Professional/Personal Overview
Looking for a writer with a flair for snappy prose and a nose for killer ideas?
Work Info
Expertise
Copywriter
7 Years
Writer
7 Years
Specialty
Entrepreneurship
7 Years
Personal Finance
7 Years
Women's Issues
7 Years
Total Media Industry Experience
6 Years
Media Client List (# assignments
last 2 yrs)
Citysearch (11+), Adaptu.com (11+), Dow Jones (11+), Ebyline Blog (11+), Mint.com (11+), US News & World Report (11+), The Writer (6-10), The Boston Globe (6-10), Dance Retailer News (6-10), Intuit Small Business Blog (6-10), LearnVest (6-10), Daily Candy (3-5), Cheers Magazine (3-5), Bankrate.com (3-5), Match.com's Happen Mag (3-5), Naturally Curly (3-5), Your Tango (3-5), Parade Magazine (1-2), Pizza Today (1-2), Pregnancy Magazine (1-2), Self Magazine (1-2), The Fiscal Times (1-2), The Atlantic Cities (1-2), Tonic.com (1-2), Boy's Life Magazine (1-2), BUST (1-2), Classical Singer Magazine (1-2), MainStreet.com (1-2), How About We (1-2)
Corporate Client List (# assignments last 2 yrs)
BuyWithMe.com (11+), Hasbro (11+), RueLaLa.com (11+), SniqueAway.com (part of Smarter Travel Media) (11+), Unique Gem Designs (1-2), PartyLite (1-2), Bambeco (1-2), Boston University School of Management (1-2), Whickit.com (1-2), PUMA (1-2)
Computer Skills
Word, Excel, basic PhotoShop
Associations
Freelance Success, American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA)
Other
For more about me and my writing, check out www.susan-johnston.com.
Freelancer Availability
I freelance full-time. I live near Boston, MA. I am willing to travel anywhere. I have a driver's license. I have access to a car.
Work Samples
Copywriting
(Freedom from Hunger )
This nonprofit organization's newsletter is one of my favorite projects. This example shows their Mother's Day campaign.
(Rottman Creative Group )
This newsletter for a visual communications and branding firm covers tips to "Make your conference a positive brand experience."
(RueLaLa.com )
I created the concept and wrote the copy for this series of photo slides designed to capture the fun, quirky personality of this national fashion brand.
(PUMA )
PUMA requested product descriptions to reflect the smart, sassy side of their shoes and apparel.
Business Articles
(Boston Business Journal , 4/26/2013)
A look at three Boston women building careers in the construction industry.
(YoungEntrepreneur.com , 1/29/2013)
From bacon-wrapped cash to free lunches, startups are joining the incentives giveaway to boost their hiring and retention numbers among top tech talent.
(Ebyline , 1/2/2013)
As newspapers struggle to attract new readers and adopt new revenue streams, some are emulating daily deal sites like Groupon or LivingSocial and selling their own deals.
(YoungEntrepreneur.com , 12/11/2012)
Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter offer more than money. With the right approach, young entrepreneurs can also gain valuable market insights.
(The Atlantic Cities , 9/26/2012)
Mobile vendors selling clothes and shoes instead of food are popping up all over the place. How should cities treat them?
(Boston Globe , 1/24/2011)
Every year, we resolve to hit the gym more often and get fit. And by the end of January, many of us have missed workouts or given up altogether. But this new social enterprise may have a solution.
(MyBusiness Magazine , 1/1/2010)
Using a humorous anecdote about a pizzeria in San Francisco, this article shows small business owners how to handle bad reviews on Yelp and other user-generated sites.
Lifestyle Articles
(MainStreet.com , 4/2/2013)
The recession forced countless millennials into boomeranging back home with their parents to save money. But even some of those adult children who are financially independent still piggyback on the family cell phone plan. This article explores that trend.
(US News & World Report , 12/11/2012)
Why more shoppers are opting for ebooks, online subscriptions, and virtual gift cards--and how to make digital gifts more personal.
(Match.com's Happen Mag , 4/18/2011)
Should you date an animal lover if you're allergic to or just uncomfortable around animals? This article offers tips on befriending man's best friend, even if you aren't an animal lover yourself.
(Pregnancy Magazine , 9/1/2010)
For Pregnancy Magazine's Mommy Blips column, I covered trends in post-natal massage and other pampering treatments.
(MSN Lifestyle , 9/6/2009)
Just how much should you reveal about your personal life online? This article examines the impact of blogging on your dating life. (Originally appeared on Match.com's Happen Mag and republished by MSN.)
Essays
(The Christian Science Monitor , 10/27/2008)
My brother and I may not share politics, but his commitment to his cause makes me proud.
Career Articles
(Aol Jobs , 10/20/2011)
Even in a hyper-competitive job market, some candidates are finding success through sites like LinkedIn. This article includes four success stories.
(US News & World Report , 9/13/2011)
Should you relocate for a new job opportunity? This article weighs the pros and cons.
(Bankrate.com , 5/6/2011)
This article explored the possible impact of credit scores on job applications and debunked some of the myths surrounding pre-employment credit checks.
(AOL Jobs , 8/19/2010)
This career piece includes humorous anecdotes on bad bosses and strategies for managing workplace relationships.
(Bankrate.com , 9/10/2008)
I talked to job seekers and career experts to compile their best job hunting tips. I also appeared on ABC News' Money Matters to discuss this piece.
Personal Finance Articles
(US News & World Report , 4/1/2013)
Many Americans have embraced frugality in recent years, but sometimes money-saving strategies backfire when taken to extremes. Here are several stories of consumers whose attempts to save money went too far.
(US News & World Report , 3/11/2013)
The recently released flick Identity Thief may be a slapstick comedy, but for millions of Americans, identity theft isn't something to laugh about. The crime is increasingly wreaking havoc not just on their credit scores, but their tax returns as well.
(US News & World Report , 10/23/2012)
Despite lingering unemployment and other economic hardships in many parts of the country, studies show Americans are actually leaving higher tips. This article explores why.
(US News & World Report , 5/29/2012)
I interviewed experts and real people to find strategies for handling the role reversal between aging parents and their adult children.
(Mint.com , 4/22/2011)
Explored the rise of voluntary pay-as-you-drive insurance programs and examined the pros and cons of such programs for consumers.
(Mint.com , 7/29/2010)
Keeping money secrets from your spouse can jeopardize the relationship--and your financial future. This article shows readers how to handle financial infidelity.
Profiles
(Barnard College , 3/13/2013)
As a lawyer, and later a federal judge, Nancy Gertner sparked controversy and advocate for important social issues, winning the respect of her opponents along the way.
(The Boston Globe , 5/31/2012)
This human interest story looked at a community program in Somerville, Mass. that encourages residents to share their good deeds and inspire others.
(Parade Magazine , 11/7/2010)
Parade Magazine flew me to Chicago to cover the wedding of a thirtysomething couple determined to celebrate their love in spite of the groom's terminal illness. Sadly, he lost his battle with cancer just a month after publication.
(The Boston Globe Magazine , 10/24/2010)
For Boston Globe Magazine's DIY home issue, I interviewed Gui Cavalcanti, founder of a new artists' workplace and community in Somerville, Mass.
Ebooks
(Rockable Press , 9/1/2011)
This LinkedIn guide introduces freelancers and other creative professionals to LinkedIn's lesser-known features, offering tips on creating an irresistible profile, adding connections, and a whole lot more.
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June 4, 2013 | San Francisco
