Melissa Zabel
Bullet
Bullet
Bullet
Portfolio :: Writing & Editing
Management | Writing | Design | Usability Testing

From marketing pieces to user manuals, my experience with writing and editing extends from creative to highly technical documentation. I am versed in MLA and AP Style, enabling me to write for academic, marketing, Web, journalistic, and technical projects. I also have experience in catalog indexing and fiction novel editing and proofreading. Being able to communicate effectively extends beyond pure writing assignments into any job task, whether it be an e-mail message, a proposal, or project definition documentation.

My goal as a writer is to develop a clear understanding of the intendended audience and carefully craft documents that will effectively engage and communicate the message to that end user.

Portfolio Examples & Experience in Writing & Editing

NFHS Learning Center Web site National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) Online Education
- Worked with project manager, video producers, and clients on development of multiple online education courses for high school athletic directors and coaches
- Met with outside content experts and collaborated on content development
- Created standard script layout for Web page, host video, and Flash development and production
- Assisted project manager with proofreading and testing of new courses
>>Launch the site
BioWorksU Web Site BioWorksU Web Site
- Worked with project manager and development team on BioWorksU Web site creation to brainstorm unique, feasible ideas for online activities to engage and educate elementary through high school students
- Conducted extensive research on various academic topics related to careers in health care, biology, and chemistry
- Scripted dozens of online games, activities, and Web page copy for the site
- Presented scripts to clients to receive feedback and approvals
- Worked with development team members during development to ensure understanding of scripts and concepts
- Proofread entire site copy and tested site prior to deployment

>>Launch the site
Brochure Cover JIST Publishing Marketing Brochures and Catalogs
- Worked with Marketing VP and graphic design team to create a standardized design template and improve correlation between copy and design
- Rewrote marketing brochures to deliver a more targeted and succinct message
- Wrote more than 20 brochures that directly resulted in increased sales
>>View sample brochure covers and sample inside pages (PDF 5.82MB)
Web Site Screen Capture CNN.com Article
- Supported the pulic relations team at JIST Publishing by writing several press releases and articles to announce new products and "soft sell" the most popular trade books.
- Wrote an article "Interview Prep 101" that was featured on CNN.com homepage
- Wrote several articles for e- newsletters and JIST Publishing's site

>>Read "Interview Prep 101" featured on CNN.com (PDF 122KB)
>>View a sample press release (pre-design) (PDF 68KB)
Book Cover JIST Publishing Book & Video Covers
- Supported the editorial and video departments at JIST Publishing by helping write copy for books and videos
- Wrote succinct and engaging copy to engage the browsing consumer, portray the strengths of each product quickly, and maintain the reader's interest

>>View sample back cover copy (pre-design) (PDF 84KB)
Article IIT Research Report & Articles
- Directed an initiative at IIT Graduate College to inform the IIT community about IIT's research projects, through Web and print publications
- Researched and conducted interviews to gather information for feature stories
- Wrote and published several articles that became feature stories on IIT's Web site
- Wrote, edited, and designed a comprehensive report containing 27 articles called Inventing the Future Together

>>Read Inventing the Future Together (PDF 2.2MB)
IIT Graduate Bulletin

Illinois Institute of Technology Graduate Bulletin & Handbook
- Managed the revision of the IIT Graduate Bulletin, a biannual handbook published at IIT containing all rules, regulations and course descriptions
- Worked with department chairs and content stewards to obtain copy revisions
- Edited and proofread sections before delivering to the art department for layout
- Created the first edition of the International Student Handbook, used to inform international students of critical information for enrolling and attending the Graduate College

>>Read a sample of IIT's Graduate Bulletin (PDF 79KB)
>>Read a sample of IIT's International Student Handbook (PDF 440KB)

Story Fiction: Dream Within a Dream
- Wrote a short story in fall of 200 entitled Dream Within a Dream, as an assignment in one of my courses, studying the unreliable narrator
- Selected as a finalist in a writing competition and published in the MT CUP Revue fall 2000 Journal.

>>Read an excerpt from Dream Within a Dream (PDF 64KB)


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Copyright © 2010-11 Melissa A. Weirich Zabel
The-Zabels.com
melissazabel@hotmail.com
 
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