Cate Berry
Austin,TX
Summary
Meticulous Writer offering exemplary skills in editing and basic software. Sharp and focused with background working for diverse forward-thinking institutions and businesses. Pursuing position for growth-oriented organization.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Freelance Writer and Editor
Harper Collins, MacMillan, Austin Family Magazine
Austin, Texas
01.2009 - Current
- Prepared, revised and edited pieces to improve readability and impact.
- Determined readiness of written pieces, made changes and approved final versions for publication.
- Reviewed articles for grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, accuracy and compliance with quality standards.
- Worked with graphic artists, post-production team members and other specialists to produce captivating and successful content.
- Interviewed sources and developed relationships with informants to obtain vital information for stories.
- Provide editorial feedback via track change comments, in-line comments, or editorial letter
- Consistently meet editorial deadlines
- Coordinate marketing efforts via website, blog post, social media, and presentations
- Kept detailed Excel accounts of publication roll outs regarding budget, publicity, public events, timelines
- Proofreading and fact checking via deadlines
- Wrote advertising copy for Grocery Pup (Austin), Blue Top Sauces, and various other freelance clients
Instructor and Speaker
AISD, Writer's League Of Texas, Writing Barn
Austin, Texas
05.2017 - Current
- Writing instructor for The Writing Barn, Society of Children's Writers and Illustrators, Writers league of Texas, Project Wise, Austin Bat Cave, AISD and the greater Texas school districts.
- Taught/coached over fifty private writing clients
- Presenter at literary conferences including Texas Book Festival, Texas Library Association, Writer's League of Texas, Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
- Popular motivational speaker at K-12 schools throughout the United States for groups as large as 300 students
- Implemented revision techniques, writing craft, stories and anecdotes into speeches and live presentations to make information rich and entertaining.
- Researched material extensively before writing informative speeches.
- Worked closely with educators and librarians to ascertain information that needed to be discussed in presentation.
- Prepared for education presentations and plans by gathering information on literary objectives, vision, award-winning books, and industry trends.
- Responded to requests for information from media or designated appropriate spokesperson or information source.
- Maintained content and updating of author website, book sales, book tours, events
- Drafted press releases detailing relevant newsworthy information and supporting author brand image, and worked with news media to promote publications.
- Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
Education
Master of Arts - Writing
Vermont College of Fine Arts
Montpelier, VT07.2017
Skills
- Google Excel, Doc, Slides, Drive
- Time Management
- Materials Development
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Basic Web Content HTML/Updates
- Speech Writing
- Media Communications
- Client Coaching
- Editing and Proofreading
- Project Management
- Microsoft Office
- Report Writing
Accomplishments
Publications:
Penguin & Tiny Shrimp Don't Do Bedtime! Illus. Charles Santoso, Harper Collins, 2018
Chicken Break A Counting Book, Illus. Charlotte Adler, Feiwel & Friends, MacMillan, 2019
Kobe Eats Pizza! with Ashley Wian, Illus. Joy Ang, Feiwel & Friends, MacMillan, forthcoming: 11/2022
Thank You, Teacher! Illus. Sara Varon, Harper Collins, forthcoming 3/2023
Reviews:
Booklist, Kirkus, School LIbrary Journal, Publisher's Weekly, Shelf Awareness, Washington Parents Magazine, Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books
Awards, Conferences, Features:
Jr. Library Guild Selection
Best Picture Book Finalist, 2018, 2019/Writer's
League of Texas
NBC Today Show's Top Ten Pick/Holiday Gift Guide
Texas Book Festival
West Texas Book Festival
SCBWI Conference: Austin, Michigan, Abilene
Featured Humor Columnist Austin Family Magazine
2018-2022
Timeline
Instructor and Speaker
AISD, Writer's League Of Texas, Writing Barn
05.2017 - Current
Freelance Writer and Editor
Harper Collins, MacMillan, Austin Family Magazine
01.2009 - Current
Master of Arts - Writing
Vermont College of Fine Arts