The Rosanne Ullman
Better Writing Group
I've gathered together a loosely woven staff of freelancers whom I know and trust to deliver excellence. They represent a variety of specialties so that my company can offer more services to more clients than I can handle alone. Several of the writers have written extensively in the beauty industry; we also have a sports writer, a video scripter, fiction writers and speech writers. All of us are qualified to accept general writing assignments on most topics. We work with a wonderful professional photographer, and our fabulous graphic artist completes the work by designing marketing materials, logos, article layouts and web pages.
About Me
rosanne@betterwritinggroup.com
I have been writing and editing professionally since 1977, when I received a Master's Degree in Journalism (MSJ) from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. I left full-time work in 1979 and have been freelancing ever since. In addition, I'm on the faculty of a continuing education program for adults and was recently elected to serve on the school board of my local district.
My experience includes:
- Writing countless magazine articles, primarily for trade publications. Go to http://www.firstchair.com to pull up some of my shorter pieces.
- Creating corporate pamphlets, newsletters and other marketing materials.
- Writing for websites.
- Editing magazine articles.
- Book writing and editing.
- Teaching a grammar/business writing course that I created.
- Video development, scripting, off-camera interviewing and on-camera hosting.
- Speech writing.
- Producing and hosting a radio show.
- Developing a greeting card line.
- Editing research papers.
- Proofreading.
I've written for numerous types of businesses and tackled all sorts of topics, including:
- The Beauty Salon Industry.
- Human Resources.
- Senior Living.
- Meeting Planning.
- Law.
- Politics.
- Assorted Industries for Small Company Clients.
- Parenting.
- Health-related Issues.
My passion is to improve the writing that you see every day, both by setting an example through my company's work and by teaching people how to get their point across briefly and effectively. I believe that English is a living language and, therefore, writing must change with the times. Just as we acknowledge that "ye" and "thou" have little relevance in modern-day language, so should we remain open to forces that impact our language. (Ten years ago I would not have used "impact" as a verb, but times change!) However, writing should never become quite as casual as speaking. We can get away with a lot more when we talk than when we present a written document. Spelling counts, punctuation counts and obeying the rules of grammar gives us a tool to keep the message clear. Creativity is great, but first you have to make sure the reader understands what you're trying to say.
It would be my pleasure to help you express yourself through the written word, either by coaching you with your own writing or by doing the writing for you. Together, we will clarify and organize your ideas, tuck them into sentences and watch them make perfect sense!
Rosanne Ullman
About Some of the Others
I ‘m a veteran business communicator. My goal is to provide you with concise, creative copy to power your company’s development, marketing, and training strategies. Most of my work today consists of video scripts and website copy, but over the years I’ve written dozens of annual reports, brochures, newspaper and magazine articles, and corporate position papers. Among the clients I’ve written for are 29 companies in the Fortune 500 or at the tops of their industries globally. Before going freelance, I worked for 12 years as a telemedia manager at Arthur Andersen & Co., when it was the world’s largest auditing and consulting firm. I’ve also been an editor at Chain Store Age magazine, and a PR executive with several major companies. My first career job was producer/director trainee at WTOP (CBS)-TV in Washington, DC.
Highlights of my career include:
- Writing award-winning video programs for the Chicago Board of Trade, including “Build the Future You Want with the Index You Trust,” a tutorial for day traders on using Dow Jones Industrial Average futures and futures options.
- Writing and producing the first video programs to teach active selling to members of the accounting profession.
- Planning and implementing communications strategies for the introduction of retailing’s Universal Product Code (UPC).
- Energizing European and Caribbean tourism with travel articles written for PR clients (various national tourist boards), which were printed widely and verbatim in newspapers throughout North America.
Phil
About Our Photographer
See a newsletter with Wally's photos (you'll need Adobe Photoshop to view).
On the walk of life, you pick up a thing or two. I spent ten years in commercial photography,
ten years in public relations, five years doing portraiture and ten years photographing people in the news. It's a foundation built on people. If you are hosting a fundraiser or you are the principal of a high school and the governor is making an appearance, or you just need a headshot, my first job is to put people at ease. Once that happens, the pictures take themselves. That "inner self" appears.
My goal is to produce the best quality images that digital photography can offer. Whether your photos are destined for a newspaper, magazine or your best friend, the images are clear and well lit, with the tonal range required for excellent reproduction. I also offer almost "magical" digital retouching and FREE ftp and email service.
It seems as if I've been taking pictures all my life. I was lucky to get a job in photography when
I was 21, and it's been my passion ever since. Let my 35 years of experience work for you.Wally
