Hi, I’m a professional nonfiction writer and editor with more than a decade of experience in the industry. I specialize in substantive and stylistic editing. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned author, I can help you at every stage of the writing process, from initial story development to the final stages of copyediting and proofreading. I have the expertise to help you craft your work into something remarkable. With an eye for detail and a commitment to quality, logical cohesion and clarity, I’m dedicated to helping you achieve your writing goals. And, if you need it, I can even build an index for your book, ensuring that your readers can find and reference the information they need. Whatever your writing project or publishing goals, I’m here to help. Don’t let the writing process overwhelm you — reach out to me today and let’s work together to create something great.
Your time is precious. You don't have time to write blog posts, worry about search engine optimization or write sales emails. But I do. Let me take care of all that so you can focus on the rest of your job. Or book a massage. I can help you increase your website traffic, get more customers and create a loyal following. How? I meet with you, define your unique needs and create a strategy to get the best results. Then I communicate your value using the perfect words for your clients, and measure the outcome. As a writer with over 15 years experience in a variety of industries, I excel at seeing the world through someone else's eyes, and then speaking to them in language they understand. I am equally comfortable with more serious research-based pieces and chatty lifestyle articles. I'm also a bit of a research nerd. I love digging through the internet for solid sources, and making sure my articles are based on sound information. Don't just take my word for it though... “Melissa seeks to understand a client’s business goals. Her ability write from the client’s voice is one of her key strengths. She would be an amazing asset to any individual or business looking for a freelance writer.” – Cheryl Hooper, Manager People & Culture, Helcim “Melissa is a skilled writer: responsive, responsible, and thorough in all of her research. I’m continually impressed by her ability to work quickly under tight deadlines, while maintaining high editorial standards. She learned the science behind atopic dermatitis quickly and effortlessly and routinely interacts with our doctors and other medical experts to provide us with accurate, well-researched stories.“ – Steve Nelson, Senior Editor, National Eczema Association
I have co-hosted and produced The MTB Connection podcast for the last 3 years. We host guests from all areas of the sport, including professional riders, national coaches, and some rad local talent. We have held UCI media accreditation at various World Cup events.
Founder, Young Canadian Space Club, Feb 2019-2020; Owner stanscienceman, 2019; author of "Taylor's Pneumatic Toys," "Career Options Maria Sirdar Nickel," and "Hover & Soar."
I'm a graduate-certified Professional Communication Manager with extensive experience in research, writing, proofreading, and editing. I currently work as an Innovation & Communication Manager for a non-profit agency. I'm adept in administering, managing, and using multiple software systems and programs, and I have a lifelong love of learning. I have speed reading ability, keen attention to detail, and an aptitude for hyperfocus, allowing me to pick out inaccuracies quickly and efficiently. I enjoy the work everyone else would prefer to avoid. I can work independently and effectively. Additional experience includes: • More than 25 years of compelling and practical writing experience. • I am a member of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC-NB) and the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS). • I have won multiple large grant and contract proposals for various non-profit agencies. • I have written several community education programs for various non-profit agencies and have trained facilitators in their appropriate facilitation. • I am a long-time multimedia artist.
Television current affairs producer with CBC, CTV. Independent factual producer with Discovery Canada, Knowledge Network, SCN. Freelance article writer since 2011 published in Vancouver magazine, Westworld, BC Living, Galleries West, etc.
co-owner Mountain Ash Press Author: Tell Me What You See published by One Idea Press. Self-published book, FitWise Hired copywriter/web copy for Rostrum Developments, Openbooks.com and several other organizations. Translation work in Europe for various companies (SkyClub, San Lorenzo Restaurant) Journalist for British MODE magazine Commissioned writer for Huffington Post Canada Blogger - paid work for Styleontheside.com I also host visual writing workshops throughout Canada and the US Recently published on Jane Friedman's blog
A multi-skilled journalist of ten years specializing in international relations and foreign storytelling with a heartbeat. Clients have included VICE, NPR, PRX and other outlets.
Lee Tunstall has over 20 years of experience in research and writing working with the public, private and non-profit sectors. Her eclectic background makes her an effective generalist dealing with a variety of issues that have included health care policy, seniors’ sector issues, mental health issues, politics, women’s and girls’ issues, retail activities and issues of violence and abuse. She is currently an independent consultant and writer in Calgary, Alberta. She writes for a number of clients, including EBSCO Publishing and Silvera for Seniors. She was the co-author of an issue brief on the status of girls and young women commissioned by Status of Women Canada that helped Canada to adopt the International Day of the Girl. While at the YWCA of Calgary, she acted as project editor for their centennial history, Creating Cornerstones: A History of the YWCA of Calgary. A contributor to both Troy Media and the Huffington Post on current affairs, many of Tunstall’s columns have been picked up by daily and weekly newspapers in Canada. Additionally, she is a senior associate of Quoi Media, which specializes in translating Canadian and US academic or policy publications into more mainstream publishable formats in major and niche media outlets. In addition to being a member of the Canadian Freelance Guild, she is also a member of the Association of Independent Information Professionals and the Canadian Society for Independent Scholars. With a Ph.D. in History from the University of Cambridge, she has been awarded many scholarships and honours throughout her academic career, including a full scholarship to St John’s College, Cambridge. She is currently a sessional instructor in the Werklund School of Education at UofC, teaching in the graduate research program.
