Feature Well

Term from Magazine Publishing industry explained for recruiters

A Feature Well is the main section in a magazine where the longest and most important articles appear. Think of it like the heart of the magazine, usually found in the middle pages. It's different from the front sections (with news and shorter pieces) and back sections (with reviews or regular columns). Magazine professionals use this term when talking about where major stories are placed and how they're organized. Similar terms include "main book" or "features section." When someone mentions "Feature Well" in their resume, they're typically referring to their experience working with these substantial, in-depth articles that are a magazine's main attraction.

Examples in Resumes

Managed content planning for Feature Well articles in monthly lifestyle magazine

Edited 12-15 Feature Well stories per issue

Coordinated with photographers and writers to produce compelling Feature Well content

Typical job title: "Magazine Editors"

Also try searching for:

Features Editor Magazine Editor Content Director Editorial Director Managing Editor Senior Editor Articles Editor

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you plan a year's worth of feature wells for a monthly magazine?

Expected Answer: Should discuss editorial calendar planning, balancing content types, considering seasonal relevance, and coordinating with advertising departments while maintaining editorial integrity.

Q: How do you handle a feature story that's not meeting expectations close to deadline?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate crisis management skills, explaining backup plans, relationships with reliable writers, and ability to quickly reshape content while maintaining quality.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What factors do you consider when deciding feature length and placement?

Expected Answer: Should discuss reader engagement, advertising considerations, visual elements needed, and how to balance multiple features within an issue.

Q: How do you work with writers to develop feature pitches?

Expected Answer: Should explain process of nurturing ideas, providing constructive feedback, and helping shape stories to fit magazine's voice and audience needs.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What makes a good feature story?

Expected Answer: Should discuss elements like compelling narrative, thorough research, strong characters or case studies, and relevance to reader interests.

Q: How do you fact-check a feature article?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic fact-checking processes, working with sources, verifying quotes, and maintaining accuracy standards.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic copy editing and proofreading
  • Story research and fact-checking
  • Working with style guides
  • Supporting senior editors

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Managing writer relationships
  • Story development and editing
  • Content planning and scheduling
  • Photography and art direction coordination

Senior (5+ years)

  • Long-term editorial planning
  • Budget management
  • Team leadership
  • Content strategy development

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No experience with editorial deadlines
  • Lack of fact-checking knowledge
  • Poor understanding of story structure
  • No experience working with writers or photographers
  • Unable to explain basic magazine layout concepts