About Val

Val, a freelance writer in Austin, Texas, launched her writing career in 2012. She specializes in professional copywriting, and her personal writing appears in Sasee Magazine, Coping with Cancer and multiple editions of the international bestselling series, Chicken Soup for the Soul. She has an ongoing love affair with Alaska and married her husband, Jack, atop Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier on the hit television reality show, Say Yes to the Dress.

Freelance Writer Specializing in Copywriting and Editing

Freelance writing is more than a business. For writers, it’s also a creative outlet. My favorite aspect of working with marketing professionals is the collaborative writing process. Writing effective copy requires listening skills and acknowledging input from others. I am skilled in B2C and B2B copywriting and am able to hit the mark with any tone for any audience.

Writing You Can Trust

Resume

Communications

• Writes and/or edits engaging web content, blogs, social media, magazine ads, emails, office materials, presentations, narratives and other copy for B2C and B2B marketing
• Develops online content supporting SEO with consistent, on-brand messaging
• Corrects errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax
• Explains complex concepts using concise, easy to follow language in manageable chunks
• Develops engaging stories with strong characterizations, plots, and themes appearing in blogs, magazines and the international bestselling series, Chicken Soup for the Soul

Organization/Administration

• Meets copy and layout deadlines 100% on time
• Multitasks and prioritizes in a fast-paced environment
• Identifies problems, brainstorms ideas and provides solutions in a team setting
• Manages yearbook production processes including theme development, cover design, font and color selection, copy, layout, and publication
• Directs journalism staff to handle high-volume work and photo opportunities
• Tracks and monitors progress and implements procedures to increase productivity

Technical

• Skilled in G Suite, Word, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Animate, Video Editor, Canva, StudioWorks and currently learning CMS with WordPress
• Learns new technology easily, troubleshoots tech difficulties, and solves issues
• Communicates proficiently using virtual platforms (Zoom)
• Performs and completes tasks independently and on time in a remote setting

Interpersonal

• Collaborates with peers to develop engaging content and incorporates feedback
• Builds client rapport to establish trust and support long-term relationships
• Develops and maintains relationships with stakeholders including students, parents, staff, administration, clients, and the general public
• Communicates clearly and succinctly with clients for revision and editing of written materials

Professional Experience

Freelance Writer, 2012-present

Journalism Teacher & Yearbook Adviser, 2019-present

Technology Teacher, 2015-present

English Teacher, 1994-2015