writing, editing, indexing, training, and consulting services
for print and online media

Alphabetical Client List With Project Descriptions

This page contains complete information on the projects I've done for each of my clients. To see samples of my work, please contact me.

Adobe Systems

FrameMaker and InDesign Direct Mail Materials, Acrobat Ad Copy

• Description: Authored email blasts, print pieces, and ad copy for print and online use.
• Tasks: Persuasive Writing

FrameMaker Technical Marketing Documents

• Description: Authored a New Features Highlights Guide, a Reviewers' Guide, two FAQs, and two technical white papers for FrameMaker 6.0/FrameMaker+SGML 6.0 and FrameMaker 7.0. Developed a new editorial structure, approach and style to replace previously ineffective documents. Worked with beta versions to create feature summaries that provided a high-level view of the products' benefits, plus illustrated mini-tutorials to take the audience of industry experts and existing customers on a "tour" of the products' most powerful and valuable new and continuing functionality.
• Tasks: Informative Writing, Developmental Editing, Technical Illustration, Desktop Publishing

Human Resources Benefits Guide

• Description: Indexed a 350-page guide to employee benefits and human resources benefits policies.
• Tasks: Indexing

Apple Computer

Newton Documentation

• Description: Worked with a team to create user documentation for the first Newton. Acted as engineering liaison, tracked bugs, and coordinated the information development and print production processes. Authored user and reference guides; contributed to install and quick reference guides. Handled developmental and copy editing tasks and created indexes for all materials.
• Tasks: Technical Writing, Copy Editing, Technical Editing, Indexing, Desktop Publishing, Team Lead

Basics of Page Design and Basics of Color Design Guides

• Description: Created two 90-page illustrated guides for laser printer users. Topics covered included page design and typography concepts and the effective use of color as an essential design element.
• Tasks: Technical Writing, Technical Editing, Technical Illustration, Desktop Publishing

Macintosh Sales Training Materials

• Description: Authored a 250-page workbook and 50 handouts for sales staff handling Macintosh computers and software in the educational market.
• Tasks: Courseware Development, Desktop Publishing

End User Documentation Authoring Handbook, QuarkXPress Templates

• Description: Created a comprehensive guide covering editorial/graphic design style standards and production techniques and procedures for end-user documentation. Target audiences were instructional designers, technical illustrators, project editors, and production specialists. Gathered and compiled information on previously established standards. Analyzed projects before production to determine planning issues and pinpoint software learning needs. Performed post-production project analysis to identify where problems occurred. Established and standardized editorial and production procedures and techniques, including uniform software templates, illustration libraries, and project tracking worksheets. Incorporated all information into a 200-page manual.
• Tasks: Authoring Standards/Procedures Development

Software Skills Coaching

• Description: Provided one-on-one coaching sessions for instructional designers, technical illustrators, and production specialists in "power user" tips and tricks for QuarkXPress and Photoshop.
• Tasks: Skills Coaching

Apple Developer Press

Programmer/Developer Documentation

• Description: Created a full documentation set for the initial technology release of a new object-oriented programming language and integrated development environment in hardcopy and CD-ROM format. Worked with programmers and developers to document language syntax definitions and parameters, development applications toolset, and interface-building utility. Performed developmental editing to organize and structure collected information and materials; generated, wrote and edited a development toolset manual, an interface-builder guide, a programming-language reference, and an installation/configuration guide. Created master and individual indexes and converted all materials to Acrobat format.
• Tasks: Technical Writing, Technical Editing, Indexing, Desktop Publishing

Baseline Communications

Direct Mail Materials, Sales Presentations

• Description: Authored and produced print 4-color direct-mail pieces and a 115-slide PowerPoint and HTML technical marketing presentation for a consulting firm selling a CD-ROM of network security policies. Led a team of three, performed editorial and graphical quality checks, and acted as liaison with the print vendor and Web hosting provider.
• Tasks: Persuasive Writing, Copy Editing, Desktop Publishing, Web Development

Berkeley STC

FrameMaker Basic and Advanced Training Courses

• Description: Developed and delivered a series of FrameMaker training classes targeted at technical communication students and technical writers. Content started from the "absolute beginner" level and took users up to "power user" level.
• Deliverables: Training Slides, Speaker Notes, and Handouts
• Tasks: Group Training, Courseware Development

