Marketing and
(You Look Great Today)
Communications

Zak Nelson has nineteen years of writing and marketing experience—primarily in the field of book publishing, though he’s also worked for a tourism bureau, a marketing agency, as a fishmonger, and as a line cook at French restaurants.  

He’s a lover of precision when it comes to language; a believer in design thinking and user experience. He’s a master at synthesizing customer research data, brand identity, marketing strategy, and product information into compelling copy. Plus he’s a mensch.

Zak is looking for full- or part-time work as a copywriter, content manager, or similar role. He lives in the Seattle area. He is willing to relocate.

 

Zak’s writing is:

• Short
• To the point
• Clever (optional) 

Hire him to:

• write copy that captures and reflects your brand
• write copy that ensures a positive user experience (UX)
• write copy that is memorable, meaningful, and effective
• write copy for multiple platforms (web, mobile, print, broadcast, hologram)
• write copy for different audiences (simultaneously, even!)
• edit copy and proofread documents quickly
• write content for your blog or other publications
• make your day brighter, your job easier, and your company more successful

 

EDUCATION

• Master of Fine Arts, Creative Writing. North Carolina State University
• Bachelor of Arts, English. University of California, Berkeley

 

SKILLS

• Copyediting, line editing, and developmental editing  – AP, Chicago, MLA, and APA styles)
• Copywriting and content management – print, web, social media, and email
• Script writing (explainer videos, advertising; training videos)
• Brand assessment and management
• Design and production of marketing collateral
• Direct marketing communications
• Illustration and graphic design
• User experience (UX) writing and design
• Event planning and public speaking
• Conflict resolution and team leadership

 

SOFTWARE

• Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, some Illustrator)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
• WordPress and other content management systems (CMSs)
• Point of sale systems
• HTML/CSS

WRITING SAMPLES

Press kit – Third Place Books [2018-2019]

ServiceWorks introductory video – script

What Color Is Your Parachute? press release

What Shat That? press release

The Speed Reader – eNewsletter [10.01.07]

Media newsletter – press blast [02.2010]

Le Menu – web content offering [12.2007]

Script – “24”

Postcards – assisted living community

VISUAL PORTFOLIO

 

 

WORK HISTORY

FICTION READER Raleigh Review	Read fiction submissions Recommend edits Content acquisition
Tacoma, WA (September 2015 – present)
Ongoing volunteer for national literary journal
CONSULTANT Nelson Consulting + Communications	Book marketing, sales, and publicity Product design and implementation Web content and optimization Founded Job Club, a collaborative job search group with four chapters; now a recognized WorkSource partner
Tacoma, WA (December 2007 – present)
Independent contractor working with new and established publishers and individual authors
LECTURER North Carolina State University, First Year Writing Program	Designed and taught courses in composition, research, and rhetoric Edited and illustrated course reader Participated in twelve non-required professional development workshops Organized technology faculty group Selected participant in university quality enhancement program
Raleigh, NC (August 2013 – July 2015)
Full-time, non-tenure track faculty at CCCC-certified Writing Program of Excellence
SCRIPTWRITER ServiceWorks	Developed characters, storylines Synthesized job skills knowledge with sponsor goals and needs Collaborated remotely on deadline Worked with artist to refine storyboard
Raleigh, NC (May – July 2014)
National job skills initiative for underserved 16-24 year-olds, sponsored by AmeriCorps, Points of Light, and Citi Foundation; contracted by Serve Smart
SENIOR COPYWRITER Sands Costner & Associates	Web content for Pettibon System, Village Concepts, Evergreen Eye Center Wrote, designed project proposals Corporate branding and ad scripts
Tacoma, WA (June 2010 – December 2011)
Boutique marketing, advertising, design, and branding agency
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Tacoma Regional Convention and Visitor Bureau	Media relations Helped develop core messaging Promoted stakeholder-members Wrote copy for travel guide Proofread/edited internal copy
Tacoma, WA (April 2009 – March 2010)
Official nonprofit destination marketing organization for Pierce County
SENIOR PUBLICIST AND EMARKETING SPECIALIST Ten Speed Press	Online marketing strategy, initiatives Book publicity, conferences Titles included What Color Is Your Parachute?, Morning Food, The Lives and Loves of Daisy and Violet Hilton
Berkeley, CA (February 2006 – December 2007)
Independent publisher of food, drink, design, reference, and humor books (now part of Crown/Random House); reported to publicity manager and publisher
MARKETING AND PUBLICITY DIRECTOR Heyday Books	Media relations, book publicity Wrote marketing and jacket copy Crafted 30th Anniversary history Titles included: Perfume Dreams: Reflections on the Vietnamese Diaspora, Golden Game: The Story of California Baseball
Berkeley, CA (August 2003 – February 2006)
Nonprofit publisher of California culture, history, and literature; reported directly to publisher/CEO
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Terrain Magazine Berkeley, CA (January – May 2001)	Assisted editor-in-chief Wrote correspondence Transcribed interviews Researched and wrote co-housing article