Résumé

EDUCATION

Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY – May 2004
Bachelor of Arts, Africana Studies, focus: Literature and the Arts, Correlate Sequence (Minor): English Literature
Honors: (1) Dr. June Jackson Christmas Prize for Academic Excellence (2) Paul Robeson Prize for Best Thesis
Emerson College, Boston, MA – May 2007
Master of Arts, Publishing & Writing
Honors: Nominated for 2-year Administration Assistantship

WORK HISTORY

Freelance Communications Professional (Blogger, Editor, Writer, Project Manager), 2006 – Present

I have performed various publishing functions per the needs of the hiring entity, author or publishing agent, managing and prioritizing simultaneous projects to achieve successful, satisfactory job completion. These projects have included non-fiction, fiction, educational text supplements and legal documents, as well as online content and other marketing media, working primarily offsite but using proprietary House styles and guidelines.

Functions include: Project Management, Ghost and Copy Writing, Developmental and Copy Editing
Clients include (Expanded List):

• Kate-Book.com [Trivia Column] [Kate's Book Club]
• Welstar Publications
• Pearson Education/Prentice Hall
• Chili LLC
• Hudson Valley Magazine
• J. Crew

Editing projects for individual clients have included (Project Portfolio):

• Nonfiction and Fiction: All levels of editing for various genres of literature, including dialogue and description heavy texts
• Contracts and Legal Documents: Proofreading for typographical errors
• Website Content: Research, developmental editing and copyediting
• Book Proposals: All levels of editing to ensure adherence to publisher/agent specifications

Writing projects for individual clients have included (Project Portfolio):

• Ghostwriting: Primarily inspirational autobiographies and self-help
• Copy Writing: Press releases, business correspondence, book blurbs/synopses, and newsletter content, limited brochure/pamphlet and website copy (see www.WelstarPublications.com)

Editorial Assistant, Business Publishing, Pearson Education, 2005

• Processed contracts, manuscripts for review and production, and payment requisitions
• Served as liaison between editors, authors and other concerned parties
• Managed daily office operations and organized calendars and travel for in-house editors
• Prioritized author communications and promptly responded to all correspondences
• Managed the mailing of ARCs and press releases, as well as book requests

Program Intern, Africana Studies Program, Vassar College, 2003 – 2004

• Acted as the intermediary between the Program and students
• Aided in the conception and execution of Program events, developing advertising strategies and designs for and encouraging student participation in Program events
• Provided academic assistance, tutoring and mentoring to fellow students
• Served as director of the Majors’ Committee and established an annual Majors’ Event

Advertising and Marketing Intern, Hudson Valley Magazine, 2003

• Conducted market research, maintaining and compiling advertiser database information
• Prepared and disseminated promotional material
• Served as temporary receptionist

Research Assistant, Prof. Joyce Bickerstaff, Vassar College, 2002 – 2004

• Performed editorial tasks including proofreading and revising
• Conducted library and internet searches for relevant materials
• Carried out minor secretarial duties, i.e. answering phones, organizing office affairs, maintaining class material resources for students
• Trusted to act as internet communications mediator between professor and students

Book Seller, Bunch of Grapes Book Store, 2002

• Implemented personal reorganization suggestions of and maintained showroom
• Recommended and hand-sold books, staying apprised of new/notable authors and newly released books
• Aided the organization of author functions

Acted as cashier, operating and maintaining a balanced, well-stocked till

VOLUNTEER/COMMUNITY

Newsletter Coordinator, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Newark, NJ — 2010 – Present

Member, WBAI, Community Radio Programming, NYC — 2010 – Present

Supporter, Habitat for Humanity — 2008 – Present

Supporter, Hope House, Women and Children’s Shelter, Jersey City — 2008 – Present

Supporter, St. Lucy’s Homeless Shelter, Jersey City — 2008 – Present

Supporter, PBS — 2008

Event Coordinator, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Bergen, Jersey City — 2007

ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND STRENGTHS

• Network Building/Liaising
• Personable & genial demeanor
• Book Retail Sales/Publicity
• Time sensitive, self-starter
• Market Research & Cold Calling
• Adept in high stress situations