edit chicago
REFINING 312 ONE WORD AT A TIME
MICHELLE KEEFE
EDITOR • WRITER • CREATIVE
SUMMARY
I have two decades of experience as an editor, a proofreader, and a writer for ad agencies and in-house marketing departments at Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies. As a former journalist, my curiosity and attention to detail enable me to communicate complex topics to a broad audience and explore key components of a brand’s story – from its mission and people to its global impact. I believe clarity, consistency, and tone are essential to the success of every marketing campaign.
EXPERIENCE
Marketing Communications Specialist, CNA Insurance, October 2020-November 2023
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Helped extend market reach of Marine and Ocean Cargo insurance coverage by developing copy for a multichannel campaign – including a brochure and all accompanying elements.
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Edited and fact checked insurance guides, white papers, brochures, blog articles, and sell sheets for grammar, spelling, consistency, and adherence to AP/company style guide.
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Wrote CSR ads showcasing CNA’s commitment to philanthropy.
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Updated brochures and sell sheets to align with new branding.
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Ghostwrote industry blog articles based on source material and interviews with contributing authors.
Copywriter, Echo Global Logistics, July 2018-August 2019
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Lead copywriter for Fortune 1000 logistics and supply chain management company.
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Created sell sheets, case studies, website copy, press releases, and articles that informed a broad audience of investors, clients, and carrier partners.
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Ensured all media mentions were on brand and on topic.
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Interviewed subject matter experts and sales representatives to create copy for external communications and internal social media platform.
Copywriter, WunderLand/Advanced Clinical/Advanced Resources, June 2017-September 2017 (contract)
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Lead copywriter for branding and website overhaul of Chicago-area staffing agency, The Advanced Group of Companies.
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Wrote and edited over 90 website pages for WunderLand, including bio blurbs, company mission, and homepage copy.
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Adopted brand tone across all pages to ensure consistency and adherence to client style.
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Collaborated with team members to implement SEO keywords and phrases.
Etsy Shop Owner, CuratedVintageCloset, July 2017-present
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Photograph products and create copy for listings, including product names, blurbs, and item details.
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Package and mail products based on customer specifications.
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I have a Star Seller rating, with over 500 five-star reviews based on quality, communication, and customer service.
Writer & Proofreader, Jacobs & Clevenger, 2011-2016
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Generated SEO-driven content articles and topics for several industries, including auto and navigation technology, utility and energy companies, marketing, B2B and B2C, and more.
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Proofread all print and online materials for content, spelling, grammar, consistency, and adherence to client and agency style.
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Supervised freelancers for adherence to client and agency style.
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Assisted production artists with QC of logos, branding, and other visuals to align with client specifications.
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Clients have included Ulta, Phantom Fireworks, Nokia, iPay, ProfitStars, HERE, Navteq, Pacific Gas and Electric, Humana, Alliant Credit Union, and a handful of automotive brands including Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Nissan, Acura, Chevrolet, and Lincoln.
Proofreader, Upshot, 2010-2011
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Proofread all print and online materials for content, spelling, grammar, consistency, and adherence to client and agency style.
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Checked foreign language copy against translation.
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Clients have included Disney, Crown Liquors, Budweiser, Corona, Procter and Gamble, Kraft, and Hilton.
Freelance Editor, 2008-present
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Edited Disabled Fables, written by local award-winning humorist Dan Montville.
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Edited Wisdom to Heal and Love Again, a self-help e-book written by Georgia Roulo, winner of a National Indie Excellence Award and U.S. Supreme Court-ruled creative champion.
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Edit and offer feedback pertaining to tone, clarity, and content for various writing projects including novels, essays, business correspondence, marketing copy, and more.
Freelance Journalist, Forest Park Review, 2006-2010
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Researched and fact checked various topics ranging from local politics to resident profiles.
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Covered local current events while meeting weekly deadlines.
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Interviewed elected Forest Park officials including the mayor and village commissioners.
VOLUNTEER
Publicist, Chicago Golden Gloves boxing tournament, 2014-2016
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Worked with press contacts to gain coverage of the 2015 tournament.
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Coordinated interviews with journalists, boxers, and special guests.
INTERESTS
Most people know me as a pretty big fan of David Bowie. My favorite writers include Roald Dahl, John Steinbeck, and Margaret Atwood. I’m a textile/fiber artist, with a special interest in embroidery, hand quilting, needlepoint, and applique.
EDUCATION
Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, 2006
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B.A. in English, minor in Comparative Literature
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Centers for Academic Programs Abroad (CAPA), Florence, Italy