about my writing

I am a Chicago-based writer/editor with  25 years of experience developing emotionally evocative copy that supports the cultural, educational and humanistic missions of nonprofit organizations such as social service agencies, community health centers and hospitals, educational institutions, conservation organizations, museums, botanic gardens and zoos.

My nonprofit clients rely on me for my strong concept development skills, my attention to detail and my ability to write engaging and persuasive copy that promotes awareness of their missions, reflects their strategic objectives,  increases community involvement and generates fundraising revenues.

My fundraising appeals and membership acquisition packages consistently produce excellent returns and frequently outperform previous efforts. For example, a member acquisition package that I conceived for The Jewish Museum in New York generated twice as many new memberships as the museum's previous acquisition mailing. A year-end appeal for Hephzibah Children's Association in Illinois raised $28,000 more than the previous year's appeal — a 29 percent increase in revenues.

Because my interviewing style is warm and personal — and I have a talent for getting to the essence of my subjects — I am often hired to write magazine profiles (including donor profiles for nonprofits) that go beyond factual reporting into a deeper realm, where readers can learn about the life experiences, values and priorities that motivate my subjects.

My strategic thinking skills — coupled with my ability to create clear, concise and compelling promotional copy  — also make me an ideal candidate for commercial clients in need of identity brochures, promotional materials and website content.

writing samples

 

 

some past & present writing clients

  • The American Museum of Natural History

  • The Anderson Foundation

  • Atlanta Botanical Garden

  • The Bronx Zoo

  • Brookfield Zoo

  • The Children's Museum of San Jose

  • Community Shares

  • Detroit Zoo

  • Divane Brothers Electric Company

  • Emerging Photographer magazine

  • Erie Family Health Centers

  • Frassati Catholic Academy

  • Hephzibah Children’s Association

  • International Society of Systematic Biologists

  • The Jewish Museum, New York

  • Kittleman & Associates

  • Lincoln Park Zoo

  • LINK Unlimited

  • Loyola Academy

  • Loyola University

  • Mailworks

  • Mt. Sinai Medical Center

  • Oak Park Township

  • Olympus Imaging America, Inc. (Olympus Visionaries Program)

  • Photo District News magazine

  • Pillars

  • Respite House

  • Roosevelt University

  • Seneca Park Zoo

  • SOS Children’s Village Illinois

  • Species Survival Commission of the World Conservation Union

  • St. Mary's University of Minnesota

  • Stockland Martel, New York

  • University of Illinois College of Education

  • University of Illinois College of Medicine

  • University of Illinois Department of Medicine

  • University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration

  • Westchester Food Bank