How To Pitch: Health

RELATED: How to Pitch: Weight Watchers Learn to write for health publications

Background: Starting with its October 2009 issue, Time Inc.-owned Health debuted an editorial refresh which introduced several new columns and more lifestyle coverage than ever before to deliver content about "real life, lived well." Says editor-in-chief Ellen Kunes, "What people come to this magazine for is information they can really trust. We make it fun and enjoyable, but at the same time, they know they're not gonna get some fad thing." The magazine's new streamlined look and pumped-up content underscores its mission: to help their readers live healthier, happier, easier lives. The key, editors say, is letting the 30- and 40-something readers know which health studies matter -- and which ones they can safely blow off. "We're their trusted filter," says Health's executive editor Lisa Lombardi. "Our readers love that we give it to them straight, so they don't waste time on fad diets that are all hype, or lose sleep over scary studies that aren't backed by legit science." Says Kunes, "Health and fitness magazines have really weathered the recession better than most categories, and for good reason. In good times and tough times, people are interested in taking care of themselves. We benefit because that's what people turn to us for: 'What's going to make me feel really good today?'" ...

The How to Pitch series is worth its weight in gold. In just the first month I'd already benefited enough to consider the cost of joining well worth it. -- Gaen Murphree