Accurate. Coherent. Timely.
These should be benchmarks for any professional journalist - get it right, make it readable, submit it on time.
If you're looking for writing or editing help, you know that all three are nearly impossible to find together. Fortunately, you've come to the right place.
I place great value on producing highly readable copy that fits the specifications, requires minimal editing and lands in your inbox when it's supposed to. As an editor, I employ a deft touch to quickly whip copy or graphics into shape.
Regardless of the project - trade journal, consumer magazine, technical material, marketing newsletter, brochure or collateral material - the factors of accuracy, coherence and timeliness remain constant.
That's my commitment to myself. And that's also my commitment to you.
I invite you to take a look around my site and let me know how I may assist you with your next project.
Urinal guards and Bottle Caps
Thu, 05/01/2008 - 11:47 — MattIt's funny that a random smell can take you back to childhood. It's even funnier (or odder, as the case may be) that I discovered this particular childhood smell in the locker room at the Georgia State University Student Rec Center, where I swim, row and run.
Blog this!
Mon, 02/25/2008 - 18:28 — MattI was a panelist for an American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE) webinar on working with free-lancers. Comments from the webinar were picked up for a blog produced by Magnificent Publications. This happened in October, but I just ran across an e-mail about the event, so my apologies for its lateness
Goes to show, though, that everyone is famous to 15 people...
Another PR rant
Tue, 02/19/2008 - 18:53 — MattI had a receptionist at a PR agency ask me today who I was (which is fine) and whether the person I was calling knew that I would be calling (definitely not fine). If a PR agency is doing its job right, strange people will be calling from all over wanting to get more information about what's being promoted, to talk to the inventor/owner, find a fresh story angle, etc.
The person who answers the phone should be a screen, not a gatekeeper.
Me? A model? You must be kidding!
Mon, 02/18/2008 - 18:16 — MattIt's true. I was the centerpiece model for a photo shoot this morning for the next issue of the Georgia State University alumni magazine.
Sounds pretty good, right? Well, you might not think so once you learn that the illustration is to go with a story about how short people make less money than tall people. In the photo, I was sitting on a stool placed in an elevator, wearing a jacket and bow tie, with taller guys standing around me. From what I could gather, you can only see the chins of the taller people.
PR hotline a no-no
Tue, 01/29/2008 - 16:42 — MattDear Corporate Communications/Media Relations department,
If you give a damn about actually handling calls from reporters, please don't make a general voice mail box a reporter's first contact with your company. Did you get the message? Should I call back? When should I call back? Would I have gotten better response by slamming my head against a wall until I hear voices?
Sincerely,
--matt
Is this thing on??
Thu, 01/24/2008 - 15:08 — MattI'm currently writing a story about Web strategies for brick-and-mortar retailers, which has been a huge reminder that I haven't blogged in about forever. So if this post works, look for more content soon. Crossing my fingers now...
