MELISSA RAGSDALE
Writer | Editor
Dedicated to making the world a better place through creativity and compassion.
PORTFOLIO
I have published over 500 articles online, 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
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
THIS CODER WANTS KIDS TO SEE THEMSELVES IN THE BOOKS THEY READ
HIRE ME
Need help with a project? Looking to hire a new member of your team? Let's talk.
CONTENT WRITING
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!
EVENT PRODUCTION
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
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.
PITCH ME
Hi publicists, authors, and editors,
I receive a lot of pitches and press releases for upcoming books! If you have a book that you think may interest me, please send me an e-mail.
Here’s some info about my process and what interests me:
Diversity is one of my top priorities when I’m building a list. I’m always looking to discover more women authors, authors of color, LGBTQ + authors, authors with disabilities, and international authors.
I prefer digital galleys. Netgalley widgets, PDFs, and ePub all work great. (Please do not send unsolicited hard copies.)
I read/love most fiction genres. I am especially a fan of genre-bending fiction and magical realism. For non-fiction, I tend to prefer essay collections and memoirs.
I like books that do something new. I love characters who have attitude and plots that keep my pages turning.
My favorite books include: Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel, The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin, American Gods by Neil Gaiman, Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay, Bright Lines by Tanwi Nandini Islam, the Saga series by Brian K. Vaughn …and well, a lot more.
I cannot add a title to an article once it’s already published. I get a lot of e-mails about this, so my apologies if your title didn’t make it on there.
Please note that truckloads of books are sent to me every month, so I cannot cover or reply to everything. I’m doing my best!
Thanks so much! Hope to hear from you soon.
CONTACT
melissaanneragsdale [at] gmail [dot] com