExec catches up with Philip Mantle, editor of UFO Matrix.
About UFO Matrix:
What subjects do you cover? What stories are you most interested in covering?
UFOs, UFO sightings, reports, alien encounters, ancient astronauts, alien abductions, ufo cover-ups and conspiracies, official ufo files.
What makes you different from the other outlets in your sector?
There are no others. We are the only newsstand publication based in the UK that is available on the high street via WH Smith and internationally. In the USA we are in Barnes & Noble and Borders.
How do you decide the content, front covers and headlines?
As editor this is purely down to me. Our team does keep an eye on new things that are taking place. Each issue has a loose theme running through it, for example one issue might concentrate on alien abductions.
Do you use freelance contributions, and if so, are they for any particular section/type of work?
We do indeed use freelance contributors most of whom are already involved in UFO research and investigation.
About PRs:
Do you work closely with PRs (e.g. for supplements, round tables, events) or do you keep them at arm’s length?
Don’t currently work with any on a regular basis but would like to build up relationships with them if at all possible.
If you could make one change to the way PRs deal with you, what would it be?
None at all.
What information/input from PRs is most useful to you?
Their experience.
How should a PR approach you about their client?
Just drop us an email or phone and we’ll do all we can to help.
When is the best time for PRs to contact you & what is your deadline for contributions?
We can be contacted just about anytime. Email first please.
About you:
Describe a typical day at work: What are you editorial duties/responsibilities at the outlet (e.g. commissioning, subbing, features, interviewing)?
I work long hours dealing directly with our contributors, our regular columnists, our art director and members of the news media.
What interests you most about your job?
I love it and the subject we deal with.
Where have you worked previously, and how did you end up in your current position?
Fortune books. I ended up in my current position quite by chance.
Do you Twitter?
Not enough time.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
Always help others less fortunate than yourself.
What media do you seek out 1st thing in the morning?
BBC news.
If you could time travel what time would you go to?
July 24th, l947, Mount Rainier, Washington State. This is the date and place of the first ever ‘flying saucer’ sighting.
[lnk|http://www.featuresexec.com/publications/info_outlet.php?pubid=16917|_self|UFO Matrix]
[img|jpg|Philip Mantle]