|
Summary
For this course, I combined all nine of my projects into a single portfolio that exemplifies my ability to write for a business. Over the course of this class, I was tasked with completing 9 projects throughout the semester, encompassing topics such as business inquiries, negative announcements, and more. This showcases my ability to write in a business setting, professionalizing my writing. This portfolio also demonstrates how I can tailor my writing style and apply it across many different business contexts. |
Reflection
I loved learning the technicalities, formatting, and flow of this style of business writing, such as mass-tailoring emails, drafting negative announcements, and even delivering a presentation on tailored resumes. I've learned that there is always an opportunity to improve my own writing flow, grammar, and punctuation. This portfolio translated well into my email decorum and my awareness of syntax when writing, exemplifying the professional I want to be with regard to engaging in typical business practices and protocols. |
|
Summary
For this packet, I was tasked with creating a numbered list of the dictionary entries I'd made throughout the semester, contextualizing critical theoretical definitions. I focused on revising my definitions throughout the course of the semester, recognizing that critical theory isn't black and white, and should instead be insightful with nuance backing it. I recognize the necessity of revising and compiling all of my definitions into one packet, showcasing my ability to create such lengthy and nuanced documents that sharpened my critical thinking skills. |
Reflection
I found this to be one of the most challenging assignments I've ever completed. My definitions of concepts such as consumerism, binary oppositions, and environmentalism are very nuanced and insightful, going so far as to include footnoted citations and examples for each. I've learned to read academic articles and essays more closely for my own creative endeavors. |
|
Summary
For this assignment, I was tasked with copyediting a recipe, which meant printing the document and editing it by hand. Though hand copyediting is rarely done, this showcases my ability to copyedit in more than one mode and adapt my copyediting accordingly. I ensured that my copyedits were clear and straight to the point. This assignment entailed learning all the necessary acronyms for a recipe and adapting a style guide that made sense for this document. |
Reflection
Copyediting by hand is certainly not my strong suit, though this assignment made me recognize that some copyeditors still copyedit documents by hand. In looking at something on paper, you may catch more errors than if it were on a screen. The specific style for this recipe, the acronyms, spelling corrections, and measurement amounts certainly sharpened my attention when it comes to copyediting. It is important for me to copyedit in a multitude of ways and to get a second pair of eyes on a document as well. |
|
Summary
For this project, I was tasked to perform a medium copyedit in four different formats on a document that spanned several pages. These formats included hand copyediting, copyediting in a Microsoft Word document, copyediting in an Adobe Acrobat PDF, and collaborative copyediting in a Google Docs document. I was also tasked with creating a style sheet for all of my corrections. This showcases my ability to copyedit in various formats, my familiarity with creating a style sheet, and the importance of collaborating on copyediting. I focused on making as few queries as possible and on heavy copy edits that address the bigger issues. |
Reflection
I was challenged to think about the various ways one can copyedit, and the stages others could take in their copyedits. Admittedly, it was difficult to maintain a consistent style sheet amid the changes I found, due to frequent switching between copyediting modes. Though the collaborative copyediting was on a different document and text, I thought critically about how I could collaborate on copyediting. Additionally, I initially found the difference between style sheets and style guides quite confusing; however, it is fun to learn the differences between the Chicago Manual of Style and the Associated Press Stylebook. |
|
Summary
For this assignment, I was tasked with creating a review of an editorial-based podcast, which, in this assignment, is titled "The Editing Podcast." My goal with this assignment was to explore this resource in full, contextualizing its relevance, highlights, and nuances within the copyediting and publishing realm. Not only did I review this resource, but I also shared tips and tricks for others wanting to explore it, professionally review other resources, and give critiques. In giving a brief introduction to my audience and in giving the description and highlights, I delved into this resource by giving my own insights and reviewing this resource in a way that's accessible to everyone. |
Reflection
This assignment made me recognize the importance of professionally using and critiquing the resources I use in my own papers, essays, and arguments. Though this critique leaned heavily on the positive side, if I want to get into reviewing articles, books, podcasts, or anything of that nature, this assignment would be the perfect example of how I should navigate it. This professional development assignment also made me realize that you have to find community in a field where copyediting can be quite confusing and frustrating to navigate because of the many gray areas involved. In theory, this assignment would also contribute towards a co-created repository of resources made solely for copyeditors. |
|
Summary
For this assignment, I copyedited any errors in grammar, punctuation, usage, spelling, and proofreading within the following text seen above. For the copyediting, I used Microsoft Word Track Changes to complete any necessary editing on my side. My goal was to copyedit as little as I could, while fixing the better errors. This assignment also shows that there isn't a right or wrong answer when it comes to copyediting, and that, sometimes, the word choicing in your mind could be the better alternative than what the original text presents. This demonstrates my ability to copyedit via Track Changes and shows more of my familiarity with style guides such as the Chicago Manual of Style and the Associated Press Stylebook. |
Reflection
