I draw on a sixteen-year background of writing and editing a wide variety of materials, intended for promotional, informational, and scholarly purposes. A highly versatile writer, I am particularly skilled at adapting the style of writing to the needs of the client, creating text that is clear, concise, and effective.
As a freelance copywriter with a strong PR background, I have written press releases, grant narratives, and book jacket descriptions, as well as blogs, e-newsletters, and Web site content in areas ranging from commercial high-tech to non-profit cultural. I have also proofed, edited, and rewritten numerous books, including children's literature, academic studies, and self-help titles.
Chris Zook, M.A.
Contact me at:
chriszook@theconsciouswriter.com
LinkedIn Profile
Prior to launching my freelance career, I served as the Interim Director of Communications and Senior PR Officer at the San Diego Museum of Art, where for seven years I wrote and edited press releases, marketing collateral, and electronic newsletters. I've also placed feature stories in major publications, while PR campaigns I headed were honored with national awards.
As editor-in-chief of the museum’s quarterly magazine, I planned, wrote, and edited the publication’s content for 28 consecutive issues. I also managed content for the museum’s Web site and was an active participant in the planning and development of a new site. In addition, press releases I wrote for the museum have been published in hundreds of publications around the world. While serving as the Interim Director of Communications, I managed all PR, marketing, and graphic design functions, providing creative oversight on several successful marketing campaigns.
Prior to joining the San Diego Museum of Art, I completed a master’s degree and advanced to Ph.D. candidacy in art history at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Throughout my five-year post-graduate career, I taught and tutored hundreds of students in art history and writing skills while composing my own research papers, many for oral presentation and publication.
I have since supplemented this extensive academic training with additional coursework at the University of California, San Diego, in editing and Web writing skills. I have also attended several workshops and conferences on e-marketing and Web site content management. I am currently on the steering committee of the San Diego Professional Editor's Network (SD/PEN).
SAMPLES:
Blog:
Cosmos' Doggie Blog
Balboa Park Web Site:
Balboa Park Gift Stores
DiscoverSD.com Articles:
"Optimal Nutrition for San Diegans on the Go"
"Petco Park Pointers: Take Me Out to a Padres Game"
"Legendary Impressionist Exhibition at the San Diego Museum of Art"
Bellissima Magazine Article:
"The Power of Touch" (pg 2) (pg 3)
San Diego Museum of Art Quarterly Magazine Articles:
October 2006 Magazine – "New Acquisitions" article (PDF - 340 KB)
January 2005 Magazine – "Op Art" exhibition article (PDF - 300 KB)
Marketing Collateral:
Winter 2007 Exhibition Brochure (2-fold) (PDF - 575 KB)
Personal Views exhibition rack card (PDF - 728 KB)
Press Materials:
Phantom Technologies iBoss Pro release
Domains of Wonder Indian art exhibition press release (PDF - 100 KB)
Stephanie Herman/Physical Therapy backgrounder (PDF - 85 KB)
READ San Diego backgrounder (PDF - 70 KB)