editors speak

Editor Mary Dohack tells us how to Relate!

Now that I have my sample copies of RELATE and have seen Mary Dohack, I can safely say she is as lovely as she is gracious. We’re very happy to have a chance to chat with Mary about her great new magazine. Be sure to check out this month’s peek inside an issue as well.

KMW: Teen magazines -- especially inspirational teen magazines -- are one of the boom areas in magazine publishing. What was the impetus for RELATE and how do you see your niche in the market? What kinds of things does RELATE have that make it unique?
MD: The main driving force for Relate has truly been God. He put this mission on my heart and I have the faith that He will make it the success He wants it to be. We are focusing initially on the St. Louis, MO and Columbus, OH markets, which help define our niche. We can easily relate to the teens in these areas and offer programs through their communities. Relate has so many inspirational stories that help teens feel good about themselves. Our focus is how amazing all girls are and how they can do anything! We also have many sections of the magazine that we use to highlight great things that “ordinary” teens are doing. We are trying to take some of the emphasis off of celebrities and the mentality that great achievements are not for the “normal” girl. Our magazine is also based on Christian principles and Biblical truth. That helps set us apart in another way. We have a strong emphasis on morals and values.

KMW: Now that you've gotten a good start -- what kinds of things have surprised you as RELATE gets going? Starting a magazine is a big thing, so can you share some of the tough and the encouraging moments?
MD: There is never an end to the surprises! I am learning new things everyday. The most surprising thing I found was when I was working on the preview issue. I was trying to give away free ad pages and nobody would take them! I could not and still don’t understand that one!! Working with freelance writers and editors has been the easiest and most enjoyable part. I am constantly amazed at the work ethic and positive attitude that these people have. The toughest part is definitely the money. It is not cheap to start a magazine and getting circulation and advertisers is a difficult task. The most encouraging part to doing this is hearing about the positive impact this is making on teen girls. My favorite “success” story is about a girl in Illinois. Her mother passed away recently and she had been very closed about the incident. She did not want to talk about it and kept to herself most of the time. Something sparked her when she read our Preview issue, though. After she read the magazine she wrote a whole article about her experience with the death of her mother and she now wants to talk about it! Now that makes it all worth it!!

KMW: I really like your take on "scopes" -- I know I always see horoscopes in teen magazines because teens love that sort of thing, but you bring them something so much more sensible, what to expect based on what your mood is. How did you come up with that?
MD: Well, horoscopes are based on beliefs that are not Christian. I know teens love to read them so I didn’t want girls to get the magazine and think that something was missing. I was forced to find an alternative that would be fun for teens, but would also fit in with our Christian principles. I brainstormed with the writer of the Mood for Thought column, Janene Mascarella to create something that would work. It was not easy! But I think we achieved exactly what teens need- a fun column that is practical and real. There is no denying the effect that moods have on your life and a little adult wisdom on the matter is ideal!

KMW: You don't actually say, in your guidelines, but are you open to submissions from teens? Are they paid at the same rate as adults? We have a lot of teen readers of KidMagazineWriters.com who are trying to break into the business so I know they'll be interested.
MD: Absolutely! We don’t care what age our writers are. We pick our writers solely on who will work best for the piece. We accept pitches from anyone and if an idea works perfectly for Relate and the writing skills are there we will hire you. Same rates for everyone!

KMW: Your guidelines don't actually say what kinds of nonfiction you would be interested in as a feature. I know you are an inspirational magazine and that you love animals -- what other things might help a writer decide if a feature idea fits RELATE?
MD: I do not want to limit the possibilities of this magazine to my own ideas, so I try not to give too many specifics. There are so many amazing ideas that people have out there and I want them to share them with me! It can be on any topic that effects teens, but it must do something to help with personal growth. The goal is to make girls feel good, raise their self-esteem and encourage them. If it does that then there is a great chance it will work for Relate.

Thank you so much for fitting us into your busy editor life – and I’m looking forward to seeing lots of success for Relate. I found it a delightful read.

This page last updated on 01 February 2007