Laurel Mills
laurelfain@yahoo.com
205.613.5558
Writer & Editor
Summary of Qualifications
- Writer, editor and researcher with five years experience in writing, editing and producing media, including business publications, literary journals and commercial magazines. Strong grammar and language skills, excellent attention to detail. Multi-tasks and meets deadlines. Works well independently or as part of a team.
- Writer capable of tackling subject matter from lifestyle features to technical writing to personal narratives.
Work History
Lipstick Magazine, Birmingham, AL
Managing Editor, October 2007 - February 2009
- Shaped voice and direction of magazine from start-up
- Established monthly editorial calendar; Assigned and edited all stories, Arranged photo shoots
- Wrote monthly columns (“A to Z,” “Lipshtick”) and contributed other written content to each issue
- Managed relationships with all freelance writers and photographers
- Managed and uploaded all web content
Samford After Sundown, Birmingham, AL
Professor, September 2008 - present
- Provide weekly instruction in freelance writing, writing for mass media and creative nonfiction.
- Design curriculum, lesson plan and course schedule
- Lead class discussion; Critique student papers.
ReZoom.com, Nashville, TN
Lifestyles and Travel Editor, October 2006 - October 2007
- Shaped channels from start-up of site, including establishment of 3 new sub-channels and templates
- Set monthly and yearly editorial calendar for Lifestyles and Travel channels
- Wrote 2-3 articles/week for Lifestyles and Travel channels; Contributed to print magazine content
- Edited, requested art and loaded all articles for channels
- Recruited and communicated with contributing writers to assign articles and establish deadlines
- Trained editorial assistant in areas of research and writing
mental_floss Magazine, Birmingham, AL
Editorial/Research Assistant, August 2005 – June 2006
- Developed story ideas and wrote articles for magazine
- Researched cover stories and contributed content to cover articles
- Contributed ideas for cover text and lead-ins; participated in weekly conference calls to determine content
- Copy edited magazine text prior to production
Morgan Creek Vineyards and Winery, Harpersville, AL
Media Consultant, June 2005 - November 2006
- Wrote copy for wine labels and other Morgan Creek products
- Wrote and copy edited all correspondence
- Wrote press releases for special events and communicated with media outlets prior to events and functions
Aura Literary Arts Journal, Birmingham, AL
Associate Editor, August 2004 – August 2005
- Chose submissions for Columbia Scholastic Press Association award-winning magazine; Wrote introduction
- Oversaw design and layout of magazine; Entered submissions into Quark XPress and copy edited text
- Planned and hosted release party for magazine and contributors
The Army Distaff Foundation, Washington, DC
Associate Director of Marketing and Development, July 2001 – July 2002
- Wrote, edited, and published Foundation newsletter
- Oversaw writing, layout and design of Foundation annual report
- Designed and implemented new marketing and advertising materials
- Assisted with planning and execution of special events and fundraisers, including formal dinner for 350
- Cultivated new donors and maintained current donor relations
- Maintained all computer-based data and contributions
- Managed all aspects of donor acknowledgment process and all information requests
Education and Affiliations
M. A., English, University of Alabama at Birmingham, August 2005
B. A., Government, Georgetown University, May 2001
Member, Society of Professional Journalists, Association of Writing Professionals, February 2009 - present
Member, Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society, 2005 - present
Skills
Language: French, Spanish.
Computer: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint); Adobe (PageMaker, PhotoDeluxe, PhotoShop); Indesign; Quark XPress; Databases; Some HTML; Internet
References and writing samples available on request.
