Every great publication has its unsung heroes — the people working behind the scenes to ensure every word is polished, accurate and ready for publication. 

In the latest instalment of Meet the Team Mondays, APL Media shines a light on its sub-editing team — the often-invisible experts responsible for refining copy, checking facts and maintaining editorial standards across the company’s diverse portfolio. 

Working across National Geographic Traveller (UK), Living360, the Travel Media Awards, TMA Step Up and more, the team brings its expertise to everything from magazine features and digital articles to social media posts and marketing campaigns. 

But there’s more to the team than a love of good grammar. From former Lonely Planet editors to jazz musicians and dangling modifier enthusiasts, meet the seven people keeping APL Media’s copy in check. 

Olivia McLearon, chief sub-editor 

Olivia is chief-sub editor across all APL Media titles. She’s worked at the company for nearly five years and, along with the rest of her team, sub-edits everything APL Media produces. She also manages the team. Olivia has worked on various titles in the past, including British Airways’ High Life, Mandarin Oriental, Tatler, Tesco and Top of the Pops. 

Hannah Doherty, senior sub-editor 

Hannah first joined APL Media in 2015 and has worked across its full range of print and digital titles, including spending four years as head of the sub-editing team. She’s now a senior sub-editor alongside Victoria. She’s previously held roles at the BBC, Immediate Media and the Australian Associated Press and will always welcome a conversation on dangling modifiers. 

Victoria Smith, senior sub-editor 

Victoria started her career 20 years ago at a local magazine, making tea, answering the phone and annoying people until they agreed to let her to write something. Now working as a senior sub-editor, she works across all APL’s publications, as well as on events and social copy, and marketing materials.  

Ben Murray, sub-editor

Ben has worked at APL for nearly 10 years. His role involves checking the copy produced within APL — whether that’s for the magazines, websites or social media accounts — to ensure it’s factually correct and free of typos. He’s previously sub-edited for Virgin Media and Haymarket Publishing. 

Chris Horton, sub-editor 

Chris Horton is a publishing professional with an extensive background in print and digital media. He has worked across a variety of titles, including The Sunday Times. In addition to being an accomplished jazz player, Chris has been shortlisted for two national awards for his writing. 

Lucy Coward, sub-editor 

Lucy originally joined as a sub-editor to cover Hannah’s maternity leave but recently became a permanent member of the team. Her role involves editing, fact-checking and proofreading travel and lifestyle content for APL’s many publications and platforms. Lucy is passionate about making sure all copy is cohesive, coherent and adheres to house style.  

Rory Goulding, sub-editor 

Rory’s background mainly covers travel media, having previously worked at Lonely Planet for over 11 years and freelanced on The Times’ travel desk. He’s had a fascination with maps since long before he realised it was possible to do a job involving them. 

More faces behind the brands 

Meet the Team Mondays continues to introduce the people and personalities behind APL Media’s publications, projects and campaigns. 

Interested in joining us? Explore current opportunities at aplmedia.co.uk/careers. 

####   

About APL Media   
APL Media is a multi-award-winning content marketing agency and publisher, creating high-quality print, digital and live media across the travel and lifestyle sectors since 1997. It has published National Geographic Traveller (UK) under licence from National Geographic Partners LLC since 2010, alongside brand extensions including guides, events and digital platforms. Its portfolio includes Living360, a digital lifestyle brand spanning wellness, travel, food, sustainability and culture.    

APL Media delivers custom content, branded campaigns and editorial consultancy, internship schemes including Step Up and produces leading events such as the Travel Media Awards. It’s also a leading reseller of advertising for national newspapers. Its trade titles include Postcards and the ASTA Worldwide Destination Guide, with content also created for national newspapers. aplmedia.co.uk