Leslie Crutchfield
West Bloomfield Township,MI
Summary
Skilled editorial professional with comprehensive experience in content creation, editing, and publishing. Known for strong focus on teamwork and delivering results. Expert in refining news reports, managing editorial processes, and ensuring high standards of quality. Adaptable and reliable with keen eye for detail and workflow efficiency.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Editor, Features
The Detroit News
07.2019 - Current
- Led reporters in developing compelling narratives and ensuring content alignment with publication standards.
- Streamlined editorial processes, improving efficiency and reducing turnaround time for article publication by creating an earlier deadline for the team.
- Collaborated with writers to refine story angles and enhance clarity, coherence, and engagement for readers.
Copy Editor / Online
The Detroit News
09.2014 - Current
- Edited and proofread articles for clarity, grammar, and style consistency for The Detroit News' website.
- Collaborated with writers to enhance content quality and adherence to publication standards.
- Conducted fact-checking to ensure accuracy of information prior to publication.
Copy Editor
The Detroit News
09.2003 - Current
- Edited articles for clarity, grammar, and adherence to style guidelines for the Metro, Business and Features departments.
- Collaborated with reporters to enhance storytelling through effective language and structure.
- Reviewed content for factual accuracy and compliance with publication standards.
- Mentored junior editors in best practices and efficient editing techniques.
Assistant News Editor
The Detroit News
09.2001 - Current
- Edited articles for clarity, accuracy, and adherence to publication standards.
- Updated early morning editions of the newspaper with breaking news.
- Reviewed and approved headlines and images for print.
Reporter
The Oakland Press
09.1987 - 08.1998
- Enhanced article accuracy by conducting in-depth interviews with reliable sources.
- Provided context by researching and analyzing current events for reporting.
- Produced engaging articles across diverse topics while upholding journalistic integrity.
- Refined content through collaboration with editors, ensuring publication standards were met.
Copy Editor
The Oakland Press
09.1995 - 08.1997
- Elevated content quality through precise proofreading and editing of articles.
- Minimized inaccuracies by thoroughly fact-checking all written materials.
- Achieved team goals by consistently meeting tight deadlines under pressure.
- Crafted engaging headlines and captions for local and national news stories.
- Advised on copy edits aligned with audience needs and style guidelines.
- Ensured language precision by correcting grammar, punctuation, and syntax errors.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MISkills
- Interviewing skills
- Strategic content planning
- Editing articles
- Creative direction
- SEO
- Content curation
- Selecting photos
- Associated Press style
- Deadline driven
- Editorial planning
- Managing site-wide content
- Time management
- Multitasking and organization
- Critical thinking
- Clear communication
- Team collaboration
Affiliations
National Association of Black Journalists
Timeline
Senior Editor, Features
The Detroit News
07.2019 - Current
Copy Editor / Online
The Detroit News
09.2014 - Current
Copy Editor
The Detroit News
09.2003 - Current
Assistant News Editor
The Detroit News
09.2001 - Current
Copy Editor
The Oakland Press
09.1995 - 08.1997
Reporter
The Oakland Press
09.1987 - 08.1998
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
Michigan State University