Editing

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Current engagement

Editor-in-chief, Louisville.com

Since I became editor-in-chief of Louisville.com in January 2010, on a part-time basis I’ve

  • found and recruited 27 contributing writers (previously the site had two)
  • created and implemented a pay scale to compensate writers in a manner that’s competitive for bloggers but appropriate for a startup local news organization
  • developed the site’s editorial direction to focus on hyperlocal news about specific neighborhoods (chosen for their mix of writers, readers, and potential advertisers and content) and nine citywide subject areas (such as family and parenting, theater, and music)
  • grown the site’s Facebook presence from 100 to 1,430 fans
  • created accounts on Tumblr, MySpace, and Google Buzz to target audiences other than those found on Facebook and Twitter
  • connected all social media accounts to the website’s RSS feed so that new articles are directed to our fans and followers to sites they visit regularly throughout the day (in July 2010, Facebook was responsible for 3 percent of the visits to Louisville.com)
  • guided technical and visual improvements to the site, including an ongoing overhaul of the homepage’s layout
  • researched and solicited proposals from software developers about replicating the site’s content in an iPhone application

Ongoing duties include

  • recruiting writers
  • directing Louisville.com’s coverage of major area events, such as the Kentucky Derby which totaled 180 articles and 500 updates to our social media followers during the week of the race
  • promoting the site through using social media, interacting with publicists, and attending area events
  • supervising freelance contributors, including issues regarding payment, the quantity and quality of their articles, and termination
  • managing the site’s social media accounts to engage with the community
  • obtaining media credentials for writers to events such as the Kentucky Derby and related parties, Forecastle Festival, HullabaLOU, and concerts and sporting competitions
  • scheduling interviews with local and touring performers
  • providing feedback, story ideas, professional-development advice, and promotional tips to writers
  • troubleshooting technical issues
  • providing regular updates to the site’s publishers
  • writing a daily news summary and other articles

Compared to July 2009, visits to Louisville.com increased 9.3 percent in July 2010. And return readership has increased 4 percent.

Previous engagements

  • Training courses, brochures, and newsletters for the National Security Personnel System (NSPS), the U.S. Department of Defense’s civilian employee management system
  • Dozens of reports on reproductive health and proposals for international development firms, including United States Agency for International Development (USAID) cooperating agencies
  • Websites for an international manufacturing firm and international development consultancies
  • A mural for the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing
  • Campaign materials for a Louisville, KY, Metro Council candidate, including his website, mailers, and handouts
  • Newsletters for the American Sportfishing Association

To contact me about an assignment, please e-mail zach@zacheverson.com.