| About You: |
MELISSA BIRKS
Chicago, Illinois • [email protected]
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Experienced writer and editor
Experienced collaborator in creative, story-telling environments
Experienced managing and meeting deadlines¬
SCREENWRITING CONTESTS
Empty (2013) Finalist in drama category, Creative World Awards
Vampire Academy (2012) Semifinalist in StoryPros
Uncaged (2010) Quarterfinalist, Nicholl Fellowship; semifinalist, StoryPros
VOLUNTEER
Columbia College: Judged student screenplay competition; 2009-2012
Production Assistant: Assisted with three Chicago-based independent films; 2011-2012
ChicagoScriptWorks: Publicized readings and wrote grand proposals for non-profit that staged readings of amateur screenplays; 2008-2010 (organization closed)
WRITING AND EDITING EXPERIENCE
Communications Coordinator: Jenner & Block LLP, Chicago, IL; Sept. 2012-present
Write and edit a range of marketing materials including internal communications, RPFs, announcements, brochures, memos, and website content.
Instructor of English Composition: 2009-2012
ITT Technical Institute, Mount Prospect, IL; June 2009-Sept. 2012
Writer and Editor: Freelance and niche publications; 2004-present
Edit academic manuscripts; editorial contributor to several books by Dr. William Baker, including Shakespeare: A Companion, Facts on File (2012)
Writer and editor in freelance and full-time capacities for divisions of the Law Bulletin Publishing Company, including its daily newspaper and magazines; Chicago, IL; July 2007-Sept. 2012.
Writer of equine-related features for regional and national publications, including Cup of Comfort for Horse Lovers anthology (2008); 2004-2008
Writing Tutor: University Writing Center, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL; Aug. 2007-May 2009
Assistant City Editor: The Albuquerque Tribune, Albuquerque, NM; July 2005-Dec. 2006
City Editor: The Rockford Register Star, Rockford, IL; April 2000-May 2005
South Valley Bureau Chief; Assistant City Editor: The Fresno Bee, Fresno, CA; July 1997-April 2000.
Features Editor; Assistant City Editor: The Jackson Sun, Jackson, TN; Oct. 1994-June 1997.
Night Editor; Reporter: The Grand Rapids Press (Lakeshore bureau), Grand Rapids, MI; March 1989-Sept. 1994.
EDUCATION
Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL; MA in English with concentration in Film and Literature
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; AB in English
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