FOB
FOB, which stands for "Front of Book," refers to the first section of a magazine before the feature articles begin. This section typically includes shorter pieces like editor's letters, news items, trends, and brief stories. It's an important concept in magazine publishing because it helps organize content and is often considered prime advertising space. When someone mentions FOB in their resume, they're usually referring to their experience working with these opening sections of magazines, which require quick turnaround times and the ability to write or edit shorter, engaging pieces.
Examples in Resumes
Managed FOB sections for monthly lifestyle magazine, coordinating with writers and photographers
Wrote and edited Front of Book content including news briefs and trend pieces
Increased advertising revenue in FOB section by 25% through strategic content placement
Typical job title: "Magazine Editors"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Magazine Editors
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you manage and improve a magazine's FOB section?
Expected Answer: A senior editor should discuss strategies for content planning, maintaining editorial calendars, balancing advertiser needs with editorial integrity, and ways to keep content fresh and engaging while meeting tight deadlines.
Q: How do you handle the relationship between editorial content and advertising in the FOB section?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of maintaining editorial independence while working with advertisers, placement strategies, and how to create content that serves both reader interests and business needs.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What's your process for developing FOB story ideas?
Expected Answer: Should explain how they research trends, work with writers, manage editorial calendars, and ensure content remains fresh and relevant to the magazine's audience.
Q: How do you maintain quality with quick-turnaround FOB pieces?
Expected Answer: Should discuss fact-checking processes, editing workflows, working with writers, and managing tight deadlines while maintaining editorial standards.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the typical components of a magazine's FOB section?
Expected Answer: Should be able to list common elements like editor's letter, news briefs, contributor pages, letters to the editor, and understand how these pieces fit together.
Q: How do you prioritize multiple FOB assignments with different deadlines?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic understanding of editorial calendars, deadline management, and ability to organize multiple small projects simultaneously.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic copy editing
- Writing short-form content
- Meeting deadlines
- Fact checking
Mid (2-5 years)
- Managing editorial calendars
- Coordinating with writers and photographers
- Content planning
- Working with advertisers
Senior (5+ years)
- Strategic content planning
- Team management
- Budget responsibility
- Editorial strategy development
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of magazine structure and workflow
- Poor time management skills
- Lack of attention to detail
- No experience with editorial deadlines
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