I am a communications professional with over two decades of experience influencing people through clear, direct, and compelling content.
To me, it’s all about people
My empathic personality allows me to quickly understand and relate to my audience. From guiding a consumer through learning how to use a new product to emotionally engaging a new customer, my copy is always clear, approachable, and directly targeted to the audience.
Not surprisingly, given my dedication to the user experience and my fondness for people, I’ve spent time training and coaching and generally enabling people to move forward. I’m fascinated by how people think and why they make the decisions they do.
What I do
Develop dynamic and compelling copy for nearly any need, including:
- Website copy for new and existing sites
- “Helpful” on-screen copy for applications
- Corporate communications – both internal and external
- Corporate and personal blogs
- Technical documents, including case studies and product specs
- Marketing and PR collateral
- Author topics and articles on a wide variety of subjects
Career Highlights
My varied work history has given me a unique blend of experience and talents.
From writing process documentation in a factory setting, copyediting financial reports for investment banks, and writing technical manuals for software companies to managing writing departments at the Director level and launching my own communications company, I’ve had many rich experiences in dynamic settings with fascinating people.
Work Experience
Lockstock Communications, Inc. January 2011 to present
Chief Storyteller and Founder
Launched communications firm, offering services for website content strategy and content development for both new and existing sites, newsletter and article writing, executive biographies, profiles, press releases, and content for marketing collateral. The firm’s emphasis is on using storytelling to establish a brand, gain brand loyalty, and engage with customers because it has proven to be the most effective way of marketing to and educating consumers.
Select projects include:
- Plan content strategy and write content for web and graphic design firm’s new website. Introduced new voice and tone, making the site hip and friendly.
- Create new website and write content for non-profit organization using WordPress. Determine site goals, develop information architecture and content.
- Write web copy promoting products for Internet marketing firm using new voice and tone.
- Refresh, reorganize, and repurpose content on Internet company’s existing site, plan and develop content for new site.
See About and Services for more information about what Lockstock can offer you.
Citrix Systems, Inc. 2000 – 2010
Technical Writer, Manager, Director
Joined innovative software company as a technical writer; promoted to department manager and then director. Accomplishments include:
- Provided vision and thought leadership for innovative team of writers, editors, and information architects.
- Planned, designed, wrote, and edited many kinds of content, including product documentation, online Help, white papers, and case studies.
- Provided content for corporate communications projects, including employee-facing newsletters, blogs, and presentations as well as customer-facing educational articles.
- Established company’s first online library of product documentation, Citrix eDocs.
- Hired, coached, and developed dynamic writing department in South Florida office.
Additional Experience
ScheduALL by VizuAll, Hollywood, Florida
Content strategist and writer for leading provider of ERM products for the broadcast, satellite/transmission, media, and entertainment industries. Produced all technical and training materials.
CompuClub Training Centers, Washington, DC
Highest-rated teacher in software training company. Clients ranged from computer novices to entire corporate departments.
EEI Communications, Washington, DC
Edited and proofread financial reports for large investment banks.
Education
Boston University
B.A., Economics and International Relations
Gotham Writers’ Workshop
Online courses in Creative Writing, Article Writing, How to Freelance
Lived and studied in Belgium for a year; proficient in French.
Email me at maggie@lockstockcommunications.com to discuss your copywriting or storytelling needs.