Shelley Stockton
Experienced, creative, and deadline-driven freelance copywriter, editor and proofreader with 15+ years working in the writing and editing industry. Skilled in long- and short-form writing and editing, proofreading, digital content, feature writing, academics, brand voice, signage, packaging copy, and AP style.
Experience
Freelance Editor/Writer: Gardner-Webb University September 2020-Present
Copyedit the University’s annual magazine.
Wrote article on Paralympic Gold Medal Swimmer Mallory Weggemann.
Edited the 2020 edition that was awarded a silver Davey Award from The Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts (AIVA).
Freelance Copywriter/Editor: Huntingtowne Farms Elementary September 2017-June 2023
Supplied content to both PTA website and social media pages to provide parents up-to-date information on the school, and to assist in magnet school selection.
Reworked PTA website layout to create a more user-friendly experience and fill content gaps.
Freelance Copywriter/Editor: Robert Half April 2019-January 2020
Supplied copy for landing pages, blogs, articles, email blasts, and other marketing collateral for JELD-WEN windows and doors. I also created unique, SEO-rich product descriptions for site-wide product and category updates, as well as edited online and marketing content.
Freelance Writer: Charlotte Magazine October 2017-February 2018
Wrote article, “The Secret’s in the Ingredients: A food-sensitive Charlotte restaurant guide.” The article brings awareness to chronic digestive diseases and offers suggestions on how to avoid food triggers.
Freelance Writer: Billy D Construction March 2016-April 2016
Reworked website and provided copy for client’s website billydemas.com.
Freelance Writer & Photographer: Creative Circle March 2015-April 2015
Worked directly with the client, Toth + Co., to launch Hyatt’s online Neighborhood Guide for Hyatt House Charlotte Center City.
Supplied creative copy and photography for local restaurants, shopping and attractions.
Senior Staff Writer: Meredith Xcelerated Marketing February 2014-September 2014
Wrote how-to articles and buying guides for lowes.com.
Performed content audits to identify content gaps.
Worked with content strategy and video teams to create scripts for online videos.
Senior Copywriter, Creative Content: Lowe’s January 2013-Feburary 2014
Wrote new how-to articles and buying guides for lowes.com and performed content audits on existing materials to provide updates.
Composed video scripts for seasonal campaigns and social media platforms, including 3 Tips in 30 Seconds videos and @Lowes Answers on Twitter.
Freelance Writer: The Charlotte Observer February 2009-October 2013
Composed feature articles for Carolina Bride Magazine, South Park Magazine, Lake Norman Magazine and UCity Magazine.
Created “A Trip to the Altar” blog for carolinabride.com.
Senior Communications Specialist, Private Brands: Lowe’s February 2012-January 2013
Managed the private brands home enhancement copy team.
Served as project manager for the makeover of private brand instruction manuals to create differentiation between Lowe’s and other national brands.
Helped create the brand voice for allen + roth and Style Selections brands.
Co-managed BRANDstorming and Lowe’s Private Brands blogs.
Edited and supplied copy for private brand packaging and other consumer-facing materials.
Worked cross-functionally with internal teams and outside vendors.
Communications Specialist, Private Brands: Lowe’s March 2011-February 2012
Served as brand voice for top home enhancement brands.
Edited and supplied copy for private brand packaging and other consumer-facing materials.
Worked cross-functionally with internal teams and outside vendors.
Copywriter, Packaging: Cohesion July 2010-March 2011
Edited and supplied copy on Lowe’s private brand packaging.
Assistant Editor: Metro Life Media, Inc. July 2007-November 2008
Wrote and edited content for Tampa Bay Metro Magazine and Tampa Bay Weddings Magazine.
In charge of assigning and maintaining deadlines for both freelance writers and interns.
Corresponded with PR representatives and local professionals for images and content.
Balanced duties overlapping editorial/production schedule for Metro and Weddings.
Assisted with photo shoots and worked with models for photo-essays and wedding shows.
Helped develop concept for redesign of up-front style pages in both magazines.
Freelance Writer: The Star Ledger and NJ.com October 2006-September 2008
Authored a weekly column, “Meet Your Neighbors”, on community personalities, entrepreneurs, and social events.
Freelance Writer: Ledger Media Group March 2006-September 2008
Composed feature articles on community personalities, wedding industry, local events and entertainment for Lakeland Magazine, Inside Polk Magazine, East Polk Lifestyles Magazine and The Lakeland Ledger. Authored a weekly column, “Bartender Spotlights”, on local nightlife.
Education
University of South Florida January 2002-May 2006
B.A. in mass communications with journalism focus, minor in anthropology.
Polk Community College August 1999-December 2001
Associate of Arts.
Skills
Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop, TeamSite, Content Management Systems (CMS), AP Style, grammar and usage.