Writer / Editor

Laura Juska

        as Caroline Wright

About Me

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Metro Detroit creative with Northeast Ohio roots. Love books, philosophical thoughts and thrill of extreme sports. If you have a project, I'll deliver results with precision while providing practical insight 

(probably with a dose of wit).

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Personal Philosophy:

It's important to attach a personal note with a gift.

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Societal Obstacle:

Price of greeting cards is forcing people to forgo personal notes when gift-giving.

Plan for Changing the World:

Develop practical and sustainable use for reusable greeting cards.

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ACHIEVEMENTS 

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• Featured poet on WEMU's All Things Considered for National Poetry Month, 2019

• Poems published in Third Wednesday and Spring Thaw, Spring 2019; forthcoming in The Wayne Literary Review and Nerve Cowboy, Fall 2019

• Personal poetry blog, "Dating a Poet," listed among Top 100 Poetry Blogs, Websites & Newsletters to Follow in 2019 by Feedspot.com

• Chief Editor for Wrinkles Wallace children's book series, 2012-2019

• Collaborated on two book projects related to Lithuanian history which were translated to Lithuanian language (Day of Shame by Al Ruksenas and How I Became A Comrade: An American Growing Up in Siberian Exile by John Armonas), 2015-2016

• Authored 148-page collection of poetry, Chemistry, Not Science: A Book of Poems, Published 2015

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EXPERIENCE

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CONCENTRIX

Content & Technical Writer, December 2017-Present                                                                     

• Support operations for a Big Three automotive client in the evaluation, recommendation, establishment, implementation, and analysis of current and new business processes for service technical department

• Collaborate with operational leadership, client representatives and cross-functional teams on content projects 

• Developed user manual for dealerships across North America on use of new case management system (CMS) for initiation of technical service requests

• Wrote technical content related to launch of Rescue Lens and ConnectWise Control applications and PULSE employee evaluation tool

• Organize, schedule, and facilitate meetings to create and update business process and training documents

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MERIDIA PUBLISHERS
Publications Manager, April 2017-Present

• Remotely manage multiple aspects of print and digital publishing process, including working with third-party vendors: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, Lightning Source, Wordzworth

• Create and manage product-related websites, blogs, podcasts, social media accounts, and manage visitor analytics using SEO, Google Analytics, and MailChimp

• Use Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, plus Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Acrobat to create and revise excerpts, newsletters, fliers, advertisements, landing pages, ad campaigns

• Prepare marketing funnels using free downloadable PDF excerpts of individual books on company and individual product websites

• Work closely with co-owner and other content managers to develop creative strategies, concepts, and campaigns to promote product sales and overall business growth

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Editor, January 2010-Present

• Proofread manuscripts, web and social media content, marketing materials, and advertising copy for grammar and accuracy

• Check copy for grammatical, spelling and typographical errors

• Mark up copy with standard proofreading marks to notify writers and publications manager of necessary changes

• Suggest words and phrases to improve content for works of non-fiction, fiction, children’s books, poetry, plus business-related copy for marketing and advertising campaigns, press releases, fliers, email, and social media content

• Check words, phrases, and logos against copyright and intellectual property guidelines

• Work with print and digital manuscripts and publications

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FREELANCE

Blogger, February 2016-Present

• Maintain poetry and relationship blog containing print, video, and audio content that also features art from around the world

• Use SEO and Google Analytics, plus platform-specific analytics to track reader activity

• Guest blogger for ThirtyOnTap, an online lifestyle blog

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Writer & Editor, June 2016-Present

• Develop original content or edit existing content for individuals and businesses based on client’s individual needs, including originals and rewrites (work includes personal biographies, content for book flaps, marketing emails and newsletters, websites/blogs and social media content)

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Editor of Photography, December 2014 - April 2015

• Restored historical photographs for Michigan-based fine art photographer using Adobe Photoshop

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SMILE AMERICA PARTNERS 

Special Projects Copywriter, Summer 2017

• Worked closely with Operations Managers to update and digitize employee manuals using Google Drive/Google Docs

• Worked with CEO to conceptualize content for online portal and forums aimed to connect employees across the U.S.

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Talent Acquisitions Recruiter, Summer 2016​​

• Revised employment-related job ads and job descriptions leading to elevated candidate pool

• Performed in top 5% of recruiters for company

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NEW BEGINNINGS ACADEMY

Program Director, August 2010-May 2014​

• Co-organized program’s launch in 2007 which included research and proposal of initial grant

• Created Parent/Student Handbook, marketing brochures, progress reports, weekly newsletters, and other content related to program implementation and administration 

• Wrote grant proposal for Child and Adult Food Care Program and maintained compliance reports once grant was initiated

• Managed school's parent blog

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Lead Preschool Teacher, December 2007-June 2009; August 2010-May 2014

• Wrote curriculum and lesson plans for preschool with focus on kindergarten readiness

• Maintained program capacity with waiting list for four consecutive years (2010-2014)

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EDUCATION

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EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
July 2010-December 2016

• M.A. in Educational Media & Technology

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BALDWIN-WALLACE COLLEGE
August 2002-May 205

• B.S. in Early Childhood Education

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