MELISSA RAGSDALE

Writer | Community Builder

Dedicated to making the world a better place through creativity and compassion. 

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PORTFOLIO

I have published over 500 articles online in the past four years, including reported pieces, personal essays, listicles, technical writing, interviews, and news coverage. I additionally specialize in publicity deliverables, including press kits, social media content, blog posts, and website copy. You'll find some of my favorite pieces below, and you can access all of my clips on my Authory profile.

HOW TO CREATE A FEMINIST READING SERIES WHERE EVERYONE GETS ICE CREAM

'EVERY GIRL' TELLS TRUE STORIES OF WOMEN FROM EVERY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD

INTERVIEW WITH AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR ROBIN MILES

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35 LITERARY DESTINATIONS IN NEW YORK CITY FOR THE ULTIMATE BOOKISH VACATION

HOW HARPER LEE AND 'TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD' HELPED ME BECOME A MUSICIAN

EVERYTHING YOU'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT JANE AUSTEN'S UNDERWEAR

PETITION CREATED TO NAME NEW PERIODIC TABLE ELEMENT AFTER TERRY PRATCHETT’S COLOUR OF MAGIC

THIS YA NOVEL MAKES AN IMPORTANT POINT ABOUT CONSENT AND COMMUNICATION

I RE-READ MY FAVORITE AMERICAN GIRL BOOK AS AN ADULT

INTERVIEW WITH AMANI AL-KHATAHTBEH

THE 17 BEST FICTION BOOKS COMING OUT IN FEBRUARY 2017

INTERVIEW WITH INGRID ROJAS CONTRERAS

WORK EXPERIENCE

March 2019 - Present

CUCS - COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE

• Create and implement long-term editorial calendar and content strategy.

• Plan and execute daily social media.

• Write and produce blog posts, newsletters, graphics, and marketing materials.

• ​Collaborate on production of fundraising events, volunteer projects, donation drives and other development initiatives. 

November 2015 - December 2018

BUSTLE -
BOOKS FEATURES WRITER

• Wrote 5+ SEO-optimized online features per week for an audience of 50M global users.

• Independently curated Bustle’s monthly fiction preview of new releases.

• Interviewed authors over phone and via e-mail.

March 2016 - October 2017

HOUSING WORKS BOOKSTORE CAFE -
EVENTS ASSISTANT

• Produced 3+ events per week for 75-300 attendees: readings, panels, parties, concerts.

• Led a team of volunteers in set-up, break down, check-in, and on-site event needs.

• Promoted events through social media, signage, newsletters, and more. 

February 2015 - August 2015

DEBARTLO & CO. -
PUBLICITY ASSISTANT

• Produced and managed author websites, social media, and newsletters.

• Pitched local/national media and coordinated media coverage.

• Wrote and designed press releases, proposals, and marketing graphics.

Vibrant and polished writing powers the digital age. As an experienced writer, with over 500 online clips, I can make any subject pop. (SEO-optimized content is my jam.) I have extensive experience with WordPress, Medium, and other CMS systems. I'm a trained copy editor, with knowledge of Chicago, APA, MLA, and more. Check out my portfolio! 

I've helped produce an extensive range of events, from intimate readings to lively concerts to massive festivals. I can lead volunteers to make anything possible, and I'm great at thinking on my feet. Whether it's by liaising with VIP performers or running the door efficiently, you can count on me to make sure your event goes smoothly. (I'm the girl who remembers to bring the tape.) My motto: be prepared for anything and have fun.

Publicity is the key to any successful venture. I'm a pro at helping you and your project stand out from the crowd. I can help you build a press kit, pitch yourself to publications, and optimize your social media presence. Good publicity reflects your personality and passion. I'm here to help funnel that into an effective campaign.