More questions than answers at Gardeningmags

How long does it take to appoint an editor?

I picked up on Garden Answers needing an editor to take the helm at the troubled magazine way back in August.

The Emap owned business - Garden News is its sister publication under the marketing banner of www.gardeningmags.co.uk - has been in trouble for a while it seems with the last editor, Justine Thompson, vacating the role after just ten months.

I did in fact, contact the company on the 16th August, and put in an application for the job. I did not really consider myself suitable because, 1. I am a bit of a maverick, 2. I am not a trained journalist and 3. I live in France which would make commuting a bit tricky if they needed me at the office daily.

However, judging by the application requirements, you do not need to be a qualified gardener. Garden Answers is written by real gardeners for real gardeners.

Garden Answers is looking for a new Editor.

"This is a challenging role in an exciting market and would suit a deputy editor looking to take the next step along their career path.

Garden Answers has just undertaken a facelift, which has set it apart from all the other gardening magazines. Its no-nonsense approach to ‘how to’ features and hard-hitting product reviews make it unique in this busy market.

Horticultural training is not necessary for this role but a real passion for gardening is essential as Garden Answers prides itself on being a magazine written by real gardeners for real gardeners.

This is a fantastic position within the Hobbies and Transport Division of Emap in Peterborough.

If you feel you are suitable for this role, send your CV to Shelley Bright, PA to the MD, Hobbies and Transport, Bushfield House, Orton Centre, Peterborough PE2 5UW, marking your application with the code 052/07.

Please note there is a preferred candidate for this position"

Now, if it is experience, qualifications and passion that they require, oh and not to mention over twenty one years building a successful landscaping, commercial and domestic garden maintenance and lawn care company, then I might have been in with a shout.

But, after making the application, I received a reply from Shelley Bright at Emap who very kindly told me:

"Editor Garden Answers – Thank you for your interest in Emap and the above role. We have had several applications all of a very high standard, but unfortunately on this occasion your application has not been successful.

So, what is the big mystery? Who is the new editor? The suspense is killing me!