Rebecca Ragain, writing and marketing services

I have been working with words professionally since 1999, when I joined the marketing department of Timber Press, a Portland-based book publisher.

There I wrote marketing copy of all kinds (book jacket copy, fliers, brochures), researched audiences and created marketing plans. I was also the primary marketing contact for dozens of authors during my time with the company.

After several years with Timber Press, I joined Nervy Girl magazine as a part-time assistant editor, where I met several freelancers who proved that it is possible to make a living as a self-employed writer.

With the encouragement of one particular Nervy Girl writer/editor, I left Timber Press to start my own writing and marketing business in 2004.

Since then, I have penned articles for publication in regional and national magazines and newspapers, reaching both consumer and trade markets. In addition, Sodexho (a multinational food service corporation) selected me as the contractor for two in-depth marketing projects.

I have also been developing a dance writing specialty by contributing regular articles on the topic to Just Out and attending the 2007 NEA Arts Journalism Institute for Dance Criticism on a fellowship.

My university education began with two years at Reed College. It culminated in graduating with honors from Portland State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.

Life as a freelancer

As any independent contractor will tell you, sometimes it's tough being your own boss.

But every time I get an email from a source or marketing client telling me that I captured exactly what they do and why they do it, I know I'm on the right track.