I use my many years of experience as a writer and editor to make your projects look and sound even better!

Whether you need a spelling ace, a wordsmith to rewrite and hone your writing voice, or just a friendly pair of eyes to look at a newsletter or speech, I would be glad to work with you.

Editing and writing services I offer include:

• proofreading
• basic copy editing
• substantive editing
• ghost writing

Contact me if you need help with the following:

• websites
• newsletters
• manuscripts
• books
• nonprofit projects

I am an award-winning editor and writer with a 12-year record of implementing successful strategies to create compelling and enterprising stories for print and online audiences. I am adept at leading a team of reporters, photographers, graphics artists and other editors to provide innovative news and feature packages. And I am passionate about journalists’ roles as watchdogs and hyperlocal community news providers. I am a proven leader and team player.

Managing editor at The Gazette in Frederick, Md. (8 years)

• Strategized community coverage daily online and weekly in print for Frederick County’s 13 municipalities, the Board of County Commissioners, the Board of Education, police agencies, fire companies, nonprofits and other community organizations.
• Guided a staff of full-time professional reporters, copy editor and part-time interns to produce compelling hard news, news features, investigative and enterprising stories that enrich readers’ understanding of the region.
• Edited 40 to 50 stories each week focusing on story development, solid lead writing and compelling storytelling, as well as strict compliance with Associated Press style.
• Planned and implemented daily web coverage as well as layout for about 40 broadsheet pages each week using Quark XPress.
• Organized and conducted monthly staff development sessions on topics such as better lead-writing, constructing the literary news feature and understanding municipal budgets, among others.

Voices editor and page designer at Reading Eagle Company in Reading, Pa. (3 1/2 years)

• Oversaw the weekly online and print editions of Voices, a national award-winning 20-page tabloid written by and for teenagers living in Berks County, Pa.
• Worked with graphic designers and web developer to create updated website to engage readers.
• Managed one professional reporter, two part-time interns and about 150 freelance correspondents to write a variety of stories ranging from serious news pieces to features and entertainment reviews.
• Conducted weekly art meetings to strategize online and print design plans to attract and keep teenage and adult readers interested.
• Participated in Newspaper Association of America Foundation’s yearlong study of student journalism and sections dedicated to youth content, along with newspaper editors in other states.
• Fully paginated A1, Metro, Entertainment, Sports, Lifestyle and other daily sections using Quark XPress.
• Developed a consistent look for Voices, including planning photo sessions for cover designs and centerspreads.

“It is amazing how much you can accomplish when it doesn’t matter who gets the credit.”
Harry S Truman

My passion/obsession for the written word began when I won my first spelling bee as a child growing up in Pennsylvania.

Since then, I have worked with many different people and organizations, writing or editing books, newsletters, websites, blogs, brochures, and much more, to help hone clients’ message. The majority of my professional experience has come through working with news publications, such as daily and weekly newspapers with online and print editions.

I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the College of Communications at The Pennsylvania State University. I also earned minors in Spanish and in history, two passions I still pursue.

I am a devoted Penn State fanatic, with the paraphernalia-filled basement to prove it! I am a huge fan of Mr. Rogers and his life philosophy, eating and baking cupcakes, experimenting in the kitchen, crafting for and with my kids, and spending as much time as possible with my family.

I live in beautiful downtown Frederick, Md., with my husband, our two children and our dog, Brooks.

I am lucky to know and work with these skilled professionals…

• spence photographics
• Jack Out of the Box Designs