Emma Baird – Editor

At Comely Bank Publishing (a co-operative publishing organisation) I advised on the suitability of submissions for publication to CBP. I added appropriate content to the CBP website, managed its social media platforms, wrote and distributed the newsletter, and suggested and recommended new directions for CBP. In addition, I provided a manuscripts advisory service for new authors, and I edited and proof-read CBP submissions.

I have more than 20 years of experience working in communication roles. My career so far has covered journalism, public relations, contract publishing, PR management and freelance writing. The skills I have include excellent time management and organisational abilities, prize-winning writing and editorial capability.
I worked for seven years in contract publishing, where I wrote, edited and proofread newsletters, magazines and websites for big corporates, including several health boards and non-profits. I prepared unique style guides for clients so that I could ensure my writing and proofreading reflected their individual writing requirements.
I have offered feedback on books for many people, and I am keen to help others improve their writing. If you have valuable information to share, it’s vital that what you write conveys what you want to say. I have also published two novels myself, including one romance/comedy, and a self-help book on diabetes and diet.

My job was to raise the profile of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers in Scotland and to promote awareness of carers’ issues through effective PR strategies. I supported colleagues, a network of 29 Carers’ Centres and carers in their dealings with the media.
• I was responsible for developing and implementing a communications strategy for the fundraising, operations and policy work of the Scotland team, in support of the Trust’s strategic objectives
• I was responsible for managing responses to the media regarding carers’ issues, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and the network of Carers' Centres in Scotland
• I produced written materials including briefings, articles, news releases and editorial
• I was responsible for new technology opportunities, such as the use of online social networking, podcasts and virtual meetings. I also created digital stories through filming case studies and editing the material
• I led the development and implementation in Scotland of a strategy for information management about carers’ issues and activities within the Trust and its network of Carers’ Centres, working in consultation with all key stakeholders
• I collaborated with the Operations and Fundraising teams in Scotland to identify and develop PR opportunities at the earliest possible stage. I created PR strategies to support all fundraising and operations activities in Scotland, where appropriate
• I provided advice and expertise to enable Carers’ Centres to maximise local and national publicity for new initiatives, fundraising successes, Royal visits and other activities

In this role, I project managed magazines, newsletters and e-newsletters on behalf of clients – some them prize-winning – as well as writing and uploading daily articles for a law news website and writing copy for all of Connect Communications’ other publications.

• I oversaw the production of magazines/newsletters and e-newsletters from start to finish
• I delegated work to the company's other writers, worked with designers to ensure the finished product met their expectations and contracted out work to external photographers and printers
• I collaborated in the preparation of pitches to new clients, and I provided a communications advisory service for our customers.

In this role, I edited and wrote the prize-winning internal monthly newspaper Upbeat, and external quarterly newspaper, The Leader. I provided a full writing and advisory service for police staff; liaised with authors and external agencies; supervised the work of the publications assistant and departmental photographer; and reviewed all corporate publications periodically.