Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Leslie Montgomery

Caldwell,Idaho

Summary

Experienced professional passionate about creating compelling content and driving engagement. Talented at crafting dynamic stories, informative articles, and persuasive copy that resonates with and inspires readers. Ambitious Communications Specialist possessing strong public relations, communication and project management abilities. Excels in managing print communications and enforcing proactive media plans. Diverse credentials in both private and public industry sectors.

Overview

32
32
years of professional experience

Work History

Communications Specialist/Editorial Writer

Self-employed
02.2006 - Current
  • Developed creative ideas, book proposals, book formats, and manuscripts for members of Congress, Fortune 500 CEOs, and high-touch faith leaders in America.
  • Built a loyal following of over a million through engaging author-reader interactions at book signings, speaking engagements, and various online platforms.
  • Planned, coordinated, managed and executed large-scale events and conference logistics, including venue selection, vendor coordination, writing and design of promotional materials, acquisition of vendors and sponsors, and overseeing of marketing.
  • Development and writing of podcast, to include research, acquisitions, scheduling, and interviewing of high-touch guests.
  • Development and writing of 30-minute weekly radio program.
  • Conducted interviews with over 300 national leaders.
  • Planned, organized, and executed charity fundraisers to support women and children in need.
  • Built a loyal following through engaging author-reader interactions at book signings, speaking engagements or online platforms.
  • Duties included production of manuscripts for publication for others and self, which included nationwide public relations tours, extensive television and radio interviews, writing and development of guest and assignment articles on a variety of topics, knowledge of AP Stylebook guidelines, delivery of speeches, and various aspects of other communication.
  • Have been responsible for teaching creative writing, writing development, the craft of writing, and other aspects of writing workshops, and have been a judge and panel participant at over thirty conferences.
  • Assisted dozens of authors in the craft and development of proposal and manuscript writing in various genres, edited content and direction, and assisted author through all aspects of publication including obtaining a publisher, negotiating contracts, working with a marketing team, and developing and expanding one's platform.
  • Provided on-air commentary for local radio and television stations.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with sources and other contacts to support leads and story development.
  • Managed crisis communication situations, protecting company reputation and minimizing negative impact on stakeholders.
  • Ensured consistent brand messaging across all external communications channels, leading to a strong brand identity.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to create cohesive messaging for promotional materials and events.
  • Created social media content across multiple platforms according to content calendars and promotion schedules.
  • Collaborated with journalism and marketing teams to compile information and align company messaging.
  • Maintained corporate website using content management systems and associated plugins.
  • Wrote clear, concise press releases that generated significant media coverage and increased public awareness of key initiatives.
  • Took photographs and videos during special events for promotional materials and social media pages.
  • Boosted website traffic with search engine optimization techniques, improving overall online presence.
  • Communicated company promotions, products, and services to clients to increase brand awareness and overall revenue.
  • Coordinated with creative and design teams to produce high-quality visuals for marketing materials.
  • Developed ideas and leads for new stories according to industry trends.
  • Evaluated effectiveness of communication campaigns, using insights to guide future initiatives.
  • Led development of internal communications protocols, enhancing team collaboration and efficiency.
  • Led the organization's rebranding efforts, refreshing the corporate image to reflect current values.
  • Increased brand visibility with strategic social media campaigns.
  • Negotiated with vendors to secure cost-effective services for marketing materials.
  • Strengthened media relations, securing valuable coverage in industry publications.
  • Designed and executed public relations strategies that positively shifted public perception.
  • Tailored communication approaches for diverse international markets, expanding company's global reach.
  • Organized major corporate events, enhancing company culture and stakeholder relationships.

