Tom Howard, Head of Editorial at the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society), is the award-winning editor in this episode. He oversees the UK’s biggest garden magazine, as well as all the RHS’s other print and digital titles.  His divisive approach to content has attracted lots of critical acclaim, but some criticism too. He talks about why that is, what the brilliant engaged readers do and don’t like, and the one thing all the best pitches have. This interview was recorded last year, so there are some dated references, but all Tom’s advice still stands. Find out from him why some stories need to be planned two years in advance, what David Attenborough and David Beckham have in common, and what skills to lean into to future-proof your career in the new AI era we are entering.  KEY TOPICS: How to become a journalist at the RHS  How to become a trusted PR at the RHS  How to pitch an article to the RHS Article pitch examples for the RHS  How to write an article for the RHS magazines How to get free press coverage at the RHS  How to become a regular freelancer at the RHS  How to future-proof your writing or PR career ABOUT THE GUEST: Tom Howard, Head of Editorial, The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) Tom is an award-winning Editorial Director with nearly two decades of experience working for national publications across print and digital. AWARD WINS 2024 PPA Editor Of The Year - Consumer Media 2023 BSME Editor Of The Year - Homes, Gardens & Country 2021 British Podcast Awards - Best Branded Podcast AWARD NOMINATIONS 2024 PPA Cover Of The Year 2023 BSME Editor In Chief Of The Year 2023 GMG Garden Publication Of The Year 2021 BSME Editor Of The Year - Homes, Gardens & Country 2021 GMG Website Of The Year Find them on: Tom Howard’s Linkedin  (where the above bio is sourced from) Tom Howard’s Instagram Tom Howard’s X LIST OF RESOURCES MENTIONED: Example articles: Solitary Wasps — this article is not available online unfortunately. This Guardian piece is by the same writer and on the same topic though.  A history of pioneering queer gardeners  Covers mentioned: The solitary wasp cover can be found in 2023’s issue index 2024 issue index showing the wisteria cover Other links: RHS jobs on Linkedin Freelance writing jobs Guardian Media Guild ABOUT PRESS INSIDER’S HOST: Kelly Bowerbank is a digital journalist, editor and content strategist with 16 years’ experience in the lifestyle sector. She has worked for multiple high-profile media brands, including woman&home, Marie Claire, The Stylist Group, and The Guardian. She has over eight years' experience crafting editorial strategies and leading teams, and has spent more than a decade commissioning, editing and creating content in various formats across a diverse range of subject verticals. In 2013 she was nominated for New Section Editor of the year at the PPA awards, and in 2020 she was nominated for Digital Editor of the year at the AOP awards. She’s mentored experienced print journalists and trained graduates into award-winning digital writers. In 2022 she stepped down from her role of Global Editor at womanandhome.com to go freelance and write more. She’s represented by Anna Pallai at AMP Literary.  Follow Kelly Bowerbank’s Instagram Subscribe to Kelly Bowerbank’s Substack Find Kelly Bowerbank’s Linkedin SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: Share this episode: Every share of this episode makes another season more likely. If you enjoyed listening, share Press Insider with your network on Whatsapp, Linkedin and on your favourite social media platforms. It can be found on all the main podcast networks including: Apple podcasts Spotify Amazon music Follow the host on social media: Follow Kelly Bowerbank’s Instagram Subscribe to Kelly Bowerbank’s Substack Find Kelly Bowerbank’s Linkedin Email feedback: Send feedback about this episode and suggestions for future guests to pressinsiderpodcast@gmail.com