Marina Licht
London
Summary
I am a highly experienced Digital and Print Editor with over 20 years-experience. I consider myself a hands-on Editor, happy to write opinion pieces one minute and then commission articles the next. One of my strengths is that I am a highly visual Editor who previously used to style photo shoots and now in my Digital role as Associate Editor of National World, I have been involved in working with the design team on establishing a new look for the site.
Skilled in steering editorial direction and fostering creative talent within publishing environments. Can drive content quality improvement and streamline editorial procedures through sharp project management and team leadership skills. Possess keen eye for detail, ensuring every piece of work meets highest standards of quality before publication.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work history
Associate Editor
National World PLC
2023.08 - 2026.01
- In August of 2023 it was decided that National World PLC’s flagship National World needed a new direction, and it was felt that People World should become part of the site. I am now responsible for all lifestyle content, particularly focusing on celebrities. As well as managing reporters, I write SEO focused content and regularly have over 1 million page views per month, making me the writer/editor with the most page views on the title and often the one with the most out of the entire company.
- Part of National World PLC, who own The Scotsman and The Yorkshire Post
News and Lifestyle Shifts
OK! Magazine
2020.01 - 2026.01
- After deciding not to take a secondary school teaching role, I am now pursuing my career in journalism. I am currently doing news and lifestyle shifts for OK! Magazine online.
Editor
National World PLC
2022.09 - 2023.08
- I was recruited to launch a new website, People World, as part of National World. The site focused on topics such as royals, fashion, politics, celebrities, sport.
- Part of National World PLC, who own The Scotsman and The Yorkshire Post
PGCE in Secondary Education (English)
2018.09 - 2019.07
- I decided to complete a PGCE in Secondary Education (English) as I was keen to expand my horizons. At present however, I am keen to continue my career in journalism rather than pursue a full-time career as a teacher.
Freelance Work
Style & The Bride
2012.09 - 2018.09
- I continued working for wedding publications such as Wedding Venues & Services, as well as writing bridal content for Metro.co.uk. I decided to launch my wedding blog Style & the Bride as I believed there was gap in the market for a luxury wedding blog. I started it as a hobby but relaunched it in July 2015 as a commercial venture. It has attracted sponsorships from such leading companies such as the Gordon Ramsay Group and was recently awarded Company Wedding Blog of the Year at the annual UK Blog Awards.
Acting Houses Editor
Country Homes & Interiors Magazine
2012.03 - 2012.09
- As the Houses Editor was promoted to Acting Deputy Editor to cover a maternity leave, I filled in for the Houses Editor. I was mainly responsible for editing freelance copy, but also had to blog for the magazine’s website, which ignited my passion for blogging.
Freelance Writer and Editor
Run Wild Media
2010.11 - 2012.03
- I worked for several publications, including Run Wild Media who produce luxury free magazines in London and for Wedding Venues & Services magazine.
- Produce luxury free magazines in London and for Wedding Venues & Services magazine.
Acting Deputy Editor of Wedding Magazine
IPC Media
2010.01 - 2010.10
- I wasn’t looking for a job but was approached by IPC to cover the maternity leave of the Deputy Editor. Since joining, I have had a big influence in the changing design of the magazine, which has been great.
Freelance Writer
2007.12 - 2009.12
- When I left Cosmopolitan Bride, I went freelance and worked for such publications as The Sunday Express, Red and Cosmo.
Editor
Cosmopolitan Bride
2002.09 - 2007.12
- I was 26 years old when appointed Editor of Cosmopolitan Bride, making me the youngest Editor at the National Magazine Company.
- Responsible for the editorial look of the magazine
- Generating innovative and original ideas for the magazine
- Managing the editorial team
- Liaising with the advertising team over sales pitches to key clients
Deputy Editor
Cosmopolitan Bride
2001.09 - 2002.09
- Played a pivotal role in the launch of Cosmopolitan Bride magazine, as there were two Editors in very quick succession. Responsible for leading the team and generating ideas, this led to me being made Acting Editor and then Editor.
- Edited all features for the magazine
- Sourced key sections such as the real-life weddings
- Came up with the features/beauty/travel ideas
Style Editor
OK!
1999.07 - 2000.09
- Responsible for the overall style look of the magazine.
- Generated new ideas and concepts for the magazine such as taking a group of up-and-coming young female stars and styling them in a way they had not been before. This was new to OK! because the publication had previously just been about interviews with major celebrities
Senior Features Writer
OK!
1998.07 - 1999.07
- Responsible for not only interviewing major celebrities, but also negotiating with agents to secure first interviews. At times, these negotiations involved hundreds of thousands of £’s such as when the story broke that Carole Quentin was pregnant with her toy boy. Key stories written included
- David and Victoria Beckham’s wedding
- An interview with Luciano Pavarotti
- An interview with Anna Friel
Features Writer
OK!
1998.01 - 1998.07
- Wrote the weekly celebrity news round up and celebrity diary Came up with features ideas for the magazine and interviewed boy bands etc
Editorial Assistant
OK!
1997.09 - 1998.01
- Responsible for the smooth running of the features team
- Worked closely with the Features Editor, this enabled me to have my first piece of work in print, which was OK!’s celebrity diary
Education
B.A. - English Literature
1994.09 - 5 1997
GPA: 2:1
A-Levels - English, French, Spanish
1992.09 - 5 1994
GPA: English (B), French (B), Spanish (C)
Skills
- Resilient under pressure
- Creative vision
- Leadership acumen
- Digital publishing platform savvy
- Multimedia content creation
- Web analytics interpretation
- Brand development
- SEO knowledge
- Social media scheduling
- Cross-Platform publishing
References
References upon request
Timeline
Associate Editor - National World PLC
2023.08 - 2026.01
Editor - National World PLC
2022.09 - 2023.08
News and Lifestyle Shifts - OK! Magazine
2020.01 - 2026.01
PGCE in Secondary Education (English) -
2018.09 - 2019.07
Freelance Work - Style & The Bride
2012.09 - 2018.09
Acting Houses Editor - Country Homes & Interiors Magazine
2012.03 - 2012.09
Freelance Writer and Editor - Run Wild Media
2010.11 - 2012.03
Acting Deputy Editor of Wedding Magazine - IPC Media
2010.01 - 2010.10
Freelance Writer -
2007.12 - 2009.12
Editor - Cosmopolitan Bride
2002.09 - 2007.12
Deputy Editor - Cosmopolitan Bride
2001.09 - 2002.09
Style Editor - OK!
1999.07 - 2000.09
Senior Features Writer - OK!
1998.07 - 1999.07
Features Writer - OK!
1998.01 - 1998.07
Editorial Assistant - OK!
1997.09 - 1998.01
University of London - B.A., English Literature
1994.09 - 5 1997
Lycee Francais Charles de Gaulles - A-Levels, English, French, Spanish
1992.09 - 5 1994