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Last 6 mos.
All-time
Feedback:
(4.75)
5 feedbacks
(4.81)
15 feedbacks
Hours:
280
1,543
Assignments:
6
25
See all Work History & Feedback
Location:
Acworth, United States (GMT-05:00)
English Skills:
(self-assessed)
5.0
Member Since:
January 30, 2008
Last Worked:
November 6, 2009
oDesk Ready:
Yes
Affiliated with:
alpha2omega
Hours: 0
Related links:
Trends for
Data Entry Professionals
Trends for
Technical Writers
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Technical Writers
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Freelance Writers
Rachel M.
-
"
Writer w/Tech Training Background, Exc. English Editing/Proofreading
-
Freelance
Technical Writer
,
United States
"
Permalink :
$38.89
/hr
Overview
Résumé
Work History & Feedback (25)
Tests (8)
Portfolio (9)
http://www.odesk.com/community/system/files/writers_s.png Odesk Top Writer with twelve years of experience in successfully developing award-winning training manuals, user guides, and product specs, as well as delivering the training and support to go with them, my core competency lies in my ability to simplify lengthy material into concise, clear, accurate, and highly usable documentation. I am also adept at managing minute detail while maintaining a big-picture view of direction and...
http://www.odesk.com/community/system/files/writers_s.png
Odesk Top Writer with twelve years of experience in successfully developing award-winning training manuals, user guides, and product specs, as well as delivering the training and support to go with them, my core competency lies in my ability to simplify lengthy material into concise, clear, accurate, and highly usable documentation. I am also adept at managing minute detail while maintaining a big-picture view of direction and goals. (In other words, I am schizophrenic.)
I learn new systems and ideas quickly. I also have experience in business process analysis, improvement, and design. I'm an excellent editor and proofreader, and as a former graphic artist, I can also design and format final materials for print.
Here are a few references from my past work experience:
“Rachel is an excellent employee…proactively takes on challenging assignments and seeks opportunities to make continuous improvements to processes. Exemplary in the area of Quality.”
--Susan Potter, Director/Training & Documentation, Verizon (Manager)
“Rachel’s career with GTE Directories has shown her to be a consistent high performer who demonstrates a passion for quality and thorough follow-through with any project she undertakes. Working with Rachel is professionally satisfying.”
--Patricia Bornemann, Supervisor (Stakeholder)
“Rachel is the ultimate trainer…an excellent presenter. She has a great personality and can win over even the most reluctant, cynical student…gives 200%."
--Steve Burkhauser, Graphics Manager (Stakeholder)
more
less
See All Work History & Feedback
(25 items, with Feedback)
Recent Work History & Feedback
Buyer ID
From/To
Job Title
Paid
Feedback
26127
02/2008 - Present
Marketing / Proposal Copywriter - Friendly, Concise & Informative Tone
$1,020 (51 hrs @ $20.00/hr)
Job in progress
18292
03/2008 - Present
Functional Specification Writer
$6,983 (370 hrs @ $18.89/hr)
Job in progress
26000
04/2008 - Present
Indesign Template Creation / Marketing Copy
$678 (31 hrs @ $22.22/hr)
Job in progress
56277
09/2008 - Present
Site graphics and writing to support web based software
$13,932 (502 hrs @ $27.78/hr)
Job in progress
44555
05/2008 - Present
text review
$596 (27 hrs @ $22.22/hr)
Job in progress
See All Tests Taken
(8 items)
oDesk Tests Taken
Name of Test
Score
Percentile
Date Taken
Duration
U.S. English Basic Skills Test
4.90
97%
TOP 10%
04/13/2008
10 min
U.S. English Chicago Style Editing Skills Test (For Writing Professionals)
4.40
95%
TOP 10%
01/31/2008
18 min
Email Etiquette Certification
4.30
89%
TOP 20%
02/05/2008
10 min
Technical Writing Skills Certification
3.75
86%
TOP 20%
01/31/2008
18 min
Adobe InDesign CS3 Test
3.50
81%
TOP 20%
02/13/2008
16 min
Recent Candidacies
Job Opening Title
Initiated By
Date
Seminar Creator and Writer
Provider
October 20, 2009
Write Documentation About Website Functionality and Operations
Provider
October 19, 2009
Writing a script for a 4 hour tutorial on web marketing
Provider
October 19, 2009
Job Category Interests
Web Development
UI Design
Writing & Translation
Technical Writing
Website Content
Copywriting
Other - Writing & Translation
Sales & Marketing
Business Plans & Marketing Strategy
Design & Multimedia
Graphic Design
Logo Design
Other - Design & Multimedia
Skills
Skill
Experience
Level
Last Used
Description
Axure
1 yrs
4.0
2009
Interactive website and web application prototypes
Camtasia
1 yrs
4.0
2009
Animated Camtasia instructional Flash videos.
