This week, FeaturesExec caught up with editor of Live Manchester and Live Cheshire, Louisa Castle.

She tells us about Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne and Audrey Hepburn, her love of meeting new people, her hopes for a happy ending and PRs getting her name wrong!

Live Manchester and Live Cheshire are luxury monthly magazines published by Run Wild Media.

About the publication:

What makes you different from the other publications in your sector?
Live Manchester and Live Cheshire offer a luxury look at all things lifestyle, aimed at those 25-40. We try to look at all the different topics, eg travel, business etc, in equal amounts rather than being a property magazine that does a little bit of lifestyle.

What stories are you most interested about covering in the magazine?
Stories with a relevance to the local area. For example we’ve just run a really extensive article on the rise of female entrepreneurs and spoken to three key women in the area to ‘make it real’ for readers.

How does the editorial process at the magazine run? Do you have specific days when you focus on different aspects of the magazine, or is the planning of the magazine conducted on a much more ad-hoc basis?
However much I try to concentrate on certain sections on certain days, I have to be honest and say it is a more ad hoc basis.

How do you see the magazine developing in years to come?
As the magazine grows I feel that we will become a lot more local, concentrating on getting to the core of what goes on in the region.

About PRs:

Do you work closely with PRs?
I rely greatly on a team of local PRs to provide me with stories and angles that are different to the competition.

What information/input from PRs is most useful to the Live magazines?
National issues with local angles. Working with PRs to create stories that are different to what is seen elsewhere.

What’s the best starting point for a PR who wants to tell you about their client?
Give me a call, chat it through for five minutes. However, I do get pulled in so many different directions that email is probably the best port of call.

Do you have a PR pet hate?
It’s amazing how many people get my name wrong!

When is the best time for PRs to contact you & when is your deadline for contributions?
Beginning of the month, first week of the month when I am finalising the editorial for the next issue.

About you:

What are your editorial duties/responsibilities at the magazine?
My role is mainly in liaising with PRs and freelancers, commissioning articles and subbing. I do undertake key interviews as well though.

What do you love about your work?
Meeting new people and finding out about new things.

Where have you worked previously, and how did you end up in your current position?
Used to be in the world of PR, then set up my own regional magazine for the village where I live. I ran this for three years before selling it and taking some time out to travel. I have been editor of the North West titles for one year now.

What has been the highlight of your day today?</strong<
Being asked if I’d like to interview Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne, British Superbike Champion contender – I am a fan of motorsport!!