Rebecca Ragain, writing and marketing services

As a freelance writer, I split my work hours between penning editorial articles for newspapers and magazines, and creating copy for Web sites, brochures and other marketing pieces. I also manage marketing projects such as newsletters and advertising campaigns, on a contract basis. My business is based in Portland, Oregon.

I keep the editorial and marketing branches of my business separate, but I enjoy them equally. Both forms allow me to use my skills to connect with strangers through the medium of words.

For articles, my goal is for readers to walk away with a clearer understanding of the topic, whether I'm outlining the phases of a construction project or describing a choreographer's creative process.

Copywriting for marketing materials requires clarity, too. I love the challenge of distilling the essence of an organization into one paragraph, or crafting a message that speaks to a campaign's intended audience.

Click here to sign up for "E-Marketing Memo," my monthly e-zine with tips to help you build your business.

E-newsletter education

Workshop: E-Newsletter Make-Over

6:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 14

If your e-newsletter program is more than six months old, there’s a good chance that the glow has worn off. Typical problems include:

• trouble keeping delivery consistent
• difficulty coming up with article ideas
• stagnant or declining response rates
  

Workshop attendees will receive advice specific to their current e-newsletter programs, as well as learning from other participants' e-mail marketing experiences.

Re-imagine your e-newsletter program!

Sign up now to benefit from my 10-plus years of marketing experience and knowledge of e-mail marketing trends and best practices.

The workshop will be held in downtown Portland, in the Dekum Building at SW 3rd and Alder. Workshop fee is $35. Enrollment is limited to 5 students.

Email or call (503.261.3967) to request more information or to register.

Comment from an e-newsletter class participant:

"I have really enjoyed learning from you. You have been extremely helpful and encouraging."

— DJ Rayley, professional dance instructor and choreographer

Book update

I contributed a chapter to the forthcoming book, Brew to Bikes: Portland's Artisan Economy, which will be published by Ooligan Press this fall.

In the publisher's words: " ...with an eye on Portland’s unique penchant for sustainability and urban development, Brew to Bikes is about everything from bike manufacturers to microbreweries, from do-it-yourself to traditional crafts."

There's even a spiffy promotional video available online.

The chapter I contributed focuses on Portland's specialty coffee industry, from Stumptown's early role to today's microroasters.