Chevron Corporation

Human Resources Time Management Training Courseware

• Description: Created materials for a training program designed to boost the productivity of administrative staff and reduce nonproductive company time.
• Deliverables: Workbook, Slides, Speaker Notes, and Handouts
• Tasks: Courseware Development, Desktop Publishing

Cisco Systems

End User and Systems Administrator Documentation and Help, Installation Guides, Marketing Communications/Sales Materials, Engineering Notes

• Description: Handled developmental/technical/copy editing and rewriting of internal and external documentation for a broad variety of target audiences, including end-user/sysadmin online Help, installation/administration guides, marcom pieces, sales scripts, engineering/R&D notes, editorial/formatting stylebooks, and process docs.
• Tasks: Copy Editing, Developmental Editing, Technical Editing

Productivity Enhancement for Print and Online Documentation

• Description: Developed and implemented productivity enhancement mechanisms, including improved software templates, editorial and formatting style guidelines, and process documentation. Established and documented standardized tools, techniques, and procedures for paper-to-HTML conversion, paper-to-Acrobat conversion, and Help-to-HTML conversion.
• Deliverables: Multiple Media Production Guide, FrameMaker Templates
• Tasks: Publishing Process Improvement, Authoring Standards/Procedures Development

Compage LLC

Desktop Publishing and Electronic Prepress Training Course

• Description: Developed and delivered a series of training classes covering the processes, tools, and techniques used in electronic publishing. The content was designed for production personnel in an outsourced documentation firm. Trained writers and layout artists in PageMaker, QuarkXPress, Ventura Publisher, MS Office, Illustrator, Photoshop, MS Windows, and Macintosh Basics.
• Deliverables: Workbook, Slides, and Handouts
• Tasks: Group Training, Courseware Development, Desktop Publishing

Software Tutoring and Skills Coaching

• Description: Provided one-on-one tutoring and skills coaching to a team of production personnel in an outsourced documentation firm. Trained writers and layout artists in PageMaker, QuarkXPress, Ventura Publisher, MS Office, Illustrator, Photoshop, MS Windows, and Macintosh Basics.
• Tasks: Tutoring, Skills Coaching

Dormann Photography

Photoshop Basics Tutoring

• Description: Provided one-on-one tutoring to personnel in a photography firm transitioning from traditional to digital technology. Trained photographers and photo editors in Photoshop, with instruction starting at the beginner level and progressing to advanced techniques and "power user" tips and tricks.
• Tasks: Tutoring

enCommerce

getAccess Network Administration, Installation, and End User Documentation

• Description: Updated and revamped legacy documentation and added new information for two major product releases. Handled editorial, graphical, and quality-control checks and programmer/developer liaison duties. Managed final production of online media and HTML Help conversions from paper-based source files. Monitored project to ensure on-time and on-budget delivery.
• Tasks: Technical Writing, Copy Editing, Developmental Editing, Technical Editing, Technical Illustration, Desktop Publishing, Team Lead

Single Source Document Production System Design and Implementation

• Description: Rearchitected a 250-page documentation set for single source multiple-media delivery. Researched and established new tools and processes to streamline the information-development process.
• Tasks: Publishing Process Improvement

Customer Support Web Site Content Architecture and Interaction Enhancement

• Description: Devised a new and highly effective structure for Web-based customer support information, with intuitive navigation and retrieval mechanisms to ensure customers could easily find what they were seeking. As a result, calls from users who could not find information on the support site dropped 95%.
• Tasks: Web Content Architecture

Genentech Corporation

Functional and External Specs for Statistical Data Compilation Tool

• Description: Developed functional and external specifications for software used to compile clinical statistical data. Developed a user survey to analyze needs of target audience. Interviewed typical users who had been gathering and processing data with Excel to determine patterns of information usage; identified common data-manipulation needs as evidenced by frequently-used calculations and formulas in electronic files generated by these users. Created preliminary and final functional specs; edited manuscript for consistency and clarity. Monitored Visual Basic development of the beta software to ensure adherence to the written spec.
• Tasks: Technical Writing, Team Lead

Harris Farinon

Marketing Communications Production Guide, PageMaker Templates

• Description: Established and documented a clear-cut process for managing the flow of technical information from engineers to marketing managers through the final production phase. Produced standardized templates for 30 types of datasheets and wrote a 200-page illustrated manual explaining how to update, revise and create each type of piece.
• Tasks: Authoring Standards/Procedures Development

