Wicked Good Writing

Professional Writing / Copy Editing

When Melissa Babcock left Connecticut and moved to Maryland last year, she immediately set about establishing herself in her new community. She was leaving behind a position as an editor for print and online media at The Day Publishing Company in New London and wanted to find similar work.

"I was excited about the Baltimore area's many opportunities, but I was intimidated by the idea of starting from scratch," she says. "I decided to take matters into my own hands by starting my own freelance writing and editing business down here. I love the challenge and versatility and the fact that that I can do this anywhere for any client."

She kept her Connecticut assignments, which include writing feature stories and a monthly column for The Day and an e-newsletter for builder Connecticut Valley Homes, and Wicked Good Writing was born. "I'm originally from Massachusetts," she explains. "The name is a way to acknowledge my New England roots no matter what part of the country or world I'm working in."

“I love crafting raw material for a piece of written work into a stellar product. I'm interested in the entire process, from concept to publication.”

Wicked Good Writing provides writing and editing services, including feature writing, web site content, PR and press releases, newsletters and advertising copy as well as editing and consulting. Along with her Connecticut connections, Ms. Babcock has joined forces with a handful of clients in Maryland.

"Most business owners don't have time to write their own copy, and many of them don't want to anyway. They want a skilled and dedicated professional who requires minimal management and knows how to get them the results they're looking for so they can focus on their business. That's where I come in."

Ms. Babcock holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Creative Writing from the University of Connecticut. She completed three publishing internships while in college and has held several full-time writing and editing positions. Since moving to Maryland, Ms. Babcock has taken advantage of local continuing education opportunities by earning a certification in Adobe InDesign, the industry's preferred layout program, from Anne Arundel Community College.

"I want to be able to offer the best of everything to my clients by ensuring I have a wide knowledge base and I'm up to date on industry tools and standards," she says.

She also has several years of marketing experience with print and online advertising and was responsible for generating public interest in The Day's community news website by writing promotional copy and connecting with area organizations through on-site visits and presentations. Though she always enjoys socializing professionally, she says writing remains her favorite aspect of her work.

Ms. Babcock says, "I love crafting raw material for a piece of written work into a stellar product. I'm interested in the entire process, from concept to publication."

She added, "Some people think the need for writers and editors is waning with the advent of online marketing, citizen journalism and e-books. I say it doesn't matter if you're holding a book or newspaper in your hands, or reading a webpage or e-book on your computer screen. Good writers and editors are always necessary."

Wicked Good Writing
860-333-3962

www.wickedgoodwriting.com

Pictured: Melissa Babcock
Photography: Elise J. Rugens