Susan Zimmerman, Experienced Editor | Proofreader | Writer | Evoke Creative Services at Sears Holdings in Chicago, IL

About

I am an experienced editor and proofreader with a focus on executing accurate and consistent marketing communications that range from signage to annual reports. I have been especially successful providing hands-on supervision for the proofreading of a 1200-page catalog and comprehensive index while simultaneously proofreading monthly 52-page flyers, direct mail packages and special corporate communications projects.

I help companies meet the highest possible standards for excellent communication through my command of language and style, detailed memory and passion for teamwork. I can study and learn multiple style guides or put together a new one when needed. I deliver accuracy on time, within budget.

I also offer writing skills and experience that complement my editing and proofreading, and I'm adept at distilling and organizing large volumes of complex data into clear, concise presentations.

Specialties: Editing, proofreading, writing, fact checking, content verification, synthesizing complex material, sharpening communication, writing and editing style guides, absorbing and remembering style guide requirements, training and supervising other proofreaders.

Experience

Editor | Proofreader | Evoke Creative Services

Sears Holdings Corporation

Mar 2014 - Present (12 years 3 months)

I edit and proofread a wide variety of marketing communications created, designed and produced by Evoke Creative Services, a team of creative marketing services professionals at Sears Holdings. I also develop and write style guides for different brand groups and help create process guides for our own team to help us work as efficiently as possible. We work closely as a team so there are many opportunities to learn new skills from each other.
Copy Editor | Proofreader | Creative Branding Strategy & Innovations Team

OfficeMax

May 2013 - Feb 2014 (9 months)

I edited and proofread all branding materials for OfficeMax, including corporate and retail style guides, direct mail, sales materials, POP brochures and signage and case studies. I also worked with Innovations, a team that focused on a new small-format store initiative targeted at small business customers. I edited and proofread grand opening promotions, direct mail, in-store flyers and signage, plus wrote style guides and contributed to team marketing insight reviews and concept/tagline brainstorming sessions. Writing projects included analytical project summaries and a report of best practice recommendations for catalog production.
Lead Proofreader | Advertising Production

OfficeMax

May 2010 - May 2013 (3 years)

I twice led the proofreading team for the annual OfficeMax Office Products Catalog, a 1200-page book targeted at OfficeMax contract customers. I trained and supervised up to five freelance proofreaders, wrote style guides and training manuals, supervised the compilation and proofreading of three indexes spanning 30 pages, and recommended and implemented annual process improvements.

I also provided hands-on proofreading for four other annual 300-page catalogs, monthly 52-page retail flyers, multi-versioned, monthly direct mail packages, monthly PDF mailers, weekly promotional emails and corporate communications projects, including the annual report.
Writer | Editor | Proofreader

Self-Employed Writer and Editor

Jan 1990 - May 2010 (20 years 4 months)

I ran a freelance writing, editing and proofreading service for business-to-business, business-to-consumer and nonprofit clients. I created concepts and copy for ads, brochures, direct mail packages, fundraising letters, websites, emails, newsletters, feature articles and press releases. I also edited and proofread catalogs, signage, websites, academic publications, books and curriculum guides. I worked several temporary proofreading assignments at OfficeMax from 2008 through 2010. During this time I also served as an active volunteer for the school district and community organizations, and I often contributed my writing and editing expertise to projects for these groups.
Senior Account Executive

Barry Blau & Partners

Jan 1988 - Jan 1990 (2 years)

I managed day-to-day client contact, project direction, creative direction and strategic promotions planning for major agency clients Citicorp Diners Club and First Chicago Bank. I oversaw direct marketing projects from concept through delivery. I also prepared and participated in selected new business presentations and wrote copy for special client marketing projects.
Advertising Manager | Citicorp Savings of IL

Citibank

Jul 1984 - Jan 1988 (3 years 6 months)

I managed the preparation and placement of all print and broadcast media advertising, direct mail, merchandising and print collateral through both outside agencies and internal resources. I handled strategic direction and copy input for agency projects and wrote copy for in-house projects. I was the marketing liaison with the legal department regarding disclaimers and trademark consistency for all branch bank collateral and print advertising. I supervised one department marketing assistant.
Advertising Coordinator

GATX Corporation

Jul 1981 - Jul 1984 (3 years)

I wrote and edited employee communications, including a quarterly magazine and employee benefits brochures, as well as selected marketing communications and public relations materials, including press releases, feature articles and executive speeches. I directed on-site photography for the magazine and coordinated company exhibits at trade shows and special media events.
Account Executive | Copywriter

Connor-Sager Associates Advertising

Jan 1977 - Jul 1981 (4 years 6 months)

I developed and wrote print ads, brochures, sales promotion and public relations materials for all agency clients, plus managed client contact with ServiceMaster Industries and three divisions of Illinois Tool Works. This was a small agency, so I wore many hats: account executive, planner, writer and proofreader, plus design, production and media planning liaison.

Skills

Copywriting & Editing

Elsewhere on the Web

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On Coroflot

@SusanAZim, member since 2014

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Susan Zimmerman

Branded Environments Project Manager

Industrial Designer, Packaging – Lead