Software Skills Coaching

• Description: Broke down the product datasheet production process into a series of simple tasks, determined the appropriate personnel to perform each task, and delivered targeted one-on-one training in Word, PageMaker, and Photoshop.
• Tasks: Skills Coaching

Hewlett-Packard

NT Migration Web Site and Documentation

• Description: Led a team of 12 in documenting installation and support procedures and in creating end user orientation content for an enterprise migration from UNIX to Windows NT. Conducted audience analysis; developed appropriate site architecture and interface. Supported team during writing, editing and online conversion of 850 pages of content; drove the processes of web site implementation and indexing. Documented user analysis results and publishing tools/methodology.
• Tasks: Technical Writing, Copy Editing, Developmental Editing, Indexing, Web Content Architecture, Technical Illustration, Web Development, Team Lead

Corporate IT Web Site Audit, Rearchitecture, and Interaction Redesign

• Description: Led team of 12 auditing a 3300-page site detailing enterprise client computing services and procedures and policies for IT tech staff. Performed audience analysis, site re-architecture, and interface redesign. Established and documented authoring guidelines, tools and methodology, and content management standards for maintenance. Supported the team in content revision and site reconstruction; reviewed content for adherence to new standards before site indexing.
• Tasks: Indexing, Web Content Architecture, Web Development, Team Lead

Corporate IT Single Source Document Production System Design and Implementation

• Description: Researched, selected, and implemented the appropriate tools and processes for generating HTML and PDF from source documents created with a broad variety of software on disparate platforms. Tested file conversion software; developed and documented print authoring and HTML conversion templates. Incorporated all information into the Corporate IT Web Authoring Guides.
• Tasks: Publishing Process Improvement

Corporate IT Web Authoring Guides

• Description: Created authoring and tools guides. Established editorial, graphical, and content management standards. Designed site architecture and interface; created 185 pages of content in HTML and PDF formats. Indexed all documents; documented user analysis results and publishing methodology.
• Tasks: Authoring Standards/Procedures Development, Indexing, Web Content Architecture, Web Development

HP3000 GUI Design Style Guide

• Description: Created a 300-page in-house guide to corporate GUI design standards for internal and external software developers. Worked with staff engineers and developers to standardize and establish the look and feel of windows, menus, and controls. Used print references to gather information on the basic principles of usable GUI design. Wrote and illustrated a comprehensive manual covering all aspects of GUI design and explaining the concepts of user-oriented interface development.
• Tasks: Authoring Standards/Procedures Development, Indexing, Technical Illustration

IDG Publishing

Publish Magazine Cover Story and Software Reviews

• Description: Authored a cover story on desktop color separations. Wrote comprehensive comparative functional evaluations of three major software packages, analyzed the suitability of each for specific graphic needs and individual skill levels, and compiled a list of user tips. Authored software reviews of type-manipulation and kerning software utilities.
• Tasks: Informative Writing

Intraspect Software

End User Documentation and Help, Network Administrator and Programmer/Developer Documentation

• Description: Performed extensive editorial and graphical overhaul of legacy print and online end user, network administrator, and programmer/developer documentation to ensure compliance with industry standards for quality and usability. Evaluated legacy information structure of previous documentation and obtained feedback from customers and marketers to develop a new and more effective approach and strategy for providing learning information. Authored User Guide/Help, Network Administator Guide, and Programmer Overview; contributed to Language Reference, Interface Building Guide, and Scripting Handbook. Created master and individual indices for all deliverables.
• Tasks: Technical Writing, Copy Editing, Developmental Editing, Technical Editing, Indexing, Desktop Publishing, Technical Illustration, Team Lead

Release Notes

• Description: Generated and updated release notes for patches, point releases, and major updates on an ongoing basis. Source material was engineers' notes and a bug reporting database.
• Tasks: Technical Writing

Intraspect Applications Training Courseware

• Description: Developed a series of training classes for programmers and consultants working in the field to install and configure knowledge management software. Leveraged legacy and new content from documentation to create lessons, examples, and exercises.
• Deliverables: Workbook, Slides, Speaker Notes, and Handouts
• Tasks: Courseware Development, Desktop Publishing