Editing and Proofreading
16 yrs
5.0
2008
Excellent editing (line edits and full content edits) and proofreading skills; very proficient in the English language, ensuring correct usage and clarity of meaning.
Functional Specifications
2 yrs
5.0
2008
Creating functional specs (sometimes called software requirements) at the beginning of a development cycle provides critical, comprehensive, meticulously documented groundwork for your software or website development project, saving you possibly untold amounts of time, energy, and wasted resources. Without such a document as your "product development bible," it's highly likely that confusion, misunderstandings, and multiple re-works will throw your project off track. I can help you define and communicate exactly what you intend your software or website to accomplish, so that your development team will work together seamlessly and smoothly to make your vision a reality in the least amount of time.
Projects: Creating software requirements for the development of a graphical listing program for creating and listing half-space ads for the yellow pages. Created functional specs for a six-week, online, interactive training course.Creating comprehensive functional specifications for an indepth online classified ads system.
Graphic Design
10 yrs
4.0
2008
As a graphic artist for a telecommunications company I designed logos and advertisements, and as Director of Product Development for a publishing company I designed product packaging, book covers, and book interiors. I also designed all marketing materials for my own business, a small coffeeshop/cafe.
Product Adaptation
3 yrs
5.0
2005
http://www.activeparentingonli
ne.com
Adapted training program from video and print format for interactive web delivery.
Simplifying and Clarifying
16 yrs
5.0
2008
Breaking down lengthy and difficult verbiage for common usage and instruction.
Technical Documentation
6 yrs
5.0
2008
Create system documentation during software development and after implementation, working with developers, end users, and trainers to define and document product.
Training materials
8 yrs
5.0
2008
Wrote multiple training manuals and user guides for graphic and document management systems. Produced final layouts and system tested and edited materials.
Currently write end-user training materials for various software companies worldwide.
Certifications
Date Earned
Name
Score
Percentile
Organization
Description
No Certifications
Employment History
From
To
Company
Title/Role
Description
07/2007
02/2008
Around Town-Canton
Freelance Writer/Editor/Proofreader / Independent Contributor
I wrote cover stories and filler stories for this local-interest magazine, as well as perform final edit and proofreading. Magazine was sold to new owners.
06/2005
01/2008
Malia's Mug Cafe
Owner/General Manager / Manager
Owned and operated this well-loved and award-winning cafe in a historic downtown district. Designed and managed renovation of late 1900s building, winning a preservation award. Created all marketing and advertising materials, and wrote various public relations pieces and articles. Despite winning multiple community-generated awards, business closed due to excessive debt and underdeveloped location.
06/1999
06/2005
Active Parenting Publishers
Director of Product Development / Manager
Responsible for new product development including video and print production for this worldwide video-based parenting education company. Directly participated in product development, including writing parent and leader guides, video scripts, and marketing materials for print and web. Managed creative, technical, and quality assurance aspects of multiple, simultaneous product production projects from research phase through delivery. Managed project and departmental budgets, staff, and contract labor.
01/1993
12/1998
GTE Directories (now Verizon)
Senior Training and Documentation Specialist / Team Lead
Developed and delivered training to all U.S. graphics locations, creating comprehensive documentation and training for business systems, including Adobe graphics software and other proprietary applications. Acted as liaison between users and IT development staff to determine product specs and training needs, interacting with various levels of management. Coordinated training rollouts and delivered Train-the-Trainer training. Wrote and delivered results-oriented presentations of all lengths to audiences of varying size and management levels.
01/1996
12/1998
GTE Directories (now Verizon)
Process Management and Improvement Manager / Team Lead
Independently led process improvement teams to improve companywide error tracking processes; identified and implemented methods and tools to reduce printed errors; documented numerous production processes, led focus groups to identify disconnects and recommended/implemented process improvements; and used independently learned and researched performance improvement methods to identify, document, and train sales management best practices. Developed a Quality Workshop to reduce errors, which was rolled out companywide and won a Corporate Award of Excellence.
03/1992
01/1993
GTE Directories (now Verizon)
Production Supervisor / Team Lead
Managed team of ten employees spanning three functional departments. Successfully ensured that production and excellence standards were consistently met or exceeded within budget and strict time constraints.
07/1990
03/1992
GTE Directories (now Verizon)
Printing & Production Associate / Independent Contributor
One of four people chosen nationwide to complete an accelerated management development program. Was assigned management role upon successful completion.
12/1986
07/1990
GTE Directories (now Verizon)
Graphic Artist / Independent Contributor
Designed and produced display advertisements for the yellow pages.
