Curriculum Vitae
Judy Wacui Makori
Telephone no: - Email:-Bio Data
Marital Status: Married
Date of Birth: 21st Jan 1977
Nationality: Kenyan
Personal Profile
For the past 12 years, I have taken on different editorial assignments spanning across copy-writing, copy-editing, re-writing, proof-reading and formatting. This I have been doing in a freelance capacity and also as a full time employee working for two daily newspapers. I have the requisite skills and self-drive to take on a remote position and the professionalism to deliver output that is above par.
Education
2010 - 2012
Bachelor of Arts, Counseling Option
First Class Honors
Pan Africa Christian University
Sept 2008 - Dec 2009
Higher Diploma in Counseling Psychology
Distinction
Maranatha College of Professional Counseling and Training
1991 - 1994
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education
State House Girls High School
Professional Qualifications
2004 - 2005: Certificate of Competence in Creative Writing - The Writers Bureau.
Skills
Communication Skills: I am an excellent communicator who effectively conveys information both verbally and in writing. I am also a keen listener who gives prompt feedback.
Proposal and Publication development: Excellent copy-writing - including crafting catchy headlines, kickers, captions and side-bars; copy-editing and proof-reading skills. Also able to format as well as layout different types of publications.
Digital Scope: I have a firm grasp of the nuances of social media and of optimizing copy for search engines. I am also familiar with WordPress.
Flexibility and Adaptability: I am a flexible team player who is positive, resilient, open to new ideas and who has refined planning and organizational skills.
Time Management: Ability to prioritize work and manage time effectively in order to meet deadlines no matter how tight.
Work Experience
Aug 2015 to May 2017
The Standard Newspaper
Position: Senior Sub-Editor (Features)
Responsibilities:
I was responsible for production of a weekly 12 page pull-out and had a team of correspondents, photojournalists and a designer under me
I spearheaded all operations for this publication working closely with writers - to source for copy, photojournalists - to give direction on images needed and designers - to check layout for aesthetic appeal. All essential factors in publishing a high quality paper.
In the story gathering context, specifically, I gave guidance – and often mentorship – in giving direction as pertains to tightening up story ideas, narrowing down on critical story angles and on general execution of final copy output.
I was also tasked with ensuring all content met the highest standards of journalistic excellence.
Mar 2014 - July 2015
The Standard Newspaper
Position: Sub-Editor (News Desk)
Responsibilities:
Editing content appearing on the news pages of the daily newspaper as well as coming up with catchy headlines, kickers and captions.
Ensure copy published is accurate, coherent, grammatically sound, and free of libel while making sure all photos adhere to journalistic standards and ethics.
June 2013 - Mar 2014
The Standard Newspaper
Position: Sub-Editor (Features)
Responsibilities:
Content provision and presentation of four pages in a 12-page daily insert.
To ensure content for these pages came on time and the final output was professionally presented, I organized my team into weekly brainstorming sessions where we would hash out ideas well in advance. I would also give constant direction to aid them further flesh-out the stories while ensuring photos presented were “alive” and “told a story”.
May 2007 – May 2013
The Star Newspaper
Position: Features writer and sub-editor
Features writer responsibilities (May 2007 to Nov 2012):
Writing as Wacui Makori, I was tasked with ensuring the features desk had copy that was relevant to our target audience.
Arrange for interviews and ensure we had accompanying photos.
Sub editor responsibilities (Nov 2012 to May 2013):
Re-writing copy, checking for grammatical errors, ensuring articles are clear, coherent and adhere to the house style.
Other Positions Held
March 2005 to Date: Editorial Freelancing.
June 2002 – July 2003: Account Executive, Atom-TDF
Aug 1997 - March 2000: Graphic designer at Colour Creations.
Oct 1995 - Jan 1997: Staff Reporter at SACCO Star Magazine.
Additional Information
Hobbies and Interests
Reading, Writing, Travelling, Singing
Referees
Available on request