Shirley Kitson

Professional Summary

I am an engaging, reader-focussed writer, and detail-oriented editor with more than 10 years experience. Having a very mixed writing background to draw from, I can easily write in a diverse range of styles, tones and topics.

For more than a decade I did technical writing for companies offering energy and environmental technologies and methodologies. For the past five years I have been writing and editing satirical pieces, and sports articles.

As a writer and an editor, I am very detail oriented; my writing is grammatically correct, factual, and unique in every way.

Putting aside the Wordsmith, I am also very tech-savvy; always reading up on new and emerging technology. It is a passion of mine.

Core Competencies

·  Adept in a wide variety of styles/tones

·  Fluent in British and American English

·  Expert proofreading / grammar checking

·  Strong research and fact-checking skills

·  Proficient in AP writing style

·  Savvy analysis of and adaptation to target readership

**Technical Skills                                                                                                         **

·  WordPress CMS: HTML, CSS, PHP

·  Microsoft Suite: Word, Excel, Power Point

·  Video and photo editing: MAGIX, Corel

·  Multimedia journalism and digital media

·  Content distribution on Social Media

·  Google metrics and analytics

Experience

Chief Editor /Writer/Web Development                                                                            2013 –2016

**Motorcycle Race Mag                                                                                                        **UK

·  Oversaw all aspects of the magazine both creative and business.

·  Scheduled and prepared assignments for freelance writers.

·  Wrote all article headlines, and feature articles on races, riders and technical developments.

·  Created and penned a series of articles showcasing legendary women in motorcycle history.

·  Edited, proofread and published articles in WordPress.

·  Selected images and created videos for articles.

·  Developed and maintained website front office and worked with back office techs.

**Chief Editor/Writer/Marketing                                                                                            **2012 –2013

**Great Canadian Joke Book                                                                                                **CA

· Creator/Writer of website blog 'Cheap Shots with Maura Less', a farcical take on current Canadian news events.

· Wrote edited, proofread and published blog posts in WordPress.

· Produced and published humorous images and videos to accompany posts.

**Freelance B2B Marketing Consultant       **                                                                       2000 –2011

· Worked with client's offering green energy, alternative energy, carbon emissions reduction technologies.

· Identified ideal ICI Sector target markets and points of pain.

· Identified ideal targets within organizational structures e.g. COO, VP Facilities etc.

· Scripted pitches for each market’s target e.g. Healthcare COOs, Steel Facilities VPs etc.

**                Sampling of Clients**

Reliant Energy - NRG | Energy/Environmental Solutions        UK

Alliant Energy | Co-generation/ Waste-to Energy                     US                                  

Honeywell | Building/Energy Management Systems US

Education

Mohawk College                                                                                                                  Hamilton ON

Architectural Technology                    Advanced Diploma                                                 1991