William Townsend

Background

About William Townsend

I am a seasoned editor and writer who works well in high-volume, tight-deadline situations. Special skills include the ability to rework deficient copy—improving its readability, relevance, and flow. I also produce in-depth, incisive magazine articles. My objective is to use my skills to help publishers meet their goals across all media platforms.I am expert with the Chicago Manual and AP styles and am versatile in Adobe products and Word. I helped a top Catholic publisher finalize and launch its new parish bulletin program in 2024-2025. Previously I was the only manuscript editor for a national Catholic publisher, for whom I now freelance. In this role, rewriting is paramount. I also proofread reports for a company engaged by a national transportation service. Work ExperienceContract developmental and manuscript editorAscension Press in PennsylvaniaJuly 2024-presentFinalized and helped launch new-product concepts for eight sets of parish bulletins (52 bulletins in each set), edited and rewrote text, created titles, selected art, and fact-checked. Separately, using classroom textbooks, I rewrote and edited two textbooks for parents to use in preparing their child for Confession and First Communion.Freelance developmental and manuscript editorLiguori Publications in MissouriAugust 2024-presentAfter fourteen years on staff, I freelance for Liguori. I rewrote a book, and I edit articles for newsletters and a magazine.Freelance proofreader/copyeditorPublications Professionals LLC in Virginia,February 2023-present Manage the editing of reports for national transportation publications.Senior Manuscript EditorLiguori Publications in Missouri May 2010 to May 2024 I was the only copyeditor, and I developmentally edited, wrote titles, and rewrote text for an award-winning longtime Catholic publisher. I edited: a 48-page magazine six times a year, three four-page monthly newsletters, two-page bulletins 52 weeks a year for adults and children, textbooks, sacrament preparation products, history and biography books, devotional booklets, and biographical pamphlets. St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Business Journal in Missouri2004 to 2015 Cardinals: Wrote and edited magazine text, and I wrote a paper on Stan Musial in 2011 that President Obama used in deciding to award Mr. Musial the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Business Journal: Wrote news and feature articles on local businesses.