Technical Publications Group Implementation

• Description: Created a technical publications organization from "ground zero". Oversaw the transition of information development from per-project contractors to an in-house team executing information sets tailored to key customer and business objectives. Defined personnel requirements, established roles and responsibilities for team members, and mentored group manager in identifying and working toward performance objectives for everyone on the team.
• Tasks: Publishing Process Improvement

Single Source Document Production System Design and Implementation

• Description: Designed and implemented a single source publishing process for print, PDF, and HTML output. Researched, prototyped, and tested XML-based single source tools/processes, then mentored team in their use.
• Tasks: Publishing Process Improvement

Intraspect Authoring Handbook, FrameMaker Templates

• Description: Established and documented editorial and graphic authoring standards and single source publishing tools/processes. Developed guidelines to improve the quality and usability of deliverables. Created customized FrameMaker templates and an XML application for single source publishing. Incorporated all standards, guidelines, tools, and processes into a 250-page illustrated authoring handbook.
• Tasks: Authoring Standards/Procedures Development

Intuit Construction Business Solutions

Master Builder Single Source Document Production System Design and Implementation

• Description: Researched, tested, and implemented the appropriate tools and processes for generating print, PDF, and Help output. Developed and documented file conversion templates, created quick reference sheets for tools and processes, and mentored the team in the use of the system. Incorporated all information into the MasterBuilder Production and Editorial Style Guide.
• Tasks: Publishing Process Improvement

Master Builder Single Source Documentation

• Description: Converted an 1800-topic online Help system for single source publishing with RoboHELP for FrameMaker. Copyedited and restructured content for optimal usability and retrievability. Designed and generated multiple-media indexes and glossaries.
• Tasks: Technical Writing, Copy Editing, Developmental Editing, Technical Editing, Indexing, Technical Illustration, Desktop Publishing

MasterBuilder Production and Editorial Style Guide, FrameMaker Templates

• Description: Established and documented editorial style guidelines and graphic production standards for user documentation. Documented the specifications and usage of custom print and online conversion templates for single source publishing. Created a 150-page illustrated production and editorial style guide.
• Tasks: Authoring Standards/Procedures Development

MasterBuilder Interactive Decision Support System

• Description: Designed and implemented a Web-based tool to guide consultants and IT installers through a complex software configuration process. Created step-by-step "wizards" that asked users a series of questions about their specific business needs and provided customized instructions tailored to individual needs.
• Tasks: Courseware Development

  KPMG

  Veritas Software XML-Based EDI Application

  • Description: Partnered with KPMG's consultants to create an XML-based EDI application for Veritas Software. Analyzed information flows and established processes to develop a business case for creating a system to share data between Veritas and its top eight software distributors. Analyzed each distributor's computing environment and made recommendations for changes needed to implement adequate compatibility and interoperability to support an XML solution for all distributors. Developed specifications for custom software tools and defined information structure requirements. Created a DTD for internal use at Veritas and onsite at distributors' locations and helped supervise the software development process for custom processing tools created by Veritas programmers. Documented the DTD and custom software tools and worked with in-house staff at Veritas and its distribution partners to ensure full integration of the system on both the front and back ends.
  • Tasks: Web Content Architecture

  XML Basics Tutoring and Skills Coaching

  • Description: Provided one-on-one tutoring and skills coaching in the basic concepts and usage of XML. Trained KPMG consultants and in-house staff at Veritas and its distribution partners in essential XML production functions, including DTD authoring and tagging syntax, parsing and validating, and back-end processing.
  • Tasks: Tutoring, Skills Coaching

  Lamorinda Funding Group

  Direct Mail Materials and Newsletter Articles

  • Description: Authored brochures, flyers, postcards, and newsletter content for a mortgage brokerage serving an upscale clientele of residential and commercial customers. Topics included mortgages and lending, personal and business credit repair, real estate investing, property search tips, and buying and selling advice.
  • Tasks: Informative Writing

  Larkspur Data Resources

  Direct Mail Materials

  • Description: Created print 4-color direct-mail brochures, flyers, and postcards for a consulting firm selling a CD-ROM of investment advice targeted to corporate benefits administrators. Authored all content and performed editorial and graphical quality checks. Worked with print vendor to ensure quality and on-time delivery of final product to the client.
  • Tasks: Persuasive Writing, Copy Editing, Desktop Publishing, Team Lead

