Seattle magazine is thrilled to welcome Rachel Gallaher as our new editor-in-chief. 

A third-generation Seattleite and seasoned writer and editor, Rachel brings deep local roots and a global perspective to the role. From her early days covering the arts to her leadership at GRAY and freelance work for national publications, she’s spent her career telling stories that matter. 

Many of you probably recognize the byline. Rachel’s been covering the arts (and some travel) for us for years, both in print and online. We sat down with Rachel to talk about her path to the editor’s chair, her approach to storytelling, and her favorite guilty pleasure read. 

What’s the first magazine you remember loving?

Growing up, there was always a copy or two of Martha Stewart Living on our coffee table. Now, I don’t remember diving into the stories — I wasn’t wildly passionate about wreathmaking or table settings at seven years old — but I was attracted to the idea that this “book” as we call it held all these stories, because I’ve loved reading and storytelling since I was little. 

By the time I was in high school I was reading the big titles like Lucky, Vogue, and Vanity Fair. For me, it wasn’t about the perceived glitz and glamour of the job, I was chasing bylines. I wanted to tell stories, and I wanted the world to know I had written them. 

How did your career path lead you here?

I originally wanted to be an English Literature professor, but in college at the University of Washington I discovered that I actually hated talking in front of people (kind of a requirement for that gig). 

After graduating, I applied to several local magazine internships and landed at the now-defunct Seattle Homes & Lifestyles. That magazine folded, unfortunately, and a group of us got together and launched GRAY, which focused on design and architecture in the Pacific Northwest region, and eventually expanded to international coverage. More than just a shelter magazine with pretty pictures, GRAY explored deeper social and cultural issues that impacted the design industry (and vice versa). 

I worked my way from a contributor to eventually becoming senior editor and holding that position until two years ago when I started freelancing fulltime. I’ve had some incredible opportunities and written for a ton of publications including Robb Report, Seattle Times, the New York Times, Surface, Architectural Digest, Dwell, Luxe, Architectural Record, and Kinfolk. 

You’ll find my fiancé and me skiing at Stevens Pass on most weekends in the winter.

Morning person or night owl?

The only things I get up early for are skiing and international flights. 

Favorite thing about Seattle?

The close proximity to water no matter where you are. 

A favorite weekend activity in our household is driving up to Taylor Shellfish Farms in Bow, Washington, for a couple dozen oysters and a bottle of wine.

Opening day of fishing season on Pine Lake.

Least favorite?

4:30 p.m. wintertime darkness. 

What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?

I hate talking on the phone. 

When you need a creative reset, what do you do?

I go outside. I worked at home for many years and it is so easy to pass hours at my desk. There is nothing like lacing up my running shoes, queuing up a playlist and hitting the pavement. 

Hiking with friends to Blanca Lake in the Cascades.

When I lived on Capitol Hill I’d run along Lake Washington or around Seward Park. Now that I’m downtown, the Sculpture Park and Myrtle Edwards are my go-tos. Even when it’s rainy or gray, being by the water is inspirational. 

You’ve built a strong reputation as an arts writer and editor — what draws you to the arts as your storytelling focus?

Honestly, I think a lot of it just comes down to the fact that I love art. I love visual art, I love performing arts, and I danced ballet until I was 17 years old, so I feel a connection with people who think creatively and use that to create something. 

An oldie but a goodie — hamming it up at the Pioneer Square Art Walk, at least a decade ago.

One of the things I love about the arts is the subjectivity — three of us can stand in front of a painting and walk away with wildly different interpretations and emotional impacts. A sculpture might make you sad, me uncomfortable, and cause someone else to laugh. To me, that emotional touch is what it’s all about. Getting to dive into the mind behind the work is an absolute dream come true. 

Are you a planner or more of a wing-it type?

Depends on what we’re talking about, but I don’t think anyone would call me “Type A.” 

Describe your editing style in three words.

Tough but collaborative. 

What’s your guilty pleasure read — something you actually enjoy but maybe don’t want to admit?

Oh gosh, there is a series on the website Refinery29 called “Money Diaries” where readers submit their weekly spending down to the penny. They have a wide range of submissions, from high-earning tech employees to just-out-of-school interns, and they come from cities all over the country. I am super fascinated by the series — maybe it’s just my innate curiosity and interest in people — and often read it while I am eating a desk lunch. 

How do you know a story is good?

I hate to say it, but it’s a gut feeling. Some of the best stories I’ve read have tapped into the core ideas of what makes us human — the emotions, experiences, contradictions, and relationships we all have and hold — in a very raw way. 

Also, if you have a unique voice (David Sedaris comes to mind) and can make me laugh, I’ll be totally sold. 

Is there a piece of writing or editing advice you share often?

Be tenacious. I’ve never been afraid of getting a “no,” and sometimes, even if I do, I will reach out again in six more months. Once you make a connection and prove that you’re a reliable, good writer, hit deadlines on time, and understand the voice and perspective of a publication, oftentimes that editor will continue reaching out to work with you again.

First job that taught you something useful?

Believe it or not, I used to be painfully shy. But I am also very driven to succeed. 

So, at my first internship, when I was required to make calls to fact check stories and call in products, it was a make or break moment. I learned very quickly that if I ever wanted a chance to do well in this industry, I was going to have to get over that quickly. I leaned into my natural curiosity and used it as a tool in getting really good at asking questions — most people like talking about themselves, so if you just keep asking questions, the burden of speaking doesn’t sit as heavily with you. 

You’ve traveled the world, how does Seattle compare?

I have lived in the greater Seattle area for my entire life. Yes, including college. It’s my home and the place where my closest friends and family are. I love it here. I love the pace, the people, the quirkiness, the nature. I’ve watched this city evolve since I was little and I’ve always had a place for it in my heart.  

My mom, late grandmother, and I at the Space Needle for my grandma’s 80th birthday. Her late husband — my mom’s dad — was an ironworker who helped build the Seattle icon.

There’s no better feeling than coming back from a trip, looking out that plane window, and seeing the glorious peak of Mount Rainier — that’s how I know I’m truly home. 

You can reach Rachel Gallaher at rachel@seattlemag.com.