Profile of Colleen Dixon, Shenandoah Writing Services Summary With more than 18 years’ experience in writing, editing and proofreading, I offer you my diverse experience in writing styles and polishing techniques. My research skills include data collection using multiple sources and skillful distillation of information. Skills and Expertise Editing: Content or manuscript editing for clarity and consistency, readability, word choice, verb tense, grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. I continually strive to preserve the author's voice and suggest rearranging or rewriting sections only to improve the overall readability of the text. Writing: Engaging, informative text created from client-provided notes and research. Alternatively, thorough research along with captivating text developed from the topic and specifics of a client’s project. Proofreading: Documents marked and errors in spelling, capitalization, grammar and punctuation corrected. I suggest changes to improve readability and ease transitions. Experience and Qualifications I began my writing career as a civilian working for the Navy conducting comprehensive interviews. I wrote extensive Information Reports based on my analysis of information gained. National consumers gave my reports multiple High-Value evaluations for the impressive level of technical detail, exceptional overall content and timeliness in meeting critical requirements. Concurrently, throughout 18 years as a Naval Reserve Officer I have prepared and edited extensive written reports and briefs following in-depth analysis. As a result of varied skills developed over almost two decades, I was invited to join the staff of Madison magazine as a writer and editor. I conduct research or interviews to create feature articles, captions and news items for James Madison University's quarterly magazine. Responsibility for editing and proofreading articles written by student interns and freelance writers has been turned over to me, as has editing and proofreading newsletters, articles and other university communication pieces. Shenandoah Writing Services launched in February 2006. I now help local, national, and international clients take the worry out of writing by crafting Web content, articles, reviews, profiles, and other documents, and by skillfully editing or proofreading their existing manuscript or document. I offer in-depth reviews and specialize in spotting the tiny errors that can mar an otherwise pristine document. Additionally, I aid clients with thorough research, tabulating my results in spread-sheets or other format the client prefers. Recent Clients for Colleen Dixon, Shenandoah Writing Services Editing/proofreading Bridge Management, Australia—edited and proofread two manuals, one handout and one survey for “Coaching in the Classroom” E-Commerce International, Australia—edited e-book “Read and Grow Rich” Jonathan Fleming, Calif.—edited article and blog entry on real estate JurisTech, Calif.—edited and updated personal profile Kyle Hawke, Kan.—edited technical paper on Open Innovation Naval Criminal Investigative Service Headquarters, Washington, D.C.—edited two Annual Reports on Counterintelligence and Counterterrorism while on active Naval Reserve duty Rocky Hill Stables, Va.—edited Horse Assisted Leadership Training manual Will Murphy, Utah—edited 300-page e-book “Tomorrow’s Trends” Writing In and Around Harrisonburg Guidebook, Harrisonburg—wrote two articles for Summer 2008 issue, one on the 100th birthday of James Madison University and one on the 100th birthday of the town of Elkton Black Box Leadership, Utah—wrote a testimonial on the book “9 Secret Ways How Effective Leaders Use the Law of Attraction” Competitive Edge Tennis Academy, N.J.—created content for “About Us” web page Extreme Exposure Media, Va.—wrote persuasive article about web content, developed web content for invitingspaces.com, edited award nomination package, and developed keyword variable articles for use in multi-city web content project Halterman Karate Studio, Harrisonburg, Va.—created paragraph on “Bully Bustin’” program, edited flyers and brochure Metadesc, online—wrote 25 keyword articles on prostate cancer Sara Tharakan, www.sarasmexico.com—wrote articles reviewing luxury resorts in Mexico Will Murphy, Utah—wrote press release and two articles on the e-book “Tomorrow’s Trends” See My Published Clips for items appearing in Madison magazine Research Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Australia—researched factors driving defense industry consolidation, response of various countries of interest in restructuring their defense procurement processes, and projections of the structure of the international defense marketplace in the next 10-30 years NEC International, online—researched Web sites offering college information tailored for high school students Walktall International, Australia—researched list of articles/e-books on public speaking and presentation skills Work.com-wrote 26 online guides for Web site aimed at business owners |