  The Learning Company

  Ultimate Family Tree End User Documentation and Help

  • Description: Developed a 500-page documentation set and online Help system for a completely new version of a top-selling genealogy application. Created a completely new information design scheme to facilitate single source publishing and increase usability. Supervised graphic redesign process and advised company on electronic prepress issues. Worked with a team of four to execute the information-gathering, authoring and revision processes. Authored the Reference Guide and Quick Start booklet; contributed to the Installation Guide and User Guide. Performed copy/developmental/technical edits and created master and individual indices for all deliverables.
  • Tasks: Technical Writing, Copy Editing, Developmental Editing, Technical Editing, Indexing, Technical Illustration, Desktop Publishing, Team Lead

  Single Source Document Production System Design and Implementation

  • Description: Designed and implemented a single source publishing process for print, PDF, and HTML output. Researched, prototyped, and tested single source tools/processes, then mentored team in their use.
  • Tasks: Publishing Process Improvement

  Ultimate Family Tree Authoring Handbook, FrameMaker Templates

  • Description: Established and documented editorial and graphic authoring standards and single source publishing tools/processes. Developed guidelines to improve the usability and overall quality of deliverables. Created customized FrameMaker templates and incorporated all standards, guidelines, tools, and processes into a 150-page illustrated authoring handbook.
  • Tasks: Authoring Standards/Procedures Development

  M & T Books

  Using QuarkXPress, First Edition

  • Description: Edited and produced a 600-page reference book by an industry expert who had no prior writing experience. Edited, reorganized, and rewrote rough draft to ensure that all commands and functions were covered completely in a logical sequence and explained accurately. Created 500 illustrations and produced final page layouts.
  • Tasks: Copy Editing, Developmental Editing, Technical Editing, Technical Illustration, Desktop Publishing

  Market-Touch

  End User Documentation and Help

  • Description: Developed print and online documentation for a Web-based sales automation application. Created an information architecture for single-source multiple-media publishing. Authored User Guide and contributed to Installation Guide and Reference Guide. Supervised electronic prepress production and generation of PDF and HTML Help files.
  • Tasks: Technical Writing, Copy Editing, Developmental Editing, Technical Editing, Indexing, Technical Illustration, Desktop Publishing, Web Development, Team Lead

  Single Source Document Production System Design and Implementation

  • Description: Researched, tested, and implemented the appropriate tools and processes for generating print, PDF, and HTML Help output. Developed and documented file conversion templates, created quick reference sheets for tools and processes, and mentored the team in the use of the system.
  • Tasks: Publishing Process Improvement

  Web Site Content Architecture and Interaction Enhancement

  • Description: Developed a new and highly effective content structure for information delivery to a customer base of marketing executives and sales engineers. Created intuitive navigation and retrieval mechanisms to increase usability and quality, thereby ensuring that customers could easily find what they were seeking on the site.
  • Tasks: Web Content Architecture, Web Development

  McGraw-Hill

  McGraw-Hill Learning Network Web Site Taxonomy and Architecture

  • Description: Created a comprehensive taxonomy plan and information architecture for a subscription-only Web-based library of 1,500 educational textbooks. Analyzed the subject matter, audience, and instructional objective of each title in the collection. Formulated a restricted vocabulary of keywords to facilitate searching and online retrieval. Developed an RDBMS application to collect and manipulate this data and automate taxonomy generation as the online collection grew over time. Supervised a team of six during the data-entry and site-construction phases.
  • Tasks: Web Content Architecture, Web Development, Team Lead

  Real World Economic Applications: The Wall Street Journal Workbook, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Editions; The Irwin Guide to Using the Wall Street Journal, Fifth Edition

  • Description: Edited, illustrated, produced, and indexed three successive editions of a 300-page college workbook and one edition of a 400-page trade hardcover on how to read and interpret the Wall Street Journal.
  • Tasks: Copy Editing, Indexing, Technical Illustration, Desktop Publishing

  NativeMinds

  NeuroServer HTML Help System

  • Description: Implemented the redesign and expansion of an HTML Help system for a Java-based artificial intelligence Web application. Devised a new information structure to optimize retrievability and established editorial style guidelines. Authored new content, and contributed to updates of legacy end user tutorials and API class references. Reviewed drafts to ensure adherence to editorial style guidelines and indexed all content. Tested the system for usability and clarity and acted as liaison with engineering staff to ensure correct implementation of online information resources.
  • Tasks: Technical Writing, Copy Editing, Developmental Editing, Technical Editing, Indexing, Web Development, Team Lead

