Writing for the web is important, yet difficult since most users don't read web copy the same way as print. The copy needs to be brief, descriptive and "above the fold." More importantly, it has to make the user want to read more. I've written over 100 articles for the web and the experience I've gained has made me a better writer overall. I feel that Web Production and Corporate Writing and Editing need to be combined as one job function to better improve efficiency and present consistent brand identity and messaging.

One of my jobs is to help our internal business partners. I support our SVP of Global Supply Chain Management with letters, presentations and communication advice. I mostly edit for readability and clarity. However, I add value by giving the letter a corporate, professional feel without losing the voice of the SVP. I think a direct approach works best with corporate letters, since the reader often has little time to read it.

Press release writing requires a lot of research. In addition to the usual due diligence, I always ask the following questions: does this story align with company messaging, who is the right information provider, and what is the current trend for this type of story? The most important overriding aspect no matter the type of writing: who is the audience and why will they care? I always take a direct and simple approach to the writing. Give the news hook in the title and the first paragraph and the rest is a classic inverted triangle.

Read an example of my press release writing.

I took classes in the technical writing program at the University of California extension. I not only learned more grammar rules than I could ever use, but I learned to write brief, yet descriptive, copy. Using the training, I learned the basics of technical writing. From authoring training procedures for European co-workers to writing better requirement documents, the training helped my department save time and money since the skill was in-house.

Read an example of my technical writing.

I was the managing editor of IN, the flagship corporate magazine for Seagate's 17,000 desk workers. This involved managing timelines, budget and vendors. I also managed a writer and edited her content for clarity, length and messaging. I wrote high level stories about the company and authored letters for our CEO.

For one article, I interviewed Jim Collins, author of Good to Great. I asked him questions about how his research and book related to my company. After that, I delivered the transcript to my writer. I then edited the article and directed the creative vendor.

Read the article with Jim Collins.

For another example, I wrote an article about how the company changed when the new management team took over. I wrote the story and ensured that it was consistent with current company messaging. Lastly, I received approvals from my VP and the executive team members quoted in the article to publish the final product.

Read the business article about Seagate.