Copyediting will always be something I will love to appreciate, especially because of all the things you can do with copyediting. I love to play with word substitutions and better verbs, though, that's not the point of copyediting. When you get into all of the technical side of writing, there may be just a few things you either missed, or didn't get to. You also have to be very wary of how much you copyedit a document, as overedititis is a real phenomenon that happens to copyeditors and writers alike. Though I'm not the best copyeditor in the world, this assignment demonstrates my ability to copyedit using Microsoft Word Track Changes, and my ability to quickly copyedit a document through catching the necessary errors. |
|
Summary
For this assignment, I was tasked with copyediting the document above using The Chicago Manual of Style and The Merriam Webster Dictionary using Track Changes in Microsoft Word. In this scenario, I would be copyediting to get this article ready for publication. I was tasked to only do the necessary copyedits from my end when it came to grammar, punctuation, and anything technical that needed to be fixed. This included errors in spelling, punctuation errors, any necessary queries to the author, and much more. For example, I made queries about necessary citations this author needed in their text. Overall, this document demonstrates my ability to copyedit documents that are extensive and shows my restraint as a copyeditor. |
Reflection
Copyediting documents comes with a love and hate relationship for the field. There were lots of opportunities for me to change the wording on this document, yet, I had to hold myself back from what really needed to be changed. You also have to be careful when it comes to querying authors. You don't want to overwhelm the author with so many copyeditors or queries, yet, you have to show them the errors in their work that need to be corrected. There's an art to copyediting that I'll always love, and it's the art of learning to hold yourself back and to recognize that, sometimes, developmental editing needs to take place before the copyediting. I found this assignment to be relatively easy. |
|
Summary
For this assignment, I was tasked with imitating the style, spirit, and form of writing a parody of an article. The article I chose was titled "The Etiology and Treatment of Childhood", a spoof published in a book. I imitated the style and rhetorical moves the article used, though I replaced the subject with my own, choosing to parody Madonna-itis, where adults have an obsession with listening to her songs in inappropriate places, including the causes and effects of such. The point of this assignment was to demonstrate my ability to mimic the style and rhetorical moves of an article, using the major headings and formatting of the original (clinical features, causes, treatments, etc.), and turning it into my own spoof. |
Reflection
I struggled with this assignment at first, as I'm not a writer who tries to mimic another's writing. In my first draft, I took the comedy element way too far, though with revision and my professor's feedback, I came up with this document. I learned to be mindful when imitating another's writing, style, and rhetorical moves, as these elements may be taken further than necessary. Despite being a huge fan of Madonna, I found this assignment fun because it showed that I can create a spoof of another article. |
|
Summary
For this assignment, I was tasked with using my knowledge of Carol Fisher Saller's "The Subversive Copy Editor" (2nd ed.) to write a blog post for editors (those getting started as freelancers or more experienced editors who'd benefit from Saller's experience and wisdom). Presumably, I'd either ghostwrite the post for the site's owner or write a guest post for the site with my own byline. I was tasked with having an engaging opening, short paragraphs, and informative headings. I also included a picture of Saller at the beginning of my blog post. In short, this assignment accurately represents the quality of work I'm capable of and demonstrates my ability to write a blog post for an editing book and to write a blog in general. |
Reflection
I found this assignment to be one of the easiest assignments I've done so far. I've read plenty of blogs to know the kinds of language and structuring that they used, and I loved reading Saller's book. It's pretty easy to write a blog post about an editing book, though, you have to be very intentional with the way you word things and structure content throughout your blog post. Additionally, you also have to be mindful of the visual component and making sure not to overwhelm your readers. Overall, I really liked this assignment, and this demonstrates my ability and awareness to make a blog post about an editing book, and the kinds of language conventions that comes with making a blog post. |
|
Summary
This assignment allowed me to collaborate with a friend to create an attractively designed style guide with helpful organization and formatting. The goal of this style guide is to make it easy for various writers to find answers to their questions tailored to this magazine's style. In this case, we prepared a style guide for the Cincinnati Magazine. In this assignment, I was assumed to have been part of the hiring process for this publication, given a back issue of the magazine to create a style guide based on the writing decisions I saw throughout it. This style guide serves as a reference tool, as we logically group and order content together and give categories clear labels. |
Reflection
Working collaboratively with a friend on this particular style guide was incredibly helpful. It's always interesting to see the similarities and differences in the ideas you both had for the style guide. I focused on incorporating specific stylistic examples from the magazine itself and on designing the style guide to be accessible, while my friend covered the rest. At times, I made errors in the early stages of this style guide. I appreciated that this assignment delved into journalism, the differences between CMS and AP style, and the stylistic choices that could appear in a magazine. |
|
Summary
During my time as a Peer Career Coach at the University of Cincinnati Blue Ashes Career Services department, I was tasked with condensing down three of the flyer documents that they had, one of them being the resume handout. I was tasked with condensing about two pages of resume information into a page that'd eventually turn into their new flyer. This one was about how one should make an effective resume, and the steps that it takes to get to such. This is an actual flyer that is now representative of UCBA Career Services in reworking their physical documentation layout, and making it more accessible for students to use and read. |
