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| Professional/Personal Overview |
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Formerly of Simon & Schuster, I am a well-rounded editor, writer, and consultant with nonfiction and fiction experience. I'm skilled with book proposals and synopses, manuscripts/book editing, catalog and cover copy, reading group guides, query letters, brochures, websites, bios, essays, screen- or stage-plays, and more. I work regularly with book publishers, businesses, authors, literary agents, and others in need of editorial or writing services. I am also available as a coauthor, ghostwriter, or writer-for-hire.
I have a special interest and background in Mind/Body/Spirit projects, particularly those with spiritual, "supernatural," Wicca, magic, Celtic, and goddess-related themes. I have extensive experience with self-help/how-to titles.
Please see www.ambitiousenterprises.com for more about my services and to read testimonials from my many satisfied clients.
I live in the Baltimore/DC area but travel to NYC periodically.
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| Work Info |
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Expertise |
| Editor |
9 Years |
| Publishing Consultant |
7 Years |
| Writer |
9 Years |
Specialty |
| Nonfiction: self-help, how-to, creative nonfiction, book proposals |
7 Years |
| Fiction |
9 Years |
| Books & Literature |
9 Years |
Total Media Industry Experience
9 Years |
Media Client List (# assignments
last 2 yrs)
iUniverse (11+), Simon & Schuster (11+), Penguin Group USA (6-10), Harcourt Trade Publishers (6-10), The Literary Group, Intl. (6-10), Hatherleigh Press (3-5), SparkNotes/Barnes & Noble (3-5), F&W Publications (3-5), AbsoluteWrite.com (1-2), David E. Talbert Presents (1-2), New Page Books/Career Press (1-2), Funds for Writers (1-2), WritersWeekly.com (1-2), The Writers' Journal (1-2), Writer's Digest (1-2), LifeTime Media (1-2) |
Corporate Client List (# assignments last 2 yrs)
Focuson Entertainment (11+), Harborside Healthcare (1-2), JB Connexions (1-2), Total Radiant Health (1-2) |
Other Work History
I served at Brundage Publishing for two years, and as an acquiring editor at Simon & Schuster/Touchstone Fireside for four years. Since then, I've edited many manuscripts and proposals, including: Phyllis Curott (THE LOVE SPELL), Oberon Zell-Ravenheart (COMPANION FOR THE APPRENTICE WIZARD), Nina Danielson (WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR THERAPIST IS AWAY), THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO PAINTBALL and more.
My writing has appeared in venues such as ConsumerSearch.com, Writer's Digest, Circle Magazine, The Writers' Journal, J3tlag.com, Writers Weekly, LazyHousewife.com, SparkNotes guides, and books L.A. WITCH and POP! GOES THE WITCH. I'm the ghostwriter for Woodson & Rummerfield's HIGH STYLE (Chronicle Books, 10/08).
I'm also a writer/editor for websites such as templeofara.org and soundgathering.com, and Editor-in-Chief of the international e-zine, The Ara Quarterly (circ. 1,200+). I previously served as Assistant Editor of Cauldrons and Broomsticks (circ. 7,000+) |
Computer Skills
Windows XP, Microsoft Office 2003, some HTML |
Technical Skills
Can use Microsoft Word "Reviewing" features for easy, paperless editorial work. |
Equipment
Desktop SONY Vaio computer system, fax machine, color printer/scanner/copier, digital camera. |
Unions
Freelancers Union |
References
References available on request. See www.ambitiousenterprises.com "Testimonials" for praise from clients. |
Awards
Andrew Bergman Creative Writing Award, Portia Dunham Fiction Award |
Associations
Phi Beta Kappa, Maryland Writers Association, AvantGuild/Media Bistro, Golden Key International, Phi Eta Sigma
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Other
Master of Arts Degree in English and Creative Writing, Queens College, 4.0 GPA.
Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Philosophy, Binghamton University, 3.8 GPA
Course in American English and Grammar, Flushing NY (1/04-5/04)
AAP/Young Publishers Group Program Planning Task Force (1/01-10/01)
Course in Editing American English, Binghamton NY (9/99-12/99)
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Freelancer Availability
I freelance full-time. I live near Baltimore, MD. I am willing to travel regionally. I have a driver's license. I have access to a car. |
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| Work Samples |
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Article Writing Samples |
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(Writer's Digest , 4/1/2008)
In today's highly saturated book market, a strong publicity and marketing campaign requires that authors have a solid platform to get the kind of media attention necessary for sales. This article discusses what a platform is, why it's necessary, how it's used, and how writers can begin to build one.
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(wisegeek.com, 4/11/2007)
This was one of three articles that I prepared for the information/resource website, wisegeek.com. Besides serving as a writing sample, it speaks to my ability to translate information into simpler, plain English for average readers and users.
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(Writers Weekly, 3/21/2007)
Few writers know that the proper care and feeding of Editorial Assistants is the key to gaining an Editor’s attention and developing a solid relationship with your publisher. This article presents insider tips for writers. It has also appeared in The Writer's Journal and Funds for Writers.
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(LazyHousewife.com, 8/25/2006)
This humororous piece discusses how white jeans--a post-80s fashion faux pas--can turn a lazy housewife into a whirling dervish of cleanliness. And give your lazy buns a great workout, too!
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(Absolute Write, 3/8/2006)
This is addressed to writers and contains insight into the writing process, especially the difficulties of writing spiritual and erotic memoirs and detailing one's own sexual experiences, fantasies, and disappointments on the page. This piece also appeared on www.RomanceWriter2Writer.com (5/21/06)
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(J3tlag.com, 12/1/2005)
As pleasant as it may seem today, San Diego is home to a deliciously seedy past. This article details some of the fun facts you might learn on an historic walking tour of Southern California's brightest city, and recommends taking one on your next visit.
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Book/Catalog Copy |
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(Harcourt Trade Publishers, 8/3/2007)
This is a Reading Group Guide created for The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox, by Maggie O'Farrell. I have done dozens of these for both fiction and nonfiction, and for various authors/publishers.
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(Atria Books/Simon & Schuster, 9/1/2006)
This is an Author Q&A that I created for The Thirteenth Tale, by Diane Setterfield. I have done dozens of these for both fiction and nonfiction, and for various authors/publishers.
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(Atria Books/Simon & Schuster, 9/1/2006)
This is a Reading Group Guide created for The Thirteenth Tale, by Diane Setterfield, a portion of which appeared in a Barnes & Noble brochure. I have done dozens of these for both fiction and nonfiction, and for various authors/publishers.
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(Penguin Group USA, 7/26/2006)
This is a Reading Group Guide that I created for The City of Falling Angels by bestselling author, John Berendt. I have done dozens of these for both fiction and nonfiction, and for various authors/publishers.
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(Touchstone Fireside, 3/1/2005)
Back cover copy, including short author bio, written for Touchstone Fireside during my employment there.
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(Touchstone Fireside, 3/1/2004)
Back cover copy, including short author bio, written for Touchstone Fireside during my employment there.
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(Touchstone Fireside, 10/2/2003)
Back cover copy, including short author bio, written for Touchstone Fireside during my employment there.
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Website/Promo Copy |
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(Dr. Maggi Cary/Aunts and Nieces, 4/21/2008)
All website copy (not including blog) written and/or edited for Dr. Maggi Cary, host and blogger for the Aunting community.
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(Focuson Entertainment, 3/1/2006)
This bio was composed for use on myspace.com, his personal website, and in printed promotion kits.
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(Focuson Entertainment, 1/31/2006)
This bio was composed for use on myspace.com, the artist's personal website, and printed promotion kits.
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(Harborside Healthcare/Woods Edge, 5/18/2005)
This copy was written for Harborside Healthcare's northeast facility, Woods Edge. It was created for a brochure that, unfortunately, never got printed. However, it is a great example of what a brochure might contain, and an excellent sample of my copy writing skills.
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(Temple of Ara, 1/1/2003)
I wrote and/or edited the static text for this website, including all interior pages, but excluding the "Temple Calendar" and "About Phyllis Curott" pages.
I also serve as the Editor-in-Chief for their quarterly e-newsletter, The Ara Quarterly (circ. 1,200+) and for their e-news service, ARA NEWS.
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