John Collins
Atlanta,Georgia
Summary
Passionate editor and writer with 20+ years of experience who thrives in a deadline-oriented workplace. Skilled in applying AP style, conducting thorough research, drafting effective communications, ensuring grammatical accuracy, and delivering clear and accurate copy on deadline.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Freelance Writer & Editor
Self Employed
01.2022 - Current
- Engage with various organizations to determine writing and editing needs
- Exhibit versatility, flexibility and adaptability to drive multiple projects at once, while meeting all deadlines
- Vary writing and editing style to meet an organization’s needs, generating high-quality work ready for public distribution
- Clients include Emory University, WebMD, , the Arthritis Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Senior Writer & Editor
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
01.2017 - 01.2022
- Provided internal communications to 4,500 Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide
- Oversaw creation and publication of numerous communications including blog posts, emails and magazine columns
- Served as ghostwriter for senior leadership
- Researched, wrote, copy edited, fact checked and proofread communications to grow awareness and support
- Wrote copy and coordinated production for emails delivered to 4,500 sites nationally
- Planned and fulfilled digital and print communications for regional and national conferences, including emails, speeches, video scripts, signage and program copy
- Built runs-of-shows, speeches and video scripts for in-person and remote special events.
Managing Editor
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
01.2009 - 01.2017
- Oversaw making and publication of triannual magazine, Connections, while managing a cross-functional creative team
- Assigned magazine stories, performed research and conducted interviews
- Wrote, copy edited, proofread, and fact checked magazine content
- Created and maintained editorial calendar
- Recruited in-house and freelance writers
- Managed all aspects of print production, including national distribution.
Writer & Editor
Boys & Girls Club of America
01.2006 - 01.2009
- Prepared documents for print and electronic publication, including content development, copy editing, proofreading and providing layout instructions to designers
- Managed content for Myclubmylife.com, including posting and editing copy with content management system (CMS), enhancing images with Photoshop, and performing quality control to resolve issues such as formatting, broken links and typos
- Edited documents for print and electronic publication, including secondary research, fact checking, reorganizing text for logic and sequencing, and rewriting copy for clarity and readability
- Developed and implemented editorial calendar in monthly, quarterly and annual formats
- Collaborated to conceptualize and execute website redesign, including content, layout and functionality
- Created and led staff writing workshops to inspire better messaging alignment and to foster high-quality content
- Wrote copy for promotional posters, fact sheets, magazines, postcards and brochures.
Publications & Special Events Manager
Crealdé School of Art
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Applied reporting skills to gather campus news and create bi-monthly 8-page newsletter, including copywriting, editing, proofreading, managing print production, and coordinating distribution via mail house and volunteers
- Used Adobe Creative Suite to design and layout publications including newsletters, gallery invitations, curriculum guides, brochures and annual report
- Oversaw content development and maintenance of Crealde.org
Managing Editor
Craftrends Magazine
01.2002 - 01.2005
- Wrote and edited feature stories and departments for monthly national trade magazine
- Line edited, copy edited, proofread and fact checked all copy for magazine, bi-weekly newsletter and website
- Assigned stories to freelance writers
- Created and managed editorial calendar.
Freelance Writer
01.2002 - 01.2003
- Wrote feature stories and profiles for publications including Georgia Trend Magazine, Orlando Arts magazine, Arthritis Today magazine and UAB Magazine (University of Alabama-Birmingham)
- Wrote newspaper articles for the Associated Press and the Orlando Sentinel
- Developed media kit contents for Workman Publishing, including press releases, 1-page book summaries, author interviews and author bios.
Copywriter
YouDecide.com
10.2001 - 06.2002
- Wrote copy for Web site, e-newsletters, e-mails and print collateral promoting financial and insurance products targeted to consumers employed by partner clients.
Writer/Editor
Homestore.com
06.2000 - 07.2001
- Tasks included content conception, research, copy writing, editing, proofreading and assigning projects to freelance writers and photographers
- Oversaw launch of Car & Garage channel
- Responsibilities included producing, editing and writing content about autos and auto-related stories
- Staff writer for home-related topics including lawn & garden, home improvement and insurance.
Writer/Editor
MedCareers.com
06.1999 - 06.2000
- Copywriter of stories targeted at medical professionals for this
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English
Worcester State University
Worcester, MASkills
- Copy Editing
- Line Editing
- AP Stylebook Expert
- Proofreading
- Fact Checking
- Content & Story Development
- Interviewing Sources
- Video Scriptwriting
- Newsletters & Brochures
- Executive Ghostwriting
- MS SharePoint
- MS Office
- Adobe Acrobat Pro
- Adobe Creative Suite
Timeline
Freelance Writer & Editor
Self Employed
01.2022 - Current
Senior Writer & Editor
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
01.2017 - 01.2022
Managing Editor
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
01.2009 - 01.2017
Writer & Editor
Boys & Girls Club of America
01.2006 - 01.2009
Publications & Special Events Manager
Crealdé School of Art
01.2004 - 01.2006
Managing Editor
Craftrends Magazine
01.2002 - 01.2005
Freelance Writer
01.2002 - 01.2003
Copywriter
YouDecide.com
10.2001 - 06.2002
Writer/Editor
Homestore.com
06.2000 - 07.2001
Writer/Editor
MedCareers.com
06.1999 - 06.2000
Bachelor of Arts - English
Worcester State University
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