01/1985
12/1986
WXFL-TV (now WFLA-TV)
Asst. Director of Commercial Production / Independent Contributor
Assisted the director in the sales, planning, scheduling, writing, and video production of local television commercials.
Education
From
To
School
Degree
Area of Study
Description
08/1985
06/1988
Eckerd College
Other
Business Management/Theatre
STUPIDLY (!) did not complete degree, left for lucrative job opportunity.
08/1982
06/1985
Plant High School
High School
College Prep
Project Title:
Camtasia Video for interactive website
Attachment:
precigeoOrderProcessDemo.mov - 19020.09KB
Completed:
05/21/2009
Category:
Design & Multimedia > Video Production
URL:
http://www.precigeo.com/Support/HowtoGetStarted/tabid/1047/Default.aspx
Description:
I created this video from start to finish - researched the process, wrote the script, recorded the voice over (my voice), and producing the video using Camtasia.
Project Title:
Screenwriting Sample
Attachment:
ScreenwritingSample.doc - 37.5KB
Completed:
05/09/2008
Category:
Writing & Translation > Other - Writing & Translation
URL:
none
Description:
This is the opening scenes I wrote for a screenplay I'm currently developing.
Project Title:
Business Card Samples
Attachment:
BusinessCardSamples.pdf - 423.376KB
Completed:
03/05/2008
Category:
Design & Multimedia > Graphic Design
URL:
none
Description:
Samples of Business Cards I've designed.
Project Title:
Community Magazine Cover Article
Attachment:
PointeCoverStory.doc - 34KB
Completed:
02/01/2008
Category:
Writing & Translation > Blog & Article Writing
URL:
none
Description:
This is a cover story spread I wrote for a community magazine. I interviewed several people within the church to gain an understanding of their mission.
Project Title:
Logo Design Samples
Attachment:
RMetzger-LogoSamples.pdf - 400.39KB
Completed:
07/01/2007
Category:
Design & Multimedia > Logo Design
URL:
none
Description:
These are samples of logos that I designed over the last few years.
Project Title:
Post Card
Attachment:
Post Card.pdf - 512.288KB
Completed:
03/01/2007
Category:
Design & Multimedia > Graphic Design
URL:
none
Description:
This is a post card that I designed for my cafe.
Project Title:
Press Release for New Cafe
Attachment:
PressReleaseSample.doc - 107.5KB
Completed:
04/10/2006
Category:
Writing & Translation > Copywriting
URL:
none
Description:
Sample of a Press Release I wrote for my cafe. This press release resulted in a full-page newspaper article and a community magazine article.
Project Title:
Book Cover Copy Samples
Attachment:
CoverCopy-RMetzger.doc - 40KB
Completed:
04/11/2005
Category:
Writing & Translation > Copywriting
URL:
none
Description:
This document contains three samples of cover copy for three published books. I also edited
Winning with the Velvet Touch.
Project Title:
Training Video Script
Attachment:
TrainingVideoScript-RM.doc - 186.5KB
Completed:
03/01/2001
Category:
Writing & Translation > Other - Writing & Translation
URL:
none
Description:
This is a training video script that I wrote for a hospital in Florida.
Hourly Assignment History
Buyer ID
From/To
Job Title
Paid
Feedback
26127
02/2008 - Present
Marketing / Proposal Copywriter - Friendly, Concise & Informative Tone
$1,020 (51 hrs @ $20.00/hr)
Job in progress
18292
03/2008 - Present
Functional Specification Writer
$6,983 (370 hrs @ $18.89/hr)
Job in progress
26000
04/2008 - Present
Indesign Template Creation / Marketing Copy
$678 (31 hrs @ $22.22/hr)
Job in progress
56277
09/2008 - Present
Site graphics and writing to support web based software
$13,932 (502 hrs @ $27.78/hr)
Job in progress
44555
05/2008 - Present
text review
$596 (27 hrs @ $22.22/hr)
Job in progress
37429
04/2008 - Present
Proofread our sales brochure and selected webpages
$511 (23 hrs @ $22.22/hr)
Job in progress
14086
10/2009 - Present
Expert Technical Writer / Editor
$509 (18 hrs @ $27.78/hr)
Job in progress
50581
12/2008 - Present
Technical Writer for Web site (also content writing)
$5,607 (182 hrs @ $30.89/hr)
Job in progress
91326
05/2009 - Present
Edit and Improve Author's Productivity Article/Website/Newlsetter
$939 (28 hrs @ $33.33/hr)
Job in progress
89378
04/2009 - 06/2009
editor/book formatting
$373 (11 hrs @ $35.56/hr)
5.0 Rachel was very cooperative and added great insight to my project.
L
Provider-to-Buyer Feedback:
No feedback given
54847
04/2009 - 04/2009
Advertising Script Writing
$36 (1.17 hrs @ $31.11/hr)
5.0 Excellent scriptwriting skills - gave me exactly what I was looking for and then some. One of the few freelancers I've worked for who just "g...
