Résumé

Here’s proof positive that I’ve been lurking behind the scenes in publishing for the past few decades. It’s time for me to jump over the desk and be the creative one instead of the nitpicky one. Not that I’ll drop the whole nitpicky thing. I can’t. I think it’s genetic.

(March 2000 -- present)

Although I am phasing this out to focus on my writing, I currently do freelance proofreading, copy editing, and page layout for various publishers across the country. It's an enviable life I lead.

I also proofread author manuscripts (books, short stories, screenplays) and research papers with proper style guides. I do it, but I just don't like it.

I still occasionally typeset books, booklets, programs, and directories, mostly with previous clients. If you're not a previous client, don't ask about this. Frankly, I'm sick of picas and e-gauges. They haunt my dreams.

Also: I'm an online writing coach for WriteAtHome, an online writing course for homeschool students. I currently coach the 8th grade composition writing course.

Also: I’m currently vice president of the board of the St. Davids Christian Writers Association.

The Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition
Associated Press Stylebook, 33rd edition
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition
A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations (Turabian, 6th edition)
Webster’s Standard American Style Manual
Elements of Style, Strunk & White
Christian Writer's Manual of Style, Hudson

Adobe InDesign CS
Adobe Photoshop 5.5
Adobe Acrobat 7.0
Microsoft Word 2007
plus the usual gang of thieves . . .

CROWN & COVENANT PUBLICATIONS
(November 2003 -- February 2006; April 1996 -- March 2000; October 1987 -- April 1990)
Pittsburgh, Pa.

Production Manager; Typesetter; Proofreader

Responsible for pre-press production (typesetting, scanning, and proofreading), as well as printing and binding for Reformed Presbyterian Witness, monthly periodical of the RPCNA.
Also responsible for typesetting and proofreading for other in-house books and pamphlets, and all outside production work for other clients.
Used Macintosh G5 with OS X, Adobe InDesign, PageMaker 6.5, Photoshop, Microsoft Word, OmniPage Pro, and TextBridge software. Operated Epson Expression 800 scanner, Risograph 3770 digital duplicator.

BUSINESS CARDS TOMORROW
(March 1995 -- May 1996)
Bethel Park, Pa.

Typesetter; Proofreader

Responsible for typesetting, layout, and proofreading of business cards, letterhead, envelopes, and other stationery, with a 24-hour turnaround on most items.
Also responsible for scanning logos and other camera-ready copy for page layout, as well as using photo grids to check alignment and placement for plate shooting.
Also responsible for shooting plates and all other pre-press preparation for press operators.
Used PageMaker 5.0 for the PC, as well as Adobe Photoshop (with Umax flatbed scanner), Itek platemaker (paper plates), occasional use of light table and fax machine (or fax modem) for proofing orders before printing.

NATIONAL REFORM ASSOCIATION
(January 1991 -- November 1995)
Pittsburgh, Pa.

Executive Editor; Typesetter; Proofreader for The Christian Statesman; Financial Secretary; Office Manager

Designed new, revamped template for bimonthly periodical, The Christian Statesman. Also responsible for second-stage editing, typesetting, layout, and proofreading of The Christian Statesman.
Also responsible for design, layout, and mass mailing of promotional flyers and brochures.
Responsible for nearly all functions of this 134-year-old nonprofit organization, including bookkeeping and database management, bulk mailing of bimonthly periodical, The Christian Statesman. Also responsible for restructuring the entire organization from a hand-kept to computerized system.
Used PageMaker 5.0, as well as Word 6.0, Paradox 3.5, WinFax Pro, and Quicken 3.

R. R. DONNELLEY & SONS / FINANCIAL PRESS
(April 1990 -- August 1991)
Pittsburgh, Pa.

Proofreader

Responsible for proofreading and style correction for clients’ financial documents (pre-press), annual reports, and press sheets before printing.

PENNSYLVANIA REPORTER
(March 1992 -- June 1994)
Erie, Pa.

Editor; Typesetter; Proofreader

Responsible for initial template for 4-page monthly tabloid, and for editing, typesetting, layout, and proofreading of monthly state insert for national newspaper, Christian American. Used PageMaker 5.0.

CONSERVATIVE BOOK CLUB
(1992)
Harrison, N.Y.

Reviewer, religious and literary books

Also, various one-time freelance proofreading projects, as available.

CHRISTIAN WRITERS GUILD
(February 2006 -- February 2007)
Journeyman Level coursework in fiction

CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
(September 1979 -- May 1982)
Major: Creative/Professional Writing