Need a Writer

Need a writer?

I am an award-winning writer who can create dynamic, engaging copy for you and your clients. I have authored more than two dozen books, and I have written articles for over 125 newspapers, magazines, newsletters, and websites, amounting to thousands of articles. These include History Channel Magazine, Boy’s Life, USA Today.com, Early American Life, and Pennsylvania Heritage. Although my specialty is history, I have written articles and copy for biotechnology, computers, finance, government, high-tech, medical, real estate, and retail businesses. My clients have included:

  • State of Maryland
  • National Solid Waste Management
  • Administrative Offices of the U.S. Courts
  • Pharmacia LKB Biotechnology
  • Computer Sciences Corporation
  • American Association of Clinical Chemistry

 

Quality of Service

By working with me, you get professionalism, experience, and efficiency. It’s a combination that can be hard to find. The job isn’t finished until you’re happy with it, no matter how many revisions you might want. That being said, I don’t often get asked for revisions, but I’m happy to do them if that’s what you need.

 

Article Writing Samples

 

Marketing Communications Samples (click to enlarge)

Awards

  • Associated Press – Awards for Public Service Reporting, Breaking News, Feature Writing and Sports Feature.
  • Maryland-Delaware-DC Press Association – Awards for Public Service Writing (3), Feature Writing, Investigate Reporting (2), Spot News (2), Religious Story, Education Reporting, Feature: Profile, Special Section (2), James Keats Freedom of Information Award and Local Column.
  • Society of Professional Journalists – Awards for Public-Service Reporting and General Reporting.
  • Maryland State Teachers Association – School Bell Award or Continuing Coverage of Education.
  • CNHI – Finalist for Best Feature Story
  • Utah Advertising Federation – Outstanding Print Layout and Copywriter.
  • American Advertising Federation of Greater Frederick – Best Feature or Layout

 

What Previous Clients Say About My Work

“His concepts have sparked several art/copy creative meetings.  His body copy is tight and clear.  He knows how to get a job done under deadline pressure.  And, his headlines are invariably attention-getting.  In other words, this guy is already good.” – Greg Novik, Creative Director, Image Dynamics

“He researched our company better than the other groups and came up with the most complete and the most effective advertising program.” – Joe Ollivier, President, First Capital Securities

“His copy is crisp, clean, and timely, and he has worked extremely well with many of the individuals with whom we must interact, including local chambers of commerce and business owners.  He has made the difficult take of starting a publication from scratch infinitely easier through his talent and diligence.” – Brian Ditto, Editor, Northwest Business Bulletin

“All of his work has shown an outstanding level of professionalism.  If I had to highlight a few of Jim’s talents, they would be his ability to work with numerous personalities, a high level of creativity, and an ability to work under pressure.” – Rowland Kenna, Marketing Manager, GIBCO BRL
“He listened to what we wanted and provided it.  He took the time to understand our business.” – James Durfee, Vice President-Sales, Office Movers, Inc.

“I have worked with many writers—both promotional and technical—in the course of ten years in advertising and graphic design.  Rarely have I seen anyone who excels at both disciplines.  I would happily place Jim among their number.” – Christopher Culotta, Art Director, GIBCO BRL

“Jim is able to comprehend difficult material and organize it in such a way that is becomes more accessible to the audience.  Jim’s strict attention to detail results in accurate work—while his sense of humor helps to turn ‘accurate’ into ‘creative.’” – Jacqui Grothe, President, Grothe Design

“A good understanding of technical material enables Jim to catch errors while proofreading.  He asks appropriate questions, and showed flexibility in working with our production schedule.” – Nancy Sasavage, Editor, Clinical Chemistry News

 

Honors

  • Two of my technical-writing articles were included in the collection Stet Again! More Tricks of the Trade for Publications People by Editorial Experts in Virginia.
  • My technical writing articles were required reading for a technical writing course at the University of Winnipeg in Canada and my local history columns are used at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy.
  • I am a fellow of Knight Center of Specialized Journalism at the University of Maryland School of Journalism.
  • My articles have also helped get state legislation passed and get a police officer’s name listed on the National Officer Down Memorial.

Let me know what you think.