Lydia Rueger Shoaf
lrueger@gmail.com • 303-641-3510 • www.lydiarueger.com
Skills Summary
More than 20 years professional editorial experience • Editor and writer of online articles, books, magazine feature stories, technical instructions, marketing copy • Able to juggle multiple assignments, research new concepts, meet deadlines, and develop articles • Strong attention to detail and style guidelines • Able to interview subjects on a variety of topics • Speaker • Researcher • Knowledge of AP Style, Google Docs/Drive, Internet content management, Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Office, Slack, SEO, Canva
Professional Experience
Content and Press Associate, Friendship Bridge, May 2022 to present
Manage and post social media, coordinate public relations, write blogposts, write and edit e-newsletters, and contribute to other communications initiatives for a nonprofit organization that serves women in Guatemala.
Copy Editor/Writer, Colorado Parent magazine/5280 Publishing, January 2011 to May 2022
Edit and write articles for an award-winning regional parenting publication. Served as interim managing editor from April through June 2021, which involved leading an editorial staff and making decisions for the publication. Compiled a monthly calendar of events, guided other freelance writers, and developed ongoing magazine columns at different times.
Intern/Office Manager/Book Editor, Denver Institute for Faith & Work, January 2021 to December 2021
Researched and wrote blog posts, assisted with event planning, and completed administrative tasks for a faith-based educational nonprofit, as part of a year-long internship. While completing the internship, served as a temporary office manager, September through November 2021. Contracted to work as a book editor through December 2021.
Children’s Book Author, December 2019
Wrote Victor and the Vroom, based on my son’s ADHD diagnosis. Speaks to student groups and leads children’s activities related to the book.
Freelance Writer/Editor, April 2005 to August 2013
Edited books, wrote magazine articles, marketing copy, website text, social media posts, and newsletter content
Memory Makers/F+W Media, Westminster, CO, August 1998 to March 2005
Senior Editor, Memory Makers Books, December 2003 to March 2005
Managed all aspects of production for six nonfiction craft books per year, including developing concepts and choosing content, editing, writing, producing marketing copy, and working with graphic designers
Staff Writer/Associate Editor/Senior Editor, Memory Makers magazine, August 1998 to December 2003
Responsible for a variety of editorial duties at different times, at a fast-growing international scrapbooking publication. As editor, circulation increased from 140,000 to 320,000; production increased from six to 12 issues per year. Wrote articles, edited copy, developed articles with freelancers, responded to reader mail/freelancer queries, proofread, oversaw editorial interns, coordinated an editorial advisory committee, fact-checked, assisted with a publication redesign process, collaborated with graphic designers and the marketing department, and represented the company at industry conventions.
Volunteer Experience
Church Volunteer, 2003 to June 2023
Coordinated a children’s sports camp, assisted with early childhood classes, helped organize youth events, taught middle school classes
Public School Volunteer, August 2010 to March 2020
Coordinated an annual student public speaking festival, led teams of volunteers, served on the PTSA board, assisted with elementary classroom activities, helped with fundraising efforts
Girl Scout Leader, August 2013 to August 2018
Organized meetings, coordinated events and fundraising efforts for elementary school girls
Webmaster, Denver Woman’s Press Club, August 2011 to August 2013
Updated and edited website content
Moms’ Group Coordinator, May 2006 to May 2009
Planned speakers and events for moms group meetings; produced a monthly newsletter and promotional flyers
Education
B.A., Journalism, with a double major in English, September 1994 to May 1998
Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
References available on request.