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
The Speed Reader – eNewsletter [10.01.07]
Media newsletter – press blast [02.2010]
Le Menu – web content offering [12.2007]
Postcards – assisted living community
VISUAL PORTFOLIO
WORK HISTORY
FICTION READER Raleigh Review |
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Tacoma, WA (September 2015 – present) | |
Ongoing volunteer for national literary journal |
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CONSULTANT Nelson Consulting + Communications |
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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 |
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Raleigh, NC (August 2013 – July 2015) | |
Full-time, non-tenure track faculty at CCCC-certified Writing Program of Excellence | |
SCRIPTWRITER ServiceWorks |
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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 |
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Tacoma, WA (June 2010 – December 2011) | |
Boutique marketing, advertising, design, and branding agency | |
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Tacoma Regional Convention and Visitor Bureau |
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Tacoma, WA (April 2009 – March 2010) | |
Official nonprofit destination marketing organization for Pierce County | |
SENIOR PUBLICIST AND EMARKETING SPECIALIST Ten Speed Press |
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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 |
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MARKETING AND PUBLICITY DIRECTOR Heyday Books |
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Berkeley, CA (August 2003 – February 2006) | |
Nonprofit publisher of California culture, history, and literature; reported directly to publisher/CEO |
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EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Terrain Magazine Berkeley, CA (January – May 2001) |
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