WritingThoughts

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Even though I’ve been writing for twenty years now, there are some types of writing projects that I just don’t accept (and some topics I don’t tackle).

While I have broad knowledge of many subjects and specific knowledge in several, the research required to learn some topics makes writing about them impractical.

For example, if you would ask me to explain how to remove a brain tumor I would have to refuse. I don’t have enough training to write knowledgeably about that subject.

Clients often ask what types of writing work I do. While I list some specific services on my Hire WritingThoughts service page and provide sample links to works that are not restricted by non-disclosure agreements, some clients are looking for additional information to determine whether I am a good fit for their writing project.

Technical Writing/Training

Creating technical writing materials has been a huge part of my writing career. Working as both a freelancer/independent contractor and as an employee in several large corporations, I’ve created a huge number of B2B (business-to-business) documents that fit into this category, including:

• Online help systems–I’ve researched and written both online help and context-sensitive help according to company standards. Some time ago, I completed training in both RoboHelp and FrameMaker. I also completed an HTML-Web Page Design course at Northlake College.
• Training guides–The bulk of my work is now creating training guides for accountants and other business professionals. I’ve completed over 40 courses for accountants on topics ranging from International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) to Taxation to PowerPoint for two different professional training companies. I’ve also served as financial research specialist and fact checker
• User manuals–When I began as a technical writer, most technical documentation was on paper. Consequently, I created a number of customized (printed) documents for specific companies.

Business Writing/Copywriting

As a business writer/copywriter I’ve tackled projects ranging from editing other people’s documents to creating web content to creating and managing company newsletters, writing product spec sheets, and press releases. This writing specialty actually represents my roots, since my first paid writing job was in a marketing department of a corporation. More recently, I’ve been a regular contributor at Everything PR.

Blogging

For a long time, I’ve hesitated to ‘fess up to this writing specialty. The truth is, I get paid to blog. I’ve been receiving money for blog posts for nearly three years now.

While this particular blog isn’t necessarily a big moneymaker (although I do run ads and have properly identified affiliate links here), I have posted professionally (for pay) at five different popular blogs over the years (as of 2010):

1. Freelance Folder. Over 200 posts (ongoing), plus editorial responsibilities.
2. Freelance Writing Jobs. 20 posts.
3. Everything PR. Approximately 50 posts.
4. Business and Blogging. (b5media has completely restructured their blogs and active archives are no longer available.) Over 120 posts.
5. Work From Home Momma. Over 200 posts (Work From Home Momma is no longer online).

And of course, there have been many more since 2010.

In a Nutshell

I love writing–and I’m good at it. I just may be the writer you need for your next writing project.

I’m a thorough researcher who can be counted on to meet deadlines. I’ve also mastered an effective conversational style for marketing communications and blogging. However, I can just easily follow a technical style guide.

My preferred topics are those related to business success, accounting, and writing. However, I’ve been known to tackle other topics upon request. You can learn more about how to contact me for your next writing project here.