L
Provider-to-Buyer Feedback:
No feedback given
27360
12/2008 - 03/2009
User Guide Developer
$1,828 (55 hrs @ $33.33/hr)
4.9 Rachel helped develop a user guide for a new system we developed. I had a jumbled mess of documentation that she helped organize, standardize...
L
Provider-to-Buyer Feedback:
5.0
73288
01/2009 - 03/2009
Getting Started Manual for online application.
$1,461 (44 hrs @ $33.33/hr)
4.0
L
Provider-to-Buyer Feedback:
5.0
37053
01/2009 - 01/2009
Research and Writing
$51 (2.00 hrs @ $25.42/hr)
4.7
L
Provider-to-Buyer Feedback:
5.0
37053
01/2009 - 01/2009
Web copy (research and writing)
$690 (25 hrs @ $27.78/hr)
5.0 Rachel is a joy to work with! Very pleasant, accessible, responsive, and open to feedback. Solid research and writing skills. I h...
L
Provider-to-Buyer Feedback:
5.0
37343
11/2008 - 12/2008
Proof Reading and Copy Enhancement
$93 (3.00 hrs @ $31.11/hr)
5.0 Great Job Rachel!
L
Provider-to-Buyer Feedback:
5.0
61734
10/2008 - 12/2008
Author Software Operations Manual
$1,228 (32 hrs @ $37.98/hr)
5.0 Rachel did a fantastic job creating software documentation in Adobe InDesign. She not only was very proficient in doing what I asked for in t...
L
Provider-to-Buyer Feedback:
5.0
47811
10/2008 - 10/2008
Course Developer
$607 (20 hrs @ $31.11/hr)
5.0 Rachel performed well within our time frames and better than expected. Looking forward to working with her again.
L
Provider-to-Buyer Feedback:
No feedback given
26150
03/2008 - 09/2008
Technical Writer / Help Material
$2,073 (104 hrs @ $20.00/hr)
5.0
L
Provider-to-Buyer Feedback:
No feedback given
37343
07/2008 - 07/2008
Write Press Release
$37 (1.33 hrs @ $27.78/hr)
5.0 Rachel was; creative, insightful, prompt, professional and exceeded my expectations.
L
Provider-to-Buyer Feedback:
5.0
45261
06/2008 - 06/2008
Writing Content and Email Autoresponder For Marriage Counseling Site
$310 (11 hrs @ $27.78/hr)
5.0 The job was postphoned indefinately but Raechel did a great job.
L
Provider-to-Buyer Feedback:
No feedback given
28480
02/2008 - 04/2008
Great sales-writer for my back-of-book copy
$90 (4.50 hrs @ $20.00/hr)
5.0 Rachel did a great job of taking my (admittedly vague) requirements and turning them into something that helped me sell. Would definitely work with...
L
Provider-to-Buyer Feedback:
5.0
Fixed-Price Assignment History
Buyer ID
From/To
Job Title
Paid
Feedback
32191
03/2008 - 12/2008
Editor
$3,333
No feedback given
L
Provider-to-Buyer Feedback:
5.0
31922
04/2008 - 05/2008
Product Fact Sheet
$100
5.0 I am truly grateful for redoing, and redoing, and then again redoing the flyers. Thanks a bunch from the bottom of my heart for doing another sp...
L
Provider-to-Buyer Feedback:
5.0
31922
02/2008 - 02/2008
Label Design
$100
5.0 Rachel has delivered 500% more what she promised. I was extremely impressed with her professionalism, qualifications, and cooperation. I will ...
L
Provider-to-Buyer Feedback:
5.0
oDesk Tests Taken
Name of Test
Score
Percentile
Date Taken
Duration
U.S. English Basic Skills Test
4.90
97%
TOP 10%
04/13/2008
10 min
U.S. English Chicago Style Editing Skills Test (For Writing Professionals)
4.40
95%
TOP 10%
01/31/2008
18 min
Email Etiquette Certification
4.30
89%
TOP 20%
02/05/2008
10 min
Technical Writing Skills Certification
3.75
86%
TOP 20%
01/31/2008
18 min
Adobe InDesign CS3 Test
3.50
81%
TOP 20%
02/13/2008
16 min
Management Skills Test
2.60
64%
02/05/2008
22 min
Adobe Illustrator Test
3.25
59%
02/05/2008
28 min
English Spelling Test (U.S. Version)
4.50
49%
03/22/2009
9 min