Reflection
I love doing side-projects like these. When I was first approached my by supervisor, Sarah Grace McCollough, to condense this document down to an easy accessible level, I was excited to get started. It's within my belief that job documentations such as resumes, cover letters, ePortfolios, and more, are never discussed enough at the college level. There needs to be more awareness of these job documentations. You can have the best credentials in the world, however if your resume cannot get through the ATS systems, it's practically pointless. As stated before, this was turned into an actual physical flyer for UCBA Career Services. |
|
Summary
During my time as a Peer Career Coach at the University of Cincinnati Blue Ashes Career Services department, I was tasked with condensing down three of the flyer documents that they had, one of them being the professional attire handout. I wanted to emphasize the difference between business casual attire, and how you should dress for an interview. I gave examples, gave tips on how to dress for an interview, and gave a general overview. This is an actual flyer that is now representative of UCBA Career Services in reworking their physical documentation layout and making it more accessible for students to use and read. |
Reflection
I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to know what professional attire is. The first time you meet an employer, is their very first impression of you. I do find it a bit difficult to differentiate between professional attire, business casual, and then wearing a suit, however, in any case, I'd completely recommend wearing business casual. There is a LOT of nuances when it comes to dressing professionally, and I want students to be at their best when they're interviewing for a job, meeting an employer for the first time, even if they're networking at events such as the UCBA Career Expo. It's important to make a great first impression. |
|
Summary
During my time as a Peer Career Coach at the University of Cincinnati Blue Ashes Career Services department, I was tasked with condensing down three of the flyer documents that they had, one of them being the elevator pitch handout. Elevator pitches are things that students need to be practicing, at the very least, spreading more awareness about. The elevator pitch is a prepared speech meant to quickly convey who you are, what you do, and why that matters. I go over why one should be about an elevator pitch, and the 9 C's of an elevator pitch. This is an actual flyer that is now representative of UCBA Career Services in reworking their physical documentation layout and making it more accessible for students to use and read. |
Reflection
Elevator pitches are one of the least commonly known things when it comes to professionalizing yourself and getting ready to market yourself for the job market. I find it incredibly worrying that a lot of students don't know about elevator pitches. I practiced mine at the UCBA Career Expo, and I made sure to market myself in a way that sounded natural and showcased my personality. You also want to be careful not to overprepare your elevator pitch. I find it important for students to know that employers are just as nervous to meet students as they are. At the end of the day, employers are wanting to know you and your personality, and what skills you can bring to their table. You don't have to know or say everything in your elevator pitch. |
|
Summary
For this assignment, I wrote a developmental editing memo to an author of an article (for a presumed 14-day book series for a publisher) in which I suggested various changes to the organization/scope of their article that'd make it fit the 14-day book series. Not only did I study the article to see how I'd recommend restructuring it, but I also wrote my developmental editing suggestions within a memo report with appropriate header information. My paragraphs were single-spaced, while I double-spaced between paragraphs and did not indent the first line of the paragraphs. This developmental editing report showcases my growing familiarity with common business style, especially as I opened it with an introduction (properly contextualizing the memo's author) and divided the body into logically cohesive sections. |
Reflection
One of the toughest parts of developmental editing reports is getting started. I spent a few hours thinking about the revisions I wanted to make to this article to fit a 14-day book series. You also have to be very careful/intentional with the wording of your report, as you want to establish enough of a relationship with the author, but not enough to the point where you're endlessly praising their article. I'm glad I gained more familiarity with common business style, as there is a LOT that goes into writing for business. Since this was a graduate-level course, I wanted to ensure that this developmental editing report showcased the best of my writing. This assignment also gave me a bit of insight into how literary agents could reach out to potential authors when preparing developmental editing reports for their work. When you want your work published, there will always be revisions involved. |
|
Summary
From my experience as a Peer Career Coach at the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash Career Services, I created a style guide for the writing choices I made in curating the UCBA Thursday Newsletter. I created this style guide based on the newsletters I wrote throughout the semester, drawn from the Career Services section of the UCBA Thursday Newsletter. This weekly publication gives my writing more grounding and credibility, especially since my style guide is made to be accessible for all students. I express my deepest gratitude to Sarah Grace McCollough and J.D. Fye for the opportunity to serve as a UCBA Peer Career Coach. |
Reflection
I'm proud of everything that I've done in my role as a Peer Career coach for UCBA Career Services and to gain exclusive insight as to how business documentations are marketed. I'm even more grateful that I have such insight to job-searching strategies, it's because of my past PCC role that I landed two internships the following semester. It certainly makes me motivated to start my own literary publication, some day. |
