#MediaMonday – Suzanne Koch
Today’s #MediaMonday comes from Suzanne Koch, who serves as a writer/editor for AZ Foothills and as editor of its InMexico Magazine.
So, Suzanne, time to share!
Tell us how you got your start? Tell us your story!
I grew up with my head in books and magazines of all kinds. I used to buy magazines just to tear out the ads and put them up on my bedroom wall. I was always jotting down random song lyrics and poems in spiral notebooks. To me, there was nothing cooler than marrying words with photos. But despite all this, I had no clue what I wanted to do until many years later.
Tell us how you came to start working in the media scene?
I’ve always loved reading and writing but never thought I wanted to do it for a job. I had originally declared Communications as my degree path at ASU until I saw a “Public Speaking” class as a requirement and quickly changed it to English to avoid that at all costs. (Pro tip: If you don’t want to write that many college papers, declare an English major. I weirdly wrote way less than all my friends pursuing other degrees). Fast forward to post-graduation and I was able to get an online editorial internship with Arizona Foothills Magazine (after three tries!) where I’ve now been for four-and-a-half years! Nowadays I am the editor-in-chief for InMexico Magazine and the travel and nightlife editor for Arizona Foothills. I travel often for work and am thankful daily for a thesaurus.
Where did you grow up?
Chandler – I’m a native!
Where do you live now?
Scottsdale
Favorite type of music?
Always R&B
Favorite color?
I like to say orange but it’s really black. It’s the best color for anything.
Favorite local restaurants?
I love Blanco (and anywhere that serves margaritas really), Pizzeria Bianco, Postino, deseo, Different Pointe of View (best meal ever) and Macayo’s! Also, Butters for breakfast and Echo Coffee in Scottsdale for the best coffee.
Least favorite food?
Bananas – and yes, even in smoothies. I hate everything about them!
Three things readers would be surprised to know about you?
- I have a minor in Criminal Justice and almost went the Elle Woods route — I took the LSATs and everything before realizing being a lawyer was most definitely not for me.
- I worked at a sushi restaurant for nearly five years and have probably served more sake bombs than you can imagine.
- I was a competitive cheerleader for four years
Do you take pitches? If so, any guidelines?
Yes! No specific guidelines
What is the lead time you need for content or pitches?
If it’s timely and for online, preferably a few weeks. For print, at least a few months.
What is the best way to reach you?
AZ Foothills/InMexico: skoch@mediathatdeelivers.com
I also freelance write and can be reached at Suzanne@suzannekoch.com or by visiting suzannekoch.com