Ghostwriter

Self-employeed
01.2002 - Current
  • Responsible for ghostwriting all aspects of television, radio, print, and digital radio for various religious, business, and political leaders, including over a dozen books.
  • Previously served as interim Director of Publications for The American Association of Christian Counselors and was responsible for the success of seven publications.
  • Efficiently organized workload, prioritizing tasks according to urgency and importance for optimal productivity.
  • Assisted clients in achieving publication success by providing guidance on best practices for submitting work within specific markets or industries.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by delivering high-quality written content tailored to their specific needs.
  • Developed a strong rapport with clients, fostering long-term working relationships built on trust and professionalism.
  • Responsibilities included the performance and supervision of publishing teams, input to President and Operations Manager, acquisition of freelance writers, review and acquisitions of future manuscripts and co-writers, extensive research and writing on diverse psychological issues, allocation of resources and overview of publishing budget, establishing deadlines and editorial standards for publications, reviewing, and editing of journal submissions, photos, and advertising.
  • Further determined format, editing proof copies, assessed, hired and trained editorial team members, led editorial meetings, provided necessary mentoring and training of publication team, interviewed high-touch individuals and wrote articles on topics associated.
  • Represented organization at conferences and events by speaking and teaching on diverse topics.
  • Adapted writing styles to suit various target audiences, generating more effective communication results.
  • Achieved high levels of client satisfaction by carefully listening to their ideas and incorporating feedback into revisions.
  • Showcased versatility in writing across diverse subjects, including business, technology, finance, healthcare, travel, lifestyle, among others.
  • Collaborated with clients to develop engaging content strategies and achieve their communication goals.
  • Received recognition from clients for consistently surpassing expectations related to project quality and timeliness.
  • Streamlined the ghostwriting process for improved efficiency and faster project completion times.
  • Demonstrated adaptability by adjusting to changes in client requirements or project scope, ensuring a seamless transition from initial concept to final deliverable.
  • Expanded personal knowledge base through continuous learning of new subjects and industries as required for each project.
  • Effectively communicated complex ideas through clear, concise language tailored to the intended audience.
  • Improved overall readability of written works by employing strong editing skills and attention to detail during the revision process.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality standards in handling sensitive information entrusted by clients throughout the ghostwriting process.
  • Increased client retention rates through consistent delivery of exceptional writing services.
  • Maintained a keen eye for detail, resulting in polished final drafts free from grammatical errors and inconsistencies.
  • Contributed valuable insights during brainstorming sessions that ultimately enhanced the quality of final deliverables.
  • Conducted thorough research to ensure factual accuracy and credibility in all written works.
  • Utilized exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills to produce engaging and error-free content.
  • Wrote and edited high-quality content and visually impactful programs under deadline pressure with exciting, captivating, and authentic approach.
  • Organized material to research and complete writing tasks.
  • Followed company policies and editorial guidelines to craft thorough, well-written content.
  • Brainstormed ideas to create useful content for clients.
  • Interviewed individuals by phone, video chat and in-person to write news stories.
  • Wrote compelling, succinct, clear news scripts under tight deadlines.
  • Conducted interviews with subject matter experts to generate topics.
  • Wrote advertising material for use by publication, broadcast or internet media to promote sale of goods and services.
  • Created content for websites and online publications.
  • Managed competing deadlines with efficiency.
  • Produced original, creative content for promotional advertisements and marketing materials.
  • Composed original written material for various types of publications and submitted for approval by supervisor, editor or publisher.
  • Promoted and marketed works through social media platforms.
  • Edited and proofread drafts of articles and other documents.
  • Customized brand message to reach and capture target audience interest and drive engagement.
  • Developed and pitched story ideas to editors.
  • Consulted with editors to shape story and eliminate any errors.
  • Researched and wrote news stories, articles and reviews for online publications.
  • Studied and commented on current news and trends.
  • Played instrumental role in creative planning and review sessions, working with resourceful team to elevate quality of content and designs.
  • Chose cover photography or artwork, selected fonts, and arranged designs to attract target readership.
  • Built, established and maintained relationships with sources.
  • Collaborated with illustrators and photographers to enhance content.
  • Completed accurate and polished formatting in line with publishing standards prior to submission.
  • Wrote fiction or nonfiction prose such as short stories, novels or biographies as well as advertising material for use in promoting sale of goods and services.
  • Prepared and submitted professional proposals to select publishers to outline works, promotional skills and literary experience.
  • Presented clients with unique copy options based on overall marketing objectives.

Freelance Writer

Self Employed
01.1993 - Current
  • Responsibilities for writing hundreds of fiction and non-fiction articles for a variety of secular and faith-based media outlets, including, but not limited to; Focus on the Family, USA Today, FOX News, The NY Post, The News Commentator, Christianity Today, Charisma, Guidepost Magazine, Crosswalk, Western Journal, Reader's Digest, Voice of the Martyrs, Charisma Magazine, and Spiritled Woman, as well as for Chuck Colson's Prison Fellowship.
  • Served as a platform speaker on the collaborated tour of Chuck Colson and Billy Graham.

Education

Master of Science - Counseling Psychology

Taylor University
08.1994

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

Tennessee State University
05.1992

Skills

  • Creative Writing
  • Investigative writing
  • Press releases
  • Project Management
  • Event execution
  • Press Release Writing
  • Strategy implementation
  • Copyediting

Accomplishments


  • Bestowed over fifty speeches per year on diverse topics on national and global stages.

Timeline

Communications Specialist/Editorial Writer

Self-employed
02.2006 - Current

Ghostwriter

Self-employeed
01.2002 - Current

Freelance Writer

Self Employed
01.1993 - Current

Master of Science - Counseling Psychology

Taylor University

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

Tennessee State University

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Leslie Montgomery