What's your background?

My background is in journalism and marketing. I earned a B.A. in Communication Research Studies from the University of Iowa and was awarded a Laurence Fairall Scholarship to attend the school's top-ranked Master of Arts program in Journalism. As a grad student, I taught research, writing and reporting to undergrads, served on the board of trustees of the university's award-winning daily newspaper and was program director of the school's popular FM station for two years.   

That led to stints working as a newspaper reporter at The Daily Iowan then as copywriter/senior copywriter at Atlanta agency Kimble-Davis Marketing Communications working on the Tishman West, Cadillac, C.R. Bard, Flexco Manufacturing and Bleye of America accounts.

I then joined Craddock Marketing in Chicago as senior project director where I worked with IBM, Pfizer, Medicus, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and other pharma, tech and association clients. From there, I joined Westerbeck Communications as vice president where I managed B2C and B2B marketing programs for CNA Financial, GMAC, Fordham Graduate School of Business, PepsiCo, Association of Emergency Physicians and others.

I eventually grew tired of managing staff and other administrative duties over actually creating product and left three years later to write and consult for some of America's best known and most respected companies, agencies and nonprofits. See examples of client relationships here.

What services do you offer?

I create tight, engaging copy, content and editorial on demand to help companies, agencies and nonprofits fill time or talent gaps and get stuff done. This helps clients grow and thrive without having to give up flexibility and hire unnecessary permanent staff. 

I'm experienced in a wide range of industries in a variety of voices, styles and tactics, including videos, taglines, digital and SEO-optimized content, native and traditional advertising, articles and blogs, brand narratives, emails, profiles, campaigns, employee communications, presentations, scripts, CEO speeches, books, news releases, white papers, case studies, brochures and more.

Project also often involve some type of research such as staff, customer or source interviews, competitor or market analyses or other online or offline research. That means every project is grounded in real-world field smarts to create ideas, strategies and language that not only connect, but transform perceptions and behavior.

Is our work together confidential?

Absolutely. Details of our work are held in strictest confidence. I often sign non-disclosure agreements, particularly with Fortune 500 or other large, multinational clients. I also regularly ghostwrite articles, blogs, letters and other materials for CEOs, customers and others in complete confidence.

Do you guarantee your work?

I guarantee your complete satisfaction with everything I write for you before you run the ad, mail the sales letter, distribute the e-mail, publish the article or launch the landing page or website. Most clients are pleased and enthusiastic about my copy when they receive it. But if you are not 100% satisfied, I will refine the copy according to your specific guidelines at my expense. Revisions are included in the flat fee we've agreed to for the assignment.

Where are you based?

I'm completely digital and work for clients around America and Canada. I'm based on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, but often travel to see client operations in action, meet customers or conduct other research. I'm easy to reach day and night through email, telephone or Skype. And I promptly return messages. 

What's your mission?

 To make your life easier and your organization—and career—more successful. I've been in your shoes and know how frustrating it is to bring less experienced writers and creatives up to speed and keep them on track. I have strong research, strategy and writing chops, and consistently deliver clear, concise language that engages and motivates. As important, I hit deadlines without any drama, dancing or wasted time.