Michelle Llena
CONTENT PROFESSIONAL
Hello, World!
I’m Michelle.
And I’m focused on editing, writing and managing content.
With a background in news journalism, subscription B2B trade media, and internal and external comms content, my contributions are as vast and varied as I am versatile: I’ve written in, managed and edited blogs, industry newsletters and social media posts. Freelance projects range anywhere from interviewing martial artists and CEOs, copywriting on custom niche jewelry, pro bono copyediting for social change and reviewing contract language, to drafting business plans for cloud-based clients.
​This site comprises just some examples of what I’ve worked on. Please consult my resume for a more formal overview of my professional experience. Or find me on LinkedIn — let’s network so we might work together!
Client: Gracie Barra
Client requested for a skilled writer to contribute to their customer-facing blog on martial arts training. As a writer, the challenge was to find and interview a Brazilian Jiujitsu practitioner at each belt level — white to black — along with photos to submit within deadline. Among several contributors, my piece was one of just a few published.
Client: Originate Report (a division of Geraci Media)
Client commissioned me to write featured articles, specifically “Being Inspired is the Catalyst for Change” and “Know Your Worth,” for their annual Women in Real Estate special issue, published in June 2023.
As a contributing writer, I scheduled and interviewed C-suite executives, gathering both relevant and inspiring information to share with this industry trade publication’s target audience of real estate and private lending professionals.
Client: Real Change Homeless Empowerment Project (VOLUNTEER)
Pro bono client requests on an as-needed, as-available basis for my expertise in reviewing weekly issues using Associated Press style before they hit the press. Deadlines are fast, with work to be completed within a few hours, including copyediting feature stories.
I’m happy to volunteer my professional skills as a service that contributes to helping others get back on their feet. Cited issues that I have copyedited: Vol. 29, No. 49 - December 7-13, 2022; and Vol. 30, No. 8 - February 22-28, 2023. I also contributed in copyediting sections of their Emerald City Resource Guide, copies of which are printed and distributed as a reference book for many of Seattle’s unhoused community.
Client: Sampaguita Rock Camp (VOLUNTEER)
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Client produced this weeklong music program curriculum at a fast clip, with their first live camp launching in just a few days. Writing, editing and print for this inaugural 2022 edition needed to happen very quickly among collaborators. As the copy editor, proofreader and editor, I completed this assignment overnight. Client was grateful for the feedback and noted that many marked errors were invisible initially to them!
Client: Seo-Hou
Client requested product copy for their entire luxury boutique jewelry line: About Us, Chapters, and collection pieces. As the copywriter for Seo-Hou’s initial product lines, I worked closely with the founders to craft both their brand story and brand identity into meaningful messages that resonate with their customers.
Client: Rob Bradstreet
Client wrote a full-length film script* at 107 pages with the intent to pitch it to those in the industry at the annual San Diego Comic-Con International. The deadline was to have it copyedited before the convention in a few months, but my personal deadline was to complete changes within a week. I met both deadlines, and copies of the script were successfully distributed at the event.
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*For proprietary reasons, this is only an excerpt.
Client: Thomson Reuters
Client wanted each product title of their B2B benefits compliance subscription-based library checked quarterly for accuracy, with prices, excerpts and Author Information up-to-date. Client also wanted each title’s quarterly update along with footnote citations and indexes copyedited and proofed, with adherence to The Redbook, The Bluebook and a CMOS-based in-house style. Due to copyright law, proofed excerpts are unavailable for me to post.
Passion Project: She Eats Foood
This is my personal blog mainly on food-related topics, chronicling recipe attempts, fun snack buys, reviews and observations. Its intended audience is small and personal.