Peggy Spear

I like words. I like writing them, editing them and often deleting them. I am a skilled content professional with experience creating cross-platform messaging in a variety of topics, from affordable housing to zoo tours. I can create strong messaging and engaging copy, edit down complicated issues, and promote strategies and ideas for all my clients. I also excel at blogging, ghostwriting and copyediting. I do my work with flexibility, professionalism and a sense of humor.

Currently I work as an Independent Contractor, leveraging my professional background, extensive cross-platform writing and editing skills, and general flexibility to serve as a writer, editor, and content producer for numerous clients, such as the San Francisco Chronicle, Adams State University, Novin Development, Sam Singer Public Relations, The Concord Pioneer, Walnut Creek Magazine, the San Jose Mercury News, East Bay Times, Diablo Magazine, Wildflower Health, and Bay Area Home Companions. Key Contributions: Covered the improvement of the Concord Naval Weapons Station and the associated controversy, one of the most followed local stories of the year. Demonstrated excellent marketing skills by creating a wide range of promotional materials, including brochure copy, eBlasts, social media copy, and other deliverables.

Assisted the Managing Editor in the production of a weekly newspaper for an extremely active adult community. Wrote several articles a week; edited up to 30 articles and wrote cutlines for reader-submitted photos. Helpd keep the paper puiblishing during a severe staff cutback due to COVID-19.

As an Editorial Director for the AMF Media Group, I spearheaded brand marketing and messaging content for a mid-level boutique marketing agency, while also guiding production, editing, and writing for two associated healthcare magazines. My efforts helped to strengthen messaging toward key demographics, including cities, building contractors, investment companies, and other clients. My regular duties in the position included drafting copy for digital marketing and press releases, creating copy for online and mobile applications, and connecting target markets with company’s services through strong branding, messaging, and storytelling. Key Contributions: --Launched AMF’s first bilingual healthcare magazine in collaboration with an in-house team, developing strong story ideas and writing/editing content. --Managed editorial content for the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art.

During my time with Lamorinda Weekly, I directed production and editing for a bi-weekly local newspaper with a circulation of 25,000, guiding and directing a six-person writing staff, along with ten columnists and additional freelance writers. My regular duties included editing approximately 50 entries per issue, guaranteeing strict adherence to quality standards and AP style guidelines. Key Contributions: --Spearheaded complex local and national coverage of the 2016 presidential election, highlighting impact on local residents of three communities. --Steered spotlight back to local news during major national coverage of Saint Mary’s champion basketball team

While working for Parents’ Press, I led the creation of editorial content for the monthly parenting magazine, ensuring alignment with readership’s interests and values while continually generating interest. I oversaw up to 10 freelancers and a designer during my time with the company, ensuring timely development of quality content while extending the publication’s reach by creating content for their social media presence. Key Contributions: --Introduced “front of the book” content that included a personal editor’s note and feedback from readers. --Launched an Education section covering important trends in both public and private school.

I managed the editorial content of a local online news site; wrote two to three stories daily; managed five to 10 freelance writers, photographers and videographers. I also served as liaison to nationwide content team creating programming aimed at parents.

As an Editor for the Bay Area Parent, I directed editorial production for award-winning monthly parenting magazine, along with seven sister publications and the organization’s website. During my time in this role, I led staff two assistant editors and 12 freelancers to cover area events featuring children and parents, designing specialty content to build readership interest. Key Contributions: --Won 4 first-place national awards from the Parenting Media Association for quality content. --Transformed stale content into an award-winning, teen-focused magazine.

As Community Editor, I managed the editorial development and production of six weekly publications, personally overseeing the Contra Costa Sun and the Walnut Creek Journal. As a writer, I covered parenting and family topics. --Redesigned the Sun and the Journal to better reflect the newspapers of the time and increase reader engagement.