From the illicit thrills of Bizarre to wholesome magazines for kids, my work in editorial operations covers a wide variety of cherished titles
Egmont Group (2020 to present)
I remotely edit and coordinate a series of licensed magazines published by Egmont Group, including official Pokémon, Lego and My Hero Academia titles. I flatplan all issues, write feature content and sub-edit all layouts before sending them to print. I also rewrite and edit content pages supplied by Egmont creative teams across Europe to make them suitable for UK publication.
Minecraft Official Magazine, Egmont Group (2017)
In 2017 I launched Minecraft Official Magazine in association with licensor Mojang, which was translated and published around Europe and Asia. I was responsible for developing the magazine editorial and collaborating with Mojang to produce exclusive artwork. I also managed the complete magazine production process – owning the flatplan and production schedule, commissioning contributors and ensuring the title met all print deadlines.
Egmont Group, Managing Editor (2015 to 2016)
As managing editor at Egmont Group I was responsible for managing the publication of 10 licensed magazines of varying frequencies. I created and managed a complex print schedule and worked closely with licensors such as Disney, Mattel and Nickelodeon to ensure all content was approved for publication. I also took delivery of layouts created by editorial teams across Europe, rewriting and editing all content for UK publication.
Bizarre magazine, Dennis Publishing (2009 to 2015)
As managing editor and later editor of Bizarre, I was responsible for day-to-day magazine operations. I managed a team of content creators, developed editorial production schedules, oversaw daily workflow and managed the monthly budget. I later supplied all content for Bizarre as outsourced product, remotely coordinating the entire magazine production process from briefing to the delivery of print-ready files.
Bizarre magazine specials (2009 to 2015)
While managing editor of Bizarre I launched the Body Art series, ‘magbooks’ that collected the best tattoo news and feature content from the monthly magazine. For each edition I created and managed the flatplan, edited all content and managed the complete production process. I also launched and edited other Bizarre special editions, including The World’s Most Incredible Tattoos and The A-Z of Celebrity Tattoos.
Smash Hits (2002 to 2005)
Long-term freelance production editor and sub-editor on Smash Hits. Responsible for subbing layouts, managing the flatplan, checking picture credits and ensuring all print deadlines were met. I also wrote music features for the magazine, interviewed musicians during photoshoots and joined an editorial team march on Downing Street to demand the introduction of an National Gareth Gates Day.
Freelance production editor, sub-editor and writer (2001 to 2006)
Freelance sub-editor and production editor on a wide variety of beloved UK magazines, including J-17, Empire, Chat, Computer and Video Games, Zoo and FHM. Responsible for editing layouts and managing a steady stream of pages to print production. I also wrote feature and reviews content for Top of the Pops, Empire, Kerrang! and other titles.
Freelance editor (2001 to 2006)
Freelance editor and production coordinator for licensed one-shot magazines published by Emap Active, including official Powerpuff Girls, Scooby-Doo and Scorpion King titles. For each special I owned the flatplan, wrote all editorial content, collaborated with designers and managed the delivery of final files to print.
Nintendo Official Magazine (1997 to 2001)
As deputy editor and later editor of Nintendo Official Magazine, I was responsible for all editorial planning and coordination. I owned the flatplan, managed editorial production schedules, coordinated workflow and delivered print-ready files.
Pokémon Master Guide (1999 to 2001)
At a Japanese video game trade show in 1997 I spotted Pokémon, two years before the game was released in the West. Convinced the game would be a hit, I developed and wrote the Pokémon Master Guide in time of the UK launch. The guide went on to be a huge hit, and now sells for eye-watering prices on eBay. I was editor and production manager of eight editions of the Pokémon Master Guide, coordinating all editorial and design from briefing to the final delivery of files. The guide was so popular that it spawned a Nintendo Official Magazine tour of the UK and Ireland, where I sat on a golden throne all day and mercilessly thrashed hundreds of kids in Pokémon battles.
David McComb 