A group of copywriters and editors in the same group may seem like a strange idea. After all, aren’t we supposed to be competing for the same pool of clients? If you’re a professional writer or editor in Portland (or you’re just starting out), that might be the first thing that comes to mind when considering membership in the Copywriter Conclave of Portland.
When Amber James invited me to join the group back in 2011, that’s what I thought, too. The funny thing, though, is that I have gotten some of the best leads (and kind support) from this talented bunch of writers/editors.
We do sometimes pitch to the same local clients. But it’s not a big deal. After all, we don’t just focus on the PDX area. For instance, I’ve worked with clients in Panama and China.
Anyway, if a Portland client ever chose one of my peers over me, it’s because they needed a particular set of skills.
And, let me tell ya, this group has a formidable set of skills:
Lisa-Natalie Anjozian: Earth and Space Science Writer
Lisa-Natalie Anjozian writes for NASA (particularly the Goddard Space Flight Center). She also writes for small businesses, but not many writers can say they have written for NASA. Like Jeff Gunderson, she has a talent for taking complex concepts and making them understandable to everyone.
Sheila Ashdown: Book Editor, Ghostwriter, Writing Coach
Sheila Ashdown focuses equally on writing and editing (they require different mindsets, trust me). She has written marketing copy for Powell’s Books and numerous small businesses. She edits non-fiction and fiction books and offers multiple editing tiers depending on her clients’ needs. She is also the Editor-in-Chief of The Ne’er Do Well literary magazine.
Dylan Benito: Technical Writer
Dylan Benito currently works as a technical writer for Intel, a copyeditor for Oxford University Press, and she is also a freelance writer for local and non-local clients. She also spent several years as a bookseller for Powell’s Books. Somehow, she also finds time to be the Conclave’s treasurer.
Kirsten Collins: Grant Writer
Kirsten Collins is a fundraising expert who offers a consultative approach to her clients. Her services include comprehensive grants management, as well as project-based grant writing. She even sets up grant plans and handles donor communications, making life as easy as possible for her clients.
Jeanie Gosline: Marketing Copywriter
Jeanie Gosline currently writes copy for Nike.com and was a triple threat (proofreader/office manager/web coordinator) for Dissent Magazine during a critical four-year period (2004-2008). Her specialties include brand identity, web content, and marketing campaigns.
Jeff Gunderson: Water, Sustainability, and Natural Resources Copywriter
Jeff Gunderson writes engaging and laymen-friendly articles about complex technical processes. His clients include the University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center and Water Environment & Technology, the magazine for the Water Environment Federation. The three pillars of his consultancy are, “water, environment, building.”
Amber James: Marketing Copywriter
Amber James, the Conclave’s founder and fearless leader, has written for Nike, and she currently is the copywriter for Biamp Systems. Oh, and she was also recognized by the NCAA as the greatest female athlete in the entire history of the Division III indoor track & field championship. She brings that same level of power to her clients.
Kristin O’Neill: Marketing Copywriter and Consultant
Kristin O’Neill excels at matching a writing style to a particular audience. Like Amber, she has a sports background, and she’s written content for many small businesses, as well as a construction firm. She also dedicates hours of her time to marketing the annual Wordstock Festival.
Mike Russell: Marketing Copywriter
Mike Russell is a web copywriter who has written everything from white papers to faculty profiles. He also gives prospects a free report entitled, “5 Ways to Write a Bio that Sells,” that provides tremendous value to working professionals. He also has a keen interest in environmental writing and unconventional pizza.
Rachel Wright: Retail and Apparel Copywriter
Rachel Wright is a storyteller at heart and writes content that holds people’s attention. Her current focus is as a copywriter, editor, and content strategist. Her lucky clients include Nau, Roxy, and Nike. She’s also a talented and nuanced photographer.
Mahesh Raj Mohan: Marketing Copywriter
And then there’s me. I’ve written for the Oregonian and The Portland Spirit. I’ve created content for medical centers and physicians, and I’ve edited complete non-fiction manuscripts and novels.
If you want to know more about the Copywriter Conclave of Portland, or you’re ready to sign-up, go here. We want to know more about you!
Last week we talked about 8 Cheap and Good Ways to Build Your Skill Set. This week we’re talking about valuable services for freelancers that aren’t necessarily budget-busting but ain’t cheap, either. As freelance writers and editors, our main selling point is how we can enhance businesses, institutions, and entrepreneurs by hiring us. The services below help us enhance our own value propositions.