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Work Background
FreelanceFeatures & content writer, editor, book reviewer, lecturer (strategic brand communications)
May. 2013Cape TownFREELANCING HIGHLIGHTS: • For Spark Foundry Dubai, provide editorial services for the re-launch of the Visit Abu Dhabi website (2020). • Write content articles for the Vietnam Tourism Authority’s website, Vietnam.Travel.
• As (remote) Senior Writer for content agency Scribe Dubai: Compile food pages for ITP’s ShortList Dubai magazine (Jan 2016−Sept 2016; Nov 2017−March 2018) as well as supplements (e.g. Brunch Guide 2016; Ramadan round-up 2017). Other UAE clients: The Cutting Edge F&B Agency; the Meraas group; Marina Home; Motivate Media; and Emirates Airlines’ Open Skies.
• Write articles for SA magazines, including Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Red Bull’s Amaphiko, Garden & Home, Foschini Club, Eat Out, Leadership, EarthWorks and PnP Fresh Living.
• Edit academic textbooks (e.g. Oxford University Press); proof coffee-table books for private companies (e.g. Henley & Partners)
• Edit and write content for online magazines, like SA Eat Out, and digital campaigns, such as PnP Fresh Living’s Freshly Blogged, an online food competition for SA food bloggers. • Create content-marketing blog posts and website copy for varied clients, including Capitec, Alfalfa Content Generator, GNU World Media, MediClinic, Scribe Content Agency (Dubai).
• Copy-edit for established SA titles, including DRUM, House & Garden, Discovery, TASTE. • Act as managing editor, for instance on mall Hyde Park Corner’s September Issue.
• Lecture at branding college VEGA. Subjects: Creative Brand Communications; Copywriting; Introduction to Scholarship; Applied Communication Techniques; Strategic Brand Communications. SOME RECENT CLIENTS: Vietnam Tourism; Visit Abu Dhabi; JET Club Magazine; Expatica.com; Think with Google (MENA region); Adlab McCann.
Associated MagazinesSenior features writer & book-pages editor/reviewer, O, The Oprah Magazine
Apr. 2011 - Apr. 2013Cape Town Area, South AfricaIn this position, I was tasked to research and write features across subject categories, keeping O's style and readership in mind. This included pitching ideas for stories to cover and people to profile. Additionally, I edited the fashion and beauty pages, and was part of the general circulation process. Occasionally, I edited supplements and commissioned freelance writers. I was responsible for the monthly books pages - "Reading Room" - which allowed me to indulge my passion for literature. I enjoyed being on the lookout for the latest must-read, the freshest African literary talent, the most interesting bookish news. I got to have one-on-ones with top international and local authors, and also interviewed writers at O book events. Apart from my monthly reviews and online copy, I also got to promote books on radio, as a regular book expect on Chai FM SA. For six months, while O recruited an assistant editor, I also acted as food & decor editor.
O, The Oprah Magazine SAChief Copy Editor/Books Editor
Jun. 2007 - Mar. 2011As chief of O's copy department, I assisted the production manager with the day-to-day circulation process, and managed the junior copy editor (and several freelancers). My role was to ensure O's house style was followed, and that copy was factually and grammatically correct. I managed the repro process, did final sign-offs and worked closely with the art department at all times. Writing tasks included writing the monthly subscriber newsletter, advertorials, captions and the contents page copy; in addition to book reviews. I was also the contact person with Hearst for copy-related communication.
Associated MagazinesCopy editor
Aug. 2006 - May. 2007I was responsible for the first sub-edit of all copy (editorial and advertorials), which meant standardising layouts, adhering to the O house style and tone, checking facts, spelling and grammar. Additional tasks were to source quotes; compile self-reflexive reader exercise; and, occasionally, write advertorial copy.
represent.co.za/rage.co.za/millertime.co.zaFreelance writer (lifestyle & entertainment)
Sep. 2005 - Jul. 2006Durban Area, South AfricaI was the Durban representative for webzines represent.co.za and millertime.co.za, and I wrote for rage.co.za (restaurant reviews, fashion profiles, nightclub listings etc.)
Caxtons Magazinessub editor
Jan. 2005 - Dec. 2006I did the first round of subbing on all editorial and classifieds pages; administered the monthly Image Club competition; and compiled the monthly Digest of things to do in the South African countryside.
Centre for Culture, Communication & Media Studies (University of KwaZulu-Natal)Editorial & Research Assistant (to Prof. Keyan Tomaselli)
Jun. 2004 - Jun. 2005Durban Area, South AfricaI helped edit the professor’s book projects, conference papers and journal articles (I'd restructure, rewrite and co-write on occasion). I did background research for his academic papers and lectures; and communicated with local and international authors, academics and filmmakers on their book submissions and articles. While there, I was also a tutor and tutor coordinator for subjects including Film Studies and Media Audiences (media planning).
WaterstonesBookseller
Aug. 2002 - Aug. 2003University of Hertfordshire (Watford/Hatfield)As the sole bookseller at the (then) University of Hertfordshire Watford (Humanities) campus, I called in books for lecturers and students, kept a record of stock, sold books and checked in with the Hatfield main campus branch daily.
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