Mindy L. Messenger

PO Box 85327

Seattle, WA 98145

mindy@mindalee.com

To obtain an editing or publishing related position that will utilize my analytical and creative skills, including my proficiency at writing and editing.

• Knowledge of Chicago Manual of Style, MLA Handbook, AP Stylebook, and others.
• Knowledge of film industry and writing academic and informal critiques of films.
• Over seven years web development, design, site maintenance and content editing using XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, Flash, PHP, MySQL and various content management systems.
• Marketing publication design and layout using Adobe PageMaker/InDesign, Photoshop, Acrobat and Illustrator.
• Computer skills: Proficient with XML, Mac OS X, Microsoft OS (Vista, XP, NT), Microsoft Office Suite, Access, DonorPerfect, DreamWeaver, FrontPage, SharePoint, Omniture, Bedrock. Familiar with Unix, Mac OS 9.

Microsoft, MSN Shopping

Producer, Contract (10/2007 - 10/2008, 2/2009 - Current)

Developed, edited and wrote shopping articles about apparel, shoes, jewelry, and home decor trends. Created and merchandised shopping content and seasonal user experiences. Tracked and analyzed merchandising and traffic-driving metrics, using data to improve content and increase revenue. Created content that helped team exceed revenue goals for June 2008 by 10% and for the 2007-2008 fiscal year by 53% via merchandised content. Planned and managed redesign for “Green Shop” customer experience, increasing Green Shop revenue by 250%.

Microsoft, ITPro Dept, MSDN and TechNet Magazine

Technical Editor, Contract (9/2006 - 6/2007)

Drove and managed project to syndicate MSDN Magazine and TechNet Magazine content across ITPro sites, increasing unique page view web traffic to magazine content by 300% in less than 3 months and far exceeding the team’s goal to increase traffic by 300% during a one year period. Edited and published developer and technical articles to the MSDN Library using internal tools, often working closely with content stakeholders to meet tight deadlines.

University of Washington, Financial Management Deptartment

Web Manager, Financial Desktop Customer Support (1/2006 - 6/2006)

Managed financial training websites, creating detailed plans for improvement on usability and content. Edited web-based financial application training materials. Edited paper-based training manuals, documentation, and promotion materials. Hand-coded and redesigned/created website tutorials for various university-wide financial training courses.

Wireless Data Systems

Technical Editor, Contract (5/2005 - 10/2005)

Edited and wrote documentation for Verizon Wireless' web-based customer support database using strict style guidelines and knowledge of HTML. Managed group of technical writers by pacing workload to meet tight deadlines. Provided technical/editorial support for writers, including training.

Hillel: Foundation for Jewish Campus Life

Office Assistant (9/2000 - 3/2005)

Edited newsletters and solicitations. Edited grant copy. Administered and publicized annual student scholarship. Communicated with donors, constituents and community members daily.

The Daily

Staff Reporter (9/2004 - 3/2005)

Generated article ideas based on personal involvement of current events within the University community. Interviewed sources, wrote and self-edited articles. Submitted copy on tight deadline.

Wales Literary Agency

Intern (3/2004 - 6/2004)

Read and responded to unsolicited submissions. Brought quality writing to the attention of head agent. Read and critiqued solicited manuscripts. Provided advice on improvement in writing style, plot clarity and character development in manuscripts under consideration for representation.

Hillel: Foundation for Jewish Campus Life

Public Relations Intern (1/2004 - 6/2004)

Created pamphlets and brochures to highlight UW student events, wrote and formatted weekly newsletter, and designed event posters. Archived all publications in professional format for presentation to donors. Maintained, wrote, and edited content for website.

The Seattle Review

Reader for submissions (9/2002 - 6/2003)

Screened short story submissions using guidelines for writing quality, strength of plot and characters, and overall personal interest. Wrote extensive critiques for each piece read.

Study abroad: Rome, Italy, Summer 2007 & Summer 2004

Creative writing program through the University of Washington English Department. Coursework included Ancient Roman history, literary history as applied to Rome, and public reading of daily creative writing assignments.

University of Washington Extension Program, Seattle, WA

Screenwriting Certificate, June 2007.

Developed creative writing skills in character development, dialog, as well as strengthening story and plot planning. Produced the rough draft for one full screenplay and revised twice by the end of the program.

University of Washington Extension Program, Seattle, WA

Editing Certificate, June 2006.

Coursework includes practical grammar for editors, fundamentals of copy-editing, contemporary editorial technology, and advanced non-fiction editing.

University of Washington, Seattle, WA

B.A. in English with a double focus in Literature and Creative Writing (GPA: 3.7), March 2005

B.A. in Cinema Studies (GPA: 3.6), March 2005

Worked 20-30 hours a week while attending college full-time

Supported 100% of education and living costs