I provide high-quality writing work in excellent English. This includes original researched technical writing, article or blog rewriting, or proofreading.
My skills fall into two basic categories: language and communication, and customer service. I have a background in computer science. Even while studying Russian language and literature at the University of Pennsylvania, (my B.A. degree), I was learning computer science as a minor subject, including an independent research project simulating a calculator-like device for vocabulary study. (Just as I was graduating, the first personal computers were becoming public, so I saw no purpose in developing it further.) My first position after graduation was as a technical writer for Burroughs, (now Unisys), producing their in-house documentation for the operating system of a small business multiprocessor. From there I moved into programming work. When the programming job market changed so that a computer science degree was needed, I went back to school at Spring Garden College, (also in Philadelphia, PA), for a B.S. degree. After graduation I worked for six years as a programmer with International Computaprint Corp., (now part of Reed Elsevier), helping to maintain and develop their global hotel database, then the world's largest.
I helped a friend start an independent mortgage brokerage office, processing residential mortgage applications, which involved communications and customer relations skills as well as acquiring and maintaining the office's computer equipment and software. I did that for more than ten years until residential mortgage revenue declined sharply during the 2008 financial crisis.
Not having time to search for IT-related work, I went into private security as a flex officer, still maintaining a good reputation for clearly written reports and sound customer relations. I currently am the reception security officer for the local office of a global financial services company, doing online work for a second income on evenings and weekends.
Work Terms
I do my freelance work on evenings and weekends. I am available for 20 to 25 hours a week, although I am willing to increase that temporarily to meet deadlines. My base rate is at least USD$20/hour, depending upon the complexity of the project. Please note that I will watch for emails or other communications during business hours and try to respond promptly. I can also set aside up to an hour for phone conversations or video conferences, with advance notice.