  NetDynamics

  NetDynamics IDE and Applications Server Documentation

  • Description: Developed a unified architecture for single source publishing of a 3,000-page documentation set. Created a comprehensive outline of all volumes, a detailed documentation plan, and an execution strategy. Worked with three other writers and two programmers to document the product's Java-based GUI and API, server-management tools and techniques, and installation and configuration procedures. Edited all material; generated master and individual indices for all deliverables. Managed final production processes, including document control and editorial/print quality checks.
  • Tasks: Technical Writing, Copy Editing, Developmental Editing, Technical Editing, Indexing, Desktop Publishing

  NetDynamics IDE and Applications Server Interactive Tutorials

  • Description: Created interactive tutorials for the IDE and interface building tool. Gathered user input and compiled feedback from tech-support lines and newsgroups to define audience needs, then designed and implemented appropriate online learning tools.
  • Tasks: Courseware Development, Web Development

  Technical Publications Group Implementation

  • Description: Built a technical publications group to replace per-project independent contractors. Analyzed production volume, available resources, and projected information development needs, then devised a staffing plan that included job descriptions/requirements, specific hardware and software needs for each new position, and suggested compensation levels. Facilitated the interviewing and hiring processes, then trained staff as needed to get them "up to speed" with the product and the documentation environment.
  • Tasks: Publishing Process Improvement

  Single Source Document Production System Design and Implementation

  • Description: Researched, recommended, established, and standardized tools and methodology for all publishing media. Created a custom SGML application for single source publishing with FrameMaker+SGML. Tutored team in use of tagging sytem and software tools.
  • Tasks: Publishing Process Improvement

  Document Production Guide, SGML DTD, FrameMaker+SGML Templates

  • Description: Established tools, procedures and editorial style guidelines for single source publishing. Developed and designed print and online page layouts. Authored an SGML DTD and created a customized set of FrameMaker+SGML templates. Documented template usage and tagging guidelines. Compiled all information into a 200-page handbook.
  • Tasks: Authoring Standards/Procedures Development

  Customer Support Web Site Content Architecture

  • Description: Devised a new and highly effective structure for Web-based customer support information, with intuitive navigation and retrieval mechanisms to ensure customers could easily find what they were seeking. As a result, calls from users who could not find information on the support site were eliminated.
  • Tasks: Web Content Architecture

  NetObjects

  NetObjects Client/Server Applications Documentation

  • Description: Updated a 1000-page single sourced documentation set. Revamped information architecture and authoring procedures, tools, and methodology. "Owned" Administrator Guide and Developer Reference; contributed to Installation Guide and User Guide. Performed quality checks and programmer/developer liaison tasks; managed final print to online conversions.
  • Tasks: Technical Writing, Copy Editing, Developmental Editing, Technical Editing, Indexing, Technical Illustration, Team Lead

  Productivity Enhancement for Print and Online Documentation, Single Source Document Production System Design and Implementation

  • Description: Developed and implemented productivity enhancement mechanisms, including updated authoring templates, editorial and formatting style guidelines, and process documentation. Researched, tested, and established standardized tools, techniques, and procedures for single source publishing in print, PDF, and HTML formats.
  • Tasks: Publishing Process Improvement

  Oracle Corporation

  Marketing Communications Authoring Handbook, QuarkXPress Templates, and Software Skills Coaching (QuarkXPress, Illustrator, and Photoshop)

  • Description: Standardized stylesheets and templates from many applications into one unified set, with hot keys, quick-reference cards, and keyboard templates for fast application of styles. Created layout diagrams and wrote summaries of typespecs, stylesheet/template usage, and editorial style guidelines for all collateral levels. Compiled and produced a 200-page style guidebook for editorial and production personnel. Provided one-on-one coaching to writers, editors, and layout artists in template usage and "power user" tips and tricks.
  • Tasks: Authoring Standards/Procedures Development, Skills Coaching