A writer–editor with 12 years' experience in crafting and polishing medical and healthcare materials, business communications and web publications. Topics/areas of specialty: Health and wellness, medical-legal, expert witness work, mental health, addiction, psychology, ADHD, aging, caregiving. fitness and nutrition, household services, home construction, real estate, garden and DIY.
I'm an experienced advertising, marketing and social media professional. Creative thinking and writing has been a passion of mine for decades through all traditional and Social Media platforms. Being a very enthusiastic marketing professional innovating in the digital media, communications, promotional marketing and advertising world has resulted in a successful track record of using a wide variety of marketing tools to create campaigns that produce results. I've been fortunate to be able to work with a wide variety of companies and organizations to create consumer and trade focused advertising and marketing programs resulting in measurable sales lifts. I have a knack of being able to help marketing and sales teams communicate more effectively resulting in a better go-to-market strategy. In fact, I've been the lead communications and marketing strategist on a variety of projects and brands. I am a Project Manager that requires very little supervision once the strategy is in place; I am an excellent communicator. I have expert level skills in Branding and creative, Digital Advertising and Digital Marketing strategy, Social Media content development, moderation and engagement; traditional media creation, search marketing, website development.
I bring 10 years of journalistic experience — having worked with media organizations across Canada, the United States and India. It's been a rewarding journey starting off as a lifestyle reporter and sub-editor in daily newspapers (The New Indian Express and The Hindu) in India, working as an art reporter (The Artblog) and later, a food features writer for an online publication (Mashed) in the United States. My most recent stint was as a full-time digital reporter for a community newspaper (New West Record) in British Columbia. I have had the opportunity to write on a broad range of topics while also adapting to the changes in the industry. A shift in media trend from a print-heavy to an almost online-only model meant equipping myself with the necessary skills in SEO, use of AI tools and social media content creation. I look forward to growing with the industry, while continuing to be excited about every story that I get to work on.
Author of "The Deliberate Doctorate: A Value-Focused Journey to Your PhD" published by On Campus, an imprint of UBC Press, 2023. Founder and Principal, Viswali Consulting; Researcher and blogger, The Indigenous Climate Hub blog; Adjunct Associate Professor, School of Urban and Regional Planning, Queen's University Registered Professional Planner (RPP), Ontario Professional Planners' Institute Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Planners (FCIP)
Experienced e-commerce operations specialist with a proven track record in managing and optimizing product listings across multiple marketplaces, including Shopify, Amazon, Etsy, Wolf & Badger, and Faire. Skilled in coordinating the entire product lifecycle, from production data integration to inventory control and timely shipment processing. Adept at implementing data exchange systems, managing warehouse operations, overseeing quality control procedures, and preparing international customs documentation. Strong ability to adapt product information for diverse platforms, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and market appeal. Committed to delivering results that enhance sales, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Co-founder of Decipher Your Health (decipheryourhealth.com) • Writing coach • Author of Just the Right Dose: Your Smart Guide to Prescription Drugs & How to Take Them Safely (JustTheRightDose.com) • Developer and director of content, outreach coordinator for Sepsis Alliance • Print articles for Costco Connection, Canadian Nurse, Montreal Home, The Quilter, Oncology Live, InMotion, and more • Writer/contributor to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Healthgrade.com, Dignity Health, Oncology Nursing News, HealthDay News, Forbes.com, and more • Writing news articles and/or summaries for the general public, based on medical studies and/or research • Writing, editing, designing, publishing newsletters (print and online), producing FAQs for the general public and professionals • Reviewing, adapting, editing and condensing chapters in nursing textbooks • Writing profiles – for magazine articles, newsletters • Editing medical information and news for physician/medical website
I help my clients to deliver their message with clear, powerful writing. As a writer and editor, I work with publishers, associations, businesses, and agencies to deliver professional, targeted, and easy to understand materials. I offer Plain Language consulting and deliver on-site and remote training to help organizations make their communications more effective and inclusive. I've written books, magazines, brochures, press releases, videos, blogs, websites, and social media posts, among others. Topics I've written about include immigration, business, travel, animals, psychology, outdoor sex, camping and hiking, taxes, employment, and much more. I've been a published non-fiction author since 2007.
After 18 years as a staff writer in the daily newspaper industry, I transitioned to a full-time freelance writer and editor. I was the editor of a biweekly farm publication from 2000 until my retirement in the spring of 2023. I also write for a number of other publications on a freelance basis, as well as doing contract work for corporate clients. Even though I list my status as semi-retired, I am always on the lookout for new projects.
As a self-employed freelance designer, I’ve worked closely with remote teams to produce high-quality content on tight deadlines. I have an extensive background shaping language to the web, from landing pages and emails to in-app messaging and social media. I’ve designed vital, web-ready (AODA) thought leadership for technology companies and professional services giants, telling stories in well-crafted data visualizations while aligning with corporate style guides. With over 20 years experience in the stock industry, I understand the complexities of image licensing and am deeply familiar with managing visual assets.
Since the mid-1970s I have worked in journalism both as a staff writer and as a freelance contributor to a host of publications including lately, the Hamilton Spectator, rabble.ca, Raise the Hammer, and the Breach. My book When Poverty Mattered, Then and Now was published by Fernwood in 2019. The following year my edited collection, Reclaiming Hamilton: Essays from the New Ambitious City came out from Wolsak and Wynn.
Eighteen years owner of The Virtual Writer, providing writing, editing and consulting services to the not-for-profit sector, including hospital and community foundations, advancement and alumni affairs for educational institutions. Print, web and digital content.
