Deborah Byrne
Summary
Detail-oriented Copy Editor, Copywriter and Proofreader with 10 years of experience in print and online marketing, advertising, and publishing. Proven track record in enhancing clarity and readability across diverse content types. Expertise in ensuring grammar, spelling, and branding consistency as well as stylistic consistency, in support of both national and in-house style guides, supported by strong language skills. Notable achievements include significantly improving the quality of written material, both for print and digital formats, within a national corporation.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
In-house proofreader/copywriter/copy editor
JOANN Fabrics & Crafts
Hudson, OH
01.2018 - Current
- Company Overview: A major national corporation specializing in crafts, fabric, sewing and home decor with a vibrant marketing department that produces print and digital marketing pieces
- Responsible for writing a wide range of copy in the company 'voice', editing all printed pieces prior to publication, proofreading all printed and many digital materials with an eye toward strict accuracy in the areas of spelling, grammar, format, tense, branding policies, trademark and registration use, and guidelines that apply to both in-house brands and outside vendors
- Worked daily with social media, email, print and digital campaigns
- Organized multiple projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines
- Established a set of in-house guidelines relating to all print and digital writing produced by the marketing department and beyond
Freelance Writer/editor/proofreader
Textworks
Los Angeles, CA
01.2009 - 12.2017
- Company Overview: A personal freelance writing, copy editing and proofreading business for a range of organizations, including brick-and-mortar companies, web-based businesses, and private individuals
- CitySearch.com - Los Angeles, CA Wrote restaurant reviews, analyzed and recommended recipes, and reviewed both art- and food-centric events for an urban website
- Integrated Medical Management - Las Vegas, NV Worked directly with CEO on writing and editing RFPs, contracts and correspondence
- Toyota Corporation - Los Angeles, CA Reviewed internal and external advertising, press releases and all print copy production
- John Wiley & Sons, Inc. - New York, NY Proofread six years of medical, encyclopedic journals as they were transferred from hard copy to HTML (online) format. Topics included Medical Technology, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Cancer Research and Child Rearing
- NYC Midnight - New York, NY Acted as an expert judge for eight years for a national online writing competition, providing extensive editing and writing feedback for each entry
- Independent Writers - Los Angeles, CA Consulted with authors regarding changes or corrections needed in their manuscripts, often guiding them through major changes in content, style or voice. Collaborated with each writer from first draft to submission-ready final draft
In-house editor & proofreader
Brierley+Partners
Los Angeles, CA
- Solely responsible for accuracy of a wide range of written materials
- These included advertising and marketing materials for such clients as Hilton, Ann Taylor and Zales Corporation, including 18 international-language versions of the 75-page customer-facing insurance agreement for Hertz Rental Cars
Associate editor
Creative Age Publications, DAYSPA Magazine
Van Nuys, CA
- Responsible for writing columns and features on beauty products, technology and culture. These were both journalistic and, in some cases, light, creative writing pieces
- Oversaw advertising and layouts from concept to publication
- Worked as a team with freelance writers, designers, advertising representatives and the managing editor
- Ensured all deadlines were met by coordinating with production teams
- Facilitated cross-departmental collaborations to ensure cohesive brand messaging
- Proofread copy to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation and syntax
Education
Special Master's Degree - Theater Arts
Harvard University
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Southern California
Los AngelesSkills
- Chicago Manual of Style
- Associated Press Guidelines
- Adobe Acrobat
- InDesign
- Microsoft Office Suite
- WorkFront
- Teams
- Developing and/or utilizing style guides
- Cross-departmental collaboration
- Research and fact-checking protocols
- Multi-tasking and prioritization
- Writing improvement suggestions
- Editing and annotating
- Clear communication
- Interpreting complex documents
Timeline
In-house proofreader/copywriter/copy editor
JOANN Fabrics & Crafts
01.2018 - Current
Freelance Writer/editor/proofreader
Textworks
01.2009 - 12.2017
In-house editor & proofreader
Brierley+Partners
Associate editor
Creative Age Publications, DAYSPA Magazine
Special Master's Degree - Theater Arts
Harvard University
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Southern California
Similar Profiles
MEGAN CARRILLOMEGAN CARRILLO
Sales Associate at Joann Fabrics & CraftsSales Associate at Joann Fabrics & Crafts
Gracia MorrowGracia Morrow
Key Holder at Joann Fabrics & CraftsKey Holder at Joann Fabrics & Crafts
Deborah LeeDeborah Lee
Cashier at JOANN Fabrics and CraftsCashier at JOANN Fabrics and Crafts
Abigail GrateAbigail Grate
Copy Editor and Proofreader at Crossed Paths MediaCopy Editor and Proofreader at Crossed Paths Media
Celia CrespoCelia Crespo
Bilingual Copy Editor/Proofreader @ 1876 Productions at AT&TBilingual Copy Editor/Proofreader @ 1876 Productions at AT&T