CJC Proofing and Editing

Introduction: I did jump, or click immediately, to answer your "ad" when I saw your writing's purpose: a book for Veterans. For a while, I have been exploring avenues to work with or for our Veterans. I just didn't know in what capacity I could offer my best help or support. I have sent resumes to government listings working for the Veterans Administration, checked into becoming a Physical Therapist to work at a Vet Hospital, even answered an ad to re-design rooms and offices at specific Veterans Homes and Hospitals. The opportunity you offer, however, fits my education and hands-on experience, beautifully. In addition to the technical aspects of writing, my enjoyment in teaching it, and putting pen to paper (or keys to ?), a niche I've been searching for may be found and filled. Hope that happens for you too! I achieved a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Masters in Education at Loyola University in Chicago, specializing in Curriculum. After a few years teaching, and writing curriculum for schools, at all levels, I was formally trained in retail and catalog copywriting, editing, and advertising. My initial assignments were in Sears Retail and Catalog advertising/copywriting, working for all departments, their buyers and sources. After 10 years at Sears, I was hired by Gander Mountain Sporting Goods to help re-structure their catalog, then retail, business. I re-designed the catalog, hired and trained artists, photographers and writers. The Company had planned to "go public" within 3 to 5 years. The re-design of the catalog boosted sales 74% allowing Gander to enter the Stock Market in 1 year and 3 months. At this point, I think I should list the remainder of my writing experience and expertise, for it is quite diverse. The examples given are just a few within each heading. The list is in order of "happening": Brochures: campaigns (Chicago politics, fundraising), festivals (Taste of Chicago, Taste of Lincoln, Last Taste of Summer) clubs (Chicago Film Critics Assn. Chicago Film Festival, Junior League Basketball). Public Relations: Chicago Film Critics, Chicago Film Festival, Polish Film Festival, Idaho Falls Symphony These assignments included writing of press releases, writing "blurbs" for local, and Chicago, newspapers in addition to creating and tending the receptions and film openings. Biographies: producers, actors, publicists for the above groups; notable women in Chicago for "Chicago Women" magazine; artists in music, painting, dance for "Arts Alive" and "Post Register" newspapers, Idaho Falls Idaho (circ. 30,000). Newspapers: Created an arts column for the Idaho "Post Register". The column covered art, sports, educational activities hapenning in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Created a 12 page newspaper for the Idaho Falls Arts Council. Created a Newspaper for the towns of Swan Valley, Tetonia, Irwin, Victor Idaho and Jackson Hole Wyoming. Teaching: Writing (Journalistic, Persuasive, Biographical, Creative) for Junior High and High School (Chicago and suburbs), ESL Writing for Polish-, Spanish-, Russian-speaking adult students (Triton College, Illinois). I've learned different writing styles and methods, taught even more styles and methods, and enjoyed it all. I've edited resumes, theses, and every paper a student or copywriter ever handed me enjoyed that also. Turnover, by the way, is not a problem. Here's hoping this entry piques your interest enough to give me a call, or write. No matter what, please do keep in touch, shoot over some pages if you need a second set of eyes, and let me know when the book is published Thank you, Chad. Cathy Coates