Overview
Given this experience, I am prepared to work with authors at every stage of their writing projects, from inception through writing, editing, publication, and promotion.
I write and edit both fiction and non-fiction. I love experimenting with cross-over formats and genres and am not afraid to bend the rules when that is called for. I have a great attention to detail and respect the need for realism, whether in fiction or non-fiction.
When editing your work, I bring these qualities and my experience to the task. My critical sense enables me to zero in on what works and what might not work in your writing, on a developmental and strategic level. Further to that, I use my communication skills to explain clearly and unambiguously to you what I believe needs to be done to correct any deficiencies and strengthen your product. One maxim I have lived by throughout my professional career is that every writer needs a good editor and every editor needs a good writer. I have spent many years on both sides of this symbiotic relationship and it guides my approach to editing.
Most of my work, which is extensive, has been with shorter pieces and articles:
-- Interviews, including with such well known personalities as Chuck Yeager and Buzz Aldrin
-- Science writing, including extensive coverage of the U.S. and European space programs
-- Economic reporting
-- Features writing
-- Arts reviewing and critiquing
-- General news coverage
-- Writing and journalism course lectures
More recently, I have published one business book, showcased below in my profile, with more in the works, and I have completed three novels and currently am working on several other novels and book-length collections of short fiction. While Reedsy's format restrictions don't allow me to showcase the depth and range of my editorial work, I am happy to share examples of it with prospective clients.
I am proud to say that my linguistic skills were learned and cultivated at a time when these things were more treasured and encouraged than they have been in more recent times. You can say those skills are “old school,” while my appreciation for the most recent trends and genres is very much “new school.”
I have lived, worked, and traveled all over the world, and this international perspective and experience influences my writing. It also enables me to be especially effective editing work that incorporates international and world elements.
I hold a Master of Arts in Mass Communication degree from the University of Florida (December 1987), specializing in newspaper journalism and international communication, with a Certificate in African Studies.
I look forward to discussing your work with you and hope that I can assist you in perfecting your project and bringing you publishing success. Be sure to also see my author profile here on Reedsy.
Services
Non-Fiction
Languages
Awards
- Golden Image Award of the Florida PR Assoc.
Work experience
Ashford University
I served as both an online Teaching Assistant and Adjunct Professor teaching creative writing and journalism courses for Ashford University to primarily adult students. On a daily basis, I was responsible for developing course lectures, reviewing and critiquing student writing products, and responding to student queries. In the journalism courses I also was responsible for inculcating professional ethics and encouraging critical thinking and judgment among students.
Self-employed
I founded and head A-List Strategic Communication. We provide public relations, marketing, marketing communications, market research, and editorial services. The company name sums up our approach to communication, providing personalized, quality service that is intended to produce the best possible image for our clients. At the same time, we work with clients to assure that their reality and public communication are in sync. Clients have come from the fields of politics, technology, marketing, investments, and others.
Along with our public relations and marketing services, I personally work with authors to edit their work, provide structural guidance and critiques on their writing projects, and help craft query letters and synopses. I have worked on projects ranging from short stories and articles to book-length, in both non-fiction and fiction.
Strategicom, Inc.
Developed and directed government relations activities for dynamic, results-oriented strategic communication, marketing, branding, and public relations firm. Was instrumental in obtaining, servicing, and retaining firm’s largest contract, with the Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program. In nine months contract grew from $100,000 to $900,000 under my guidance. Established and managed company’s first branch office, in state capital of Helena, primarily to serve this contract. Company is now Flying Horse Communication.
ISI Intellinews / Securities.Com
Researched and prepared daily news summary report on key business, economic, and political developments in Albania for respected international subscriber-based emerging-markets web site and newsletter. Working from Bozeman, Montana, conducted extensive daily press review of Albanian and international media. Duties included identifying and prioritizing stories, translating news from Albanian into English, doing background research and applying country knowledge, writing tight, concisely formatted stories, and working to nightly deadlines.
University of New York/Tirana
Taught introductory courses in Western Civilization and Sociology to undergraduate students at an American university, associated with the State University of New York at New Paltz, in Tirana, Albania. Single-term contract, performed all teaching, testing, student counseling, and grading functions for four class sections. Students came from Albania and several other countries.
U.S. Department of State
Presidentially appointed diplomat serving with U.S. State Department. Represented U.S. interests in four overseas postings and in Washington. Job functions and portfolia covered much of entire gamut of Foreign Service job responsibilities. Exercised high level of communication, diplomatic, intelligence-gathering, and reporting skills across wide range of cultures. Specific assignments included Suva, Fiji; Algiers, Algeria; Tirana, Albania; Brasilia, Brazil; and the Department's Bureau of Intelligence and Research in Washington, D.C.
Self-employed
Founder and CEO of professional firm specializing in international aerospace and high-technology public relations, marketing communications, and advertising. Performed all management, editorial, and client-service functions.
• Major clients included MBB/ERNO (later DaimlerChrysler Aerospace, now EADS), Europe’s largest aerospace
group; the German Space Agency (DFVLR); and Adcom (high-technology firm later part of Cisco Systems)
• Won Golden Image Award (1986), highest statewide honor of Florida Public Relations Association, for global
public information campaign for German D1 Spacelab Mission, Germany’s first dedicated Spacelab mission
• Public Affairs Officer (1987-88), Florida Space Science Institute/Space Astronomy Laboratory, Univ. of Florida
Gannett Newspapers/TODAY/Tribune
Starting as Staff Writer covering community news for Gannett weekly newspaper, Cocoa Tribune, promoted rapidly to Aerospace/Science Writer at sister daily newspaper TODAY (now FLORIDA TODAY), which served as model for Gannett’s USA TODAY international newspaper. In latter position, covered on daily basis all aspects of U.S. and European civilian and military space programs, general science stories, and aerospace-related business news.
• Stories carried frequently by Associated Press and run in USA TODAY and Gannett papers nationwide
• Award for “Best Indepth or Investigative Report, Daily Newspaper” (3rd Place, 1983), Greater Orlando Press Club
• Frequent local and nationwide Gannett awards and citations
Key West Alive
Publisher and Editor in Chief of monthly community news and features publication. Publication expanded the frontiers of what was a staid publishing scene in Key West, and by the end of publication Key West Alive had achieved the largest circulation in Monroe County, Fla., with distribution from Key West to Ft. Lauderdale.
Woodstock Times
Assistant Editor, reporter, and photojournalist for weekly community newspaper in Woodstock, N.Y. Responsible for all aspects of reporting, editing, and production of weekly publication.
Portfolio