  P G & E

  Power Distribution Network Automation Applications Documentation

  • Description: Created the user documentation for a group of applications used to monitor, diagnose, rectify and prevent failures in an electric power distribution network. Working from engineers' and substation technicians' notes and interview input, developed and structured modules in a consistent prose style geared toward nonexperts, and produced final camera-ready pages with equations, technical illustrations and screen diagrams.
  • Tasks: Technical Writing, Copy Editing, Technical Illustration, Desktop Publishing

  Pacific Bell

  Office Ergonomics Handbook

  • Description: Authored a comprehensive guide to ergonomically correct setup of office furniture and equipment. Interviewed experts in the office design and ergonomics fields and referred to reference books/industry publications to gather information. Created 100 illustrations and incorporated all information into a 200-page guide.
  • Tasks: Technical Writing, Copy Editing, Developmental Editing, Technical Illustration, Desktop Publishing

  Providian Bancorp

  Database Reporting System Documentation

  • Description: Documented Sybase database-reporting systems in a heavily networked environment undergoing a transition from mainframe to client/server technology. Created materials for end users, sysadmins, and programmers. Projects included a suite of internal/external system specs, design documents, data dictionaries, and end-user documentation for marketing/underwriting/billing systems in development; a UNIX/SQL user's guide for beginners; and process, data-flow, and workflow documentation for departments and systems undergoing audits. Generated master and individual indexes for all materials. Assisted with planning and implementation of launch strategies by acting as a bridge between technical staff and users. Established and maintained a document-control system for 75 simultaneously active projects.
  • Tasks: Technical Writing, Indexing, Technical Illustration, Desktop Publishing, Team Lead

  Radiant Logic

  Web Content

  • Description: Authored solutions and features/benefits solutions copy targeted to IT decision makers. Content included illustrations and examples to clearly demonstrate the value of the product line.
  • Tasks: Persuasive Writing

  RadiantOne Technical White Papers and Case Studies

  • Description: Developed technical white papers and case studies explaining the pros and cons of RDBMS technology vs. traditional directory technology and proving the value of virtual directories as a bridge between the two. Created hypothetical examples and interviewed product users to develop case studies; created a series of diagrams and flow charts to clarify and compare the differences between the three types of technology on the information architecture and development fronts.
  • Tasks: Informative Writing, Desktop Publishing

  Sony Electronics

  CD-RW End User Installation and Getting Started Guides

  • Description: Devised and executed a new mode for delivering installation and getting-started information to end consumers of mass-market internal and external CD-RW drives. Created hardcopy and online documentation with a new information and visual design approach targeted at novice computer users who had never seen the inside of a PC case before.
  • Tasks: Technical Writing, Developmental Editing

  CD-RW Installation Interactive Tutorials

  • Description: Created interactive tutorials to lead end users through the CD-RW installation process. Tutorials were designed for easy printout or "real-time" online use.
  • Tasks: Courseware Development, Web Development

  Symantec Corporation

  Desktop Publishing and Electronic Prepress Training Course

  • Description: Developed a series of training classes for a marketing group transitioning away from using outsourced services. Trained personnel in the basic concepts and procedures of desktop publishing and electronic prepress technology. Also provided instruction in Word, PageMaker and Photoshop.
  • Deliverables: Workbook and Handouts
  • Tasks: Group Training, Courseware Development

  Software Skills Coaching

  • Description: Coached marketing personnel in the use of Word, PageMaker, and Photoshop after the conclusion of training to reinforce learning and provide "power user" tips and tricks.
  • Tasks: Skills Coaching

  Print Production Guide, PageMaker Templates

  • Description: Created a comprehensive illustrated guide to the tools, processes, and techniques of desktop publishing and electronic prepress. Developed a set of PageMaker templates and included usage diagrams and formatting specifications in the production guide.
  • Tasks: Authoring Standards/Procedures Development

  Synergy Productions

  Photoshop Skills Coaching

  • Description: Coached personnel in a Web development firm to bring their Photoshop skills up to the advanced level. Trained visual designers, Web developers, and production support staff in complex functions and productivity-boosting techniques.
  • Tasks: Skills Coaching

  Taligent

  Object Oriented Programming Language Documentation

  • Description: Analyzed developmental structure of a a 3000-page developer documentation release to define technical illustration needs. Developed and executed notation and flow chart diagrams and graphic representations of abstract programming concepts in need of visual learning support.
  • Tasks: Developmental Editing, Technical Illustration

