Sherelle Folkes

A talented and successful magazine editor and journalist with more than eight years experience. As launch editor of a new weekly trade magazine aged 27 years, I quickly built the title into one with the highest circulation and readership in the mobile industry. Excellent written and oral communication, creative flair, organizational abilities and an eye for detail. Proven leadership skills and ability to lead a team under pressure to produce results, whilst retaining energy, enthusiasm and a positive attitude. Warmth, humour, versatility and ability to adapt to the unexpected.

Experience:
Mar 04 – Nov 07 Clark White Publishing (Independent)


Jan 06 – Nov 07 Editor

Weekly glossy trade magazine ‘Fone’
Helped set up the concept, content and design of a weekly trade magazine aimed to look like a consumer glossy for a mobile trade audience. Lead an editorial team of seven staff, with responsibility for writing (both generating topics for news, features and profiles and encouraging staff to do the same), product reviews, writing an opinion column, setting deadlines, managing page plans, picture research (including sourcing cover images), liaising with the production team over desktop publishing design and layout of work. Managing production schedules, commissioning freelance writers and photographers. Sub editing all copy (ensuring it is good enough to print and reflects house style), rewriting where necessary (particularly with technical text to improve clarity and readability) and proofreading all pages prior to going to press. Managing budgets, hiring (and firing) staff, maintaining and raising the profile of the magazine, pitching for clients, networking with others in the industry, attending seminars, conferences and trade fairs in the UK and internationally.

Mar 04 - Jan 06 Chief Reporter

Fortnightly Business 2 Business newspaper ‘Mobile News’
Mobile/telecommunications journalist with the ability to report on industry topics (sometimes very technical and complex) in a readable/simple fashion, generating news leads and splashes, writing a regular column, building contacts, interviewing high profile business professionals (often at board level), and turning dry copy into lively and interesting text. Writing features, profiles, and analytical commentaries, conducting secret mystery shops, product reviews, attending and reporting on industry events, forums and seminars in the UK and internationally.


Aug 00 - Feb 04 Newsquest London

Senior Reporter

Weekly, free or paid-for, local newspaper titles
Joined as a trainee reporter working primarily on producing all editorial copy for the Staines Guardian and Hounslow Guardian with one other reporter, as well as contributing news and features to four other titles within the group (Harrow Times, Watford Observer, Ealing Times and Hillingdon and Uxbridge Times). Promoted three times within two years to senior reporter and competitions editor. Responsible for generating new ideas for copy and writing news, features, advertorials, attending local events, council meetings, and police calls, sub editing copy. Providing training to junior editorial staff, sourcing competition/promotional giveaway material and prizes.

Education and Training:
Education: 2.1 BA (Hons) Journalism Degree
4 A-Levels inc. English & Drama
9 GCSE’s Grades A-C

Additional training: Advanced feature writing
Sub editing course
Advanced sub editing course

References available on request:
yes