Freelance journalist Rebecca Ley is now back from maternity leave and available for features commissions, editing and copywriting. She’s previously worked at the Daily Mail, The Sun and The Times, and specialises in health, women’s interest and life-style, whilst also having experience of real-life pieces and advertorials. Read on to find out more.
About your journalism:
What do you write about?
I have written all sorts – from celebrity interviews to real life stories. At the moment I’m focusing on women’s issues and health.
Where are we likely to see your work?
The Sun and The Daily Mail
What’s the most memorable work you’ve done?
In early 2008 The Sun flew me out to Kiribati – an archipelago of islands in the Pacific – to report on climate change. Rising sea levels means that the islands are disappearing under the water. It was a fascinating trip, but incredibly sad to think that it won’t be long before they are uninhabitable.
The article can be read here.
What interview or feature would you love the chance to do?
Anything looking at the reality of women’s lives in other countries.
About you and PRs:
Where do you source ideas for articles?
From conversations, newspapers, the internet and PRs.
How can PRs be useful to you?
By sending me lots of fantastic ideas that people on the desk haven’t seen yet!
How and when do you like them to get in touch?
I would like them to email me at rebeccahelenley@gmail.com.
Do you find press conferences, trips, parties and other events useful or an interruption?
Can be useful and fun – occasionally.
If you could make one change to the way PRs deal with you, what would it be?
Put real thought behind pitches and foster a genuine relationship. Something stale that has clearly been cut and pasted to ten other journalists is not much help.
About you:
How would you pay the bills if you weren’t a journalist?
I’d be a lawyer.
If we gave you £1000, how would you spend it?
On clothes probably!
What books are on your bedside table, magazines in your bag, or blogs on your screen?
Freedom by Jonathan Franzen, Swimming by Nicola Keegan
Red, Vogue and Mslexia magazines are in my bag
I love so many blogs – Cup of Jo is my real favourite, but I also check More than toast, Liberty London Girl, Metropolitan Mum, rockstar diaries and lots more…
Rebecca Ley can be reached at rebeccahelenley@gmail.com.