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I have been a journalist for nearly 30 years and a freelance writer, editor, teacher/coach, and consultant since 1989. I’ve been on staff at national magazines and medium-size newspapers, and I’ve freelanced for several well-known publications and websites. 

My most recent focus has been on editing, copy-editing, and proofreading — everything from books about the U.S. Army and Disney trivia to a newsletter for freelance writers and academic journal articles. 

My Previous Life on Staff

Before freelancing, I worked for a medium-size daily newspaper and also was on staff at Metropolitan Home and Unique Homes magazines in New York City.

A graduate of the University of Florida (BSJM ‘85), I started my writing career with the Boca Raton News, writing for and then editing a page for and by teenagers. I interned with a television station while still in high school and also attended the prestigious Blair Summer School for Journalism. I shifted to a magazine focus during college and was selected for graduate internships at Woman’s Day and McCall’s. 

On the newspaper side, I interned during college with the Fort Lauderdale News/Sun-Sentinel, and after leaving New York City, worked as a copy-editor and Home & Garden editor for the Palm Beach Post in Florida. During the height of the winter season, I was responsible for writing, assigning, editing, and coordinating photos and illustrations for a 72-page Sunday section, the largest in the paper at the time, in addition to copy-editing other features sections. I left that position to start a successful freelancing career. 
Other Hats

For more than 14 years, have been the Managing Editor of Freelance Success, a newsletter and website for established freelance writers. I am a former consumer columnist for RealtyTimes.com, where I wrote consumer real estate pieces, and a former contributor for MommaSaid.net, penning the “I-Hate-Budgeting Guide to Affording Children” column. 

As a consultant, I have helped newspapers develop special advertorial sections aimed at real estate, seniors, and health.

Classes

I love helping others make good writing great.  I have taught my successful, in-demand “Crafting the Query” and “Kick Butt Query” classes online. I also have been a frequent guest at the American Society of Journalists and Authors, appearing on panels of successful freelancers and presenting workshops on query writing.
Personal Life

Since marrying in 1993, I have lived (thanks to my husband’s urban planning career) in Florida, Colorado, Illinois, and now Madison, Wisconsin. I have also lived in New York City. Scott and I love old homes, architecture, renovating, and gardening/landscaping. He and the boys love skiing; I'm more adept at falling on my butt in the snow (but I shovel a mean driveway!).

I have two teenage sons, and we all live with a rescued Springer spaniel, two rescued cats, and a Russian tortoise. (The five piranhas ate each other.)

The boys and I volunteer for the Dane County Humane Society by occasionally fostering dogs and cats. 

I’ve been a PTO president and kids' soccer and basketball coach, and I have coordinated the newsletter, website, membership directory, and membership drive for my wonderful neighborhood’s 300-member-plus association.