Editorial Freelancers Association
Member Profile
Rhea Hirshman
On the first day of kindergarten, many year ago, I was so excited to be going to school that I turned to my startled mother and announced, “It’s okay, Mommy, you can go home now.”
Thus began my writing career. Of course, I had not actually written anything yet, but that enthusiasm about learning, and my knack for communicating clearly, are central to my success as a writer and editor. Naturally curious, with a broad knowledge base and excellent research skills, I undertake writing assignments that clarify matters both popular and arcane for a variety of audiences. Examples of recent projects include magazine articles on topics ranging from the lives of Buddhist nuns, to profiles of leaders in the fashion industry, to the use of LSD in neurological research; informational pamphlets for nationwide distribution to veterans; educational materials for families with babies in neonatal intensive care; and reports for an international executive training firm. Whatever the assignment, clients know that I will be thoughtful, thorough, and responsive.
I bring the same qualities of care and curiosity to my editing, whether I am helping a small business refine website content, or a group of academic authors speak with one voice in a complex report.
My client list includes non-profit organizations, small businesses, universities, and foundations. Particularly skilled at interviewing, I am comfortable talking with — and writing about — everyone from nationally recognized subject matter experts explaining their latest research to elders narrating their life stories. Working in both print and electronic media, I collaborate frequently with other professionals, including graphic designers, web designers, and photographers.
And, having never stopped loving school, I also keep a hand in academia. I have taught writing to undergraduates, graduate students, and adult learners and, for the past 20+ years, have been an adjunct professor in the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program at the University of Connecticut in Stamford.
New Haven, CT
US
Email: rheahirshman@mac.com
Years in the field: 25
Years freelancing: 22
Rhea Hirshman
On the first day of kindergarten, many year ago, I was so excited to be going to school that I turned to my startled mother and announced, “It’s okay, Mommy, you can go home now.”
Thus began my writing career. Of course, I had not actually written anything yet, but that enthusiasm about learning, and my knack for communicating clearly, are central to my success as a writer and editor. Naturally curious, with a broad knowledge base and excellent research skills, I undertake writing assignments that clarify matters both popular and arcane for a variety of audiences. Examples of recent projects include magazine articles on topics ranging from the lives of Buddhist nuns, to profiles of leaders in the fashion industry, to the use of LSD in neurological research; informational pamphlets for nationwide distribution to veterans; educational materials for families with babies in neonatal intensive care; and reports for an international executive training firm. Whatever the assignment, clients know that I will be thoughtful, thorough, and responsive.
I bring the same qualities of care and curiosity to my editing, whether I am helping a small business refine website content, or a group of academic authors speak with one voice in a complex report.
My client list includes non-profit organizations, small businesses, universities, and foundations. Particularly skilled at interviewing, I am comfortable talking with — and writing about — everyone from nationally recognized subject matter experts explaining their latest research to elders narrating their life stories. Working in both print and electronic media, I collaborate frequently with other professionals, including graphic designers, web designers, and photographers.
And, having never stopped loving school, I also keep a hand in academia. I have taught writing to undergraduates, graduate students, and adult learners and, for the past 20+ years, have been an adjunct professor in the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program at the University of Connecticut in Stamford.