  Tegal Corporation

  Single Source Document Production System Design and Implementation

  • Description: Managed format conversion and development of a 3500-page hardcopy and online documentation set for operators of chip-manufacturing equipment. Analyzed legacy files to determine correct tools and processes for conversion from MS Office/VISIO/AutoCAD file formats to FrameMaker+SGML/EPS/TIFF file formats. Authored an SGML DTD and created an application for use with FrameMaker+SGML. Developed document templates and production procedures for file conversion, and trained team in their use.
  • Tasks: Publishing Process Improvement

  SGML and Online Publishing Training Course

  • Description: Developed and delivered a series of training classes on basic and advanced concepts of SGML and online publishing. Trained technical writers, production specialists, and engineers in DTD authoring, tagging, and output processing. Also provided training in FrameMaker+SGML, Acrobat, and Visio.
  • Deliverables: Workbook, Slides, Speaker Notes, and Handouts
  • Tasks: Group Training, Courseware Development

  Document Production Guide, SGML DTD, FrameMaker+SGML Templates

  • Description: Researched, tested, and selected tools and processes for single source publishing with FrameMaker+SGML. Developed and documented an SGML DTD, an application for use in FrameMaker+SGML, and document templates and production procedures. templates. Established editorial and graphical style guidelines for revisions and new material. Compiled all information into a 250-page production guide.
  • Tasks: Authoring Standards/Procedures Development

  Semiconductor Capital Equipment Operators' Documentation

  • Description: Performed preliminary planning and implementation tasks for a pending move to SGML-based publishing of a 2,500-page hardcopy and online documentation set for operators of chip-manufacturing equipment. Developed a detailed documentation plan, then worked with a team of five to convert existing text and graphics files and integrate 50% new material into legacy documentation. Edited and indexed all materials. Supervised PDF and HTML conversion processes and acted as liaison with print vendors and intranet support staff.
  • Tasks: Technical Writing, Copy Editing, Developmental Editing, Technical Editing, Indexing, Technical Illustration, Web Development, Team Lead

  UC Berkeley Extension

  "Implementing XML: The First Steps" Course

  • Description: Developed and delivered a 15-week course targeted at high-level decision-makers such as IT Managers, Directors of Publications, and CTOs. Topics covered included high-level concepts such as the relationship between SGML and XML, business case development, enterprise-wide information-flow auditing and analysis, DTD design and development, and end-user tools/processes establishment and integration.
  • Deliverables: Workbook, Slides, Speaker Notes, and Handouts
  • Tasks: Group Training, Courseware Development

  Vignette Corporation

  Vignette Collaboration Suite Product Datasheets and Technical White Papers

  • Description: Authored illustrated white papers and product datasheets on Vignette's collaboration products. Interviewed technical and marketing staff along with selected customers to gather information on desired messaging and target audience, plus the product's features, benefits, and solutions offered.
  • Tasks: Informative Writing, Technical Illustration, Desktop Publishing

  Wells Fargo

  Policies/Procedures Web Site and Documentation

  • Description: Documented installation/support policies and procedures for an enterprise-wide migration from Novell to Windows NT. Target audiences were sysadmins, engineers, technicians, and support personnel. Analyzed target audience composition, user learning needs, and information-delivery goals. Developed an appropriate site architecture and interface. Documented all phases of the migration process. Authored and edited 1000 pages of print documentation, including text, diagrams, flowcharts, screenshots, slides, and spreadsheets; converted all material to HTML and PDF formats. Implemented and indexed web site.
  • Tasks: Technical Writing, Copy Editing, Indexing, Web Content Architecture, Technical Illustration, Web Development, Team Lead

  Corporate IT Web Publishing Production Guide

  • Description: Created a comprehensive authoring and tools guide to support future maintenance of corporate intranet sites. Established and documented audience analysis results, editorial/graphic/content management standards, tools, and methodology. Converted all materials to HTML and published the information in an online production guide.
  • Tasks: Authoring Standards/Procedures Development

  West Educational Publishing

  Fundamentals of Structural Analysis, First Edition

  • Description: Performed developmental editing and indexing tasks for a 600-page illustrated college level structural engineering textbook. Adjusted content structure to present the information in a more logical sequence. Reviewed 600 illustrations for clarity and relevance to the accompanying text. Indexed book after edits were complete.
  • Tasks: Developmental Editing, Indexing