Joel Leizer

Background

About Joel Leizer

Copy editor/designer with more than 23 years of experience producing news, business and features pages at award-winning midsize daily newspapers. Excellent at editing for syntax, spelling, grammar, fairness, consistency, accuracy and readability; making effective trims; and crafting compelling headlines and captions. Almost 20 years in management, charged with coaching members of the news copy/design desk staff — in copy editing, headline and caption writing, page design, software usage, etc. — and directly overseeing their work. A collaborative leader who has put in place practices that have ensured staff are consistent in beating tight deadlines while maintaining a high quality of work. Chief wire editor, well-versed in selecting — and prioritizing the use of — daily national, world and business content. A deputy city editor who regularly provides first reads of reporters' copy and directs reporters and photographers in coverage of breaking news. An assistant online editor who posts stories to the web; crafts relevant, SEO-focused headlines for web stories; and boosts content through social media. A capable reporter experienced at interviewing, researching and writing. Honored with Illinois Press Association awards for headline writing, page design, graphic illustration, and review writing.