Resume for Melanie Spiller
Professional Highlights:
Freelance Editor:
As a self-employed editor and writer, wrote, edited, proofread, and desktop-published technical articles and test questions on Microsoft products, Feldenkrais® technique, singing and performance technique, advertising copy, historical references, resumes and theatrical biographies, performance programs, and poetry. Currently writing a writing guide for high-tech authors, a cookbook on Blondies (a brownie’s fairer cousin), and a novel.
myCFO Highlights:
As Manager of Documentation, hired and managed three technical writers and editors, wrote and edited user documentation, marketing materials, online content, and client communications, managed third-party content authors. Worked with engineering, design, marketing, senior management, client acquisitions, product marketing, usability staff, Web development, and financial experts to build content. Responsible for corporate voice.
Sybex Highlights:
Acquisitions and Developmental Editor for databases, ERP, CAD, presentation, drawing, and music notation software books. Responsible for finding authors, guiding organization, focus, and structure of new books, training new authors, and helping existing authors improve their books thorough analysis of their work, competitive works, and the existing market for both software and books. Frequent “pinch hitting” for authors on database topics and CAD products as a writer. Provided support for book projects through Editorial and Production process, including CD creation and new series designs. Over 200 books in print.
Previous Employment Highlights:
· Edited lab reports and articles published in twelve Ziff-Davis computer magazines. Also at Ziff-Davis, created and maintained personnel database for the Lab division, created and maintained technical and software libraries and their associated databases. Freelance substantive editing for PC Week (a Ziff publication) with an emphasis on networking products.
· Freelance editor for white papers, fiction, and press releases
· Wrote text for and instructed a Business Communication course at Community College level
· Literacy tutor at minimal security youth prison, maximum security adult prison, and private tutoring, including at a drug rehabilitation center in Berkeley
· Over eight years of increasingly responsible experience in Materials Management and the documentation of policies, procedures, and training with four major manufacturing organizations
· Clerical support through temporary agencies in medical office, professional association, and human resources.
Summary:
May 2001–present: Freelance Editor
April 2000–May 2001: myCFO, Inc.: Documentation Manager
February 1995–March 2000: Sybex, Inc.: Acquisitions and Developmental Editor
March 1992–February 1995: Ziff-Davis Labs:
7/92–2/95: Copy Editor/Librarian, freelance editor
3/92–7/93: Administrative Assistant/Copy Editor
July 1991–August 1991: Masters Institute: Business Communications Teacher
September 1989–June 1991: Sacramento Neighborhood Study Center: Literacy Tutor
Summer Jobs 1987–1991:
Olsten Temps: Personnel Clerk, Purchasing Agent, Administrative Assistant
TechAid Temps: Master Scheduler, Senior Planner, Expediter
March 1980–May 1987: Applied Materials, Inc.: Planner II, Planner I, Expediter, Dept. Assistant
June 1978–March 1980: Roberta's Temps: Document Control, Stock Clerk
November 1977–June 1978: Intel, Inc.: Material Coordinator, Production Assistant
Education:
B.A. in English, California State University at Sacramento, 1991.
Copyediting Courses at U.C. Berkeley Extension, 1993
Technical Writing Course at U.C. Berkeley Extension, 1993
Awards:
Golden Key National Honor Society
Sigma Tau Delta (an International English Honor Society), Lambda Omega Chapter
Dean's List consecutive terms 1987–1991
APICS certified in MRP and Production Planning