Sam Keller
Waukee
Summary
Accomplished writer with a degree from Iowa State University and a Master of Fine Arts from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Dependable and organized, with a proven ability to communicate effectively across diverse teams. Expertise in relationship building and collaborative work. Varied hands-on experience in sales, office administration, and community outreach initiatives.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Bookseller
Half-Price Books
11.2021 - Current
- Daily job duties vary from customer service, operating a cash register, shelving and organizing merchandise, and dealing with sales of used merchandise. The job requires the use of strong communication skills, knowledge of the publishing world, and working with a team or as an individual.
- Greeted customers and helped with product questions, selections, and purchases to provide pleasant shopping experience.
- Developed rapport with regular customers, fostering welcoming store atmosphere.
- Maintained a clean and organized store environment.
- Assisted in managing inventory levels, accurately processing shipments, and restocking merchandise as needed.
- Participated in periodic inventory counts to maintain accurate stock levels.
Assistant Young Adult Fiction Editor
Hunger Mountain Literary Magazine
09.2019 - 05.2020
- Read submissions for the Hunger Mountain Literary Magazine and helped determine which submissions moved on to publication. Copyedited the pieces that were published and communicated with authors regarding their submissions.
Family Service Counselor
Dignity Memorial – McLarens Chapel & Mortuary and Resthaven Cemetery
01.2019 - 06.2019
- Worked closely with client families in sales of pre- and at-need cemetery products and pre-arranged funeral services. Provided personalized customer service and acted as the main point of contact for client families. Was responsible for my own referral and lead generation. Was responsible in part for representing the location at conventions, networking events, and as part of community outreach across three locations.
- Completed a sales training program in Denver, CO focusing on in person and virtual sales techniques, how to promote products and services, and how to represent the company at various networking events.
Education
Master of Arts - Writing & Publishing
Vermont College of Fine Arts
Montpelier, VT05-2021
Bachelor of Arts - English
Iowa State University of Science And Technology
08-2018
Skills
- Information technology skills (Microsoft products, WordPress, some HTML skills, Zoom, Discord)
- Audio editing (Audacity, Reaper)
- Proofreading
- Copyediting
- Cash handling
- Retail sales
- Customer service
- Communication, working independently or as part of a team
Publications
- Write Brained Podcast: Co-Host and Producer December 2020 –
- Pandemonium is Not a Real Word Online Issue Spring 2020 https://write-the-dust.com/2020/04/10/miasma-theory/
- Sketch Literary Journal Vol. 82.1 Fall 2017
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Bookseller
Half-Price Books
11.2021 - Current
Assistant Young Adult Fiction Editor
Hunger Mountain Literary Magazine
09.2019 - 05.2020
Family Service Counselor
Dignity Memorial – McLarens Chapel & Mortuary and Resthaven Cemetery
01.2019 - 06.2019
Master of Arts - Writing & Publishing
Vermont College of Fine Arts
Bachelor of Arts - English
Iowa State University of Science And Technology