Rachel Rose Belew
What is your professional background?
I’m a freelance copywriter and communications professional with over four years of experience crafting clear, compelling written content for multimedia platforms, including television, radio, the Web, and traditional print media. I have been a TV news reporter, anchor, and producer; a newspaper and magazine writer; and a B2B and B2C copywriter.
What do you do currently?
I consider myself a freelance copywriter and communications strategist. Currently, I work one-on-one with small and medium-size business owners, “solopreneurs,” and nonprofits to help them conceive and execute effective marketing and public relations strategies through written communication.
Why are you so passionate about your work?
I love flexing my creative muscle with words. Writing is a craft, and it takes passion, patience, and perseverance (not to mention skill!) to do it well. But the best part is when my writing helps my clients—whether it’s through a glowing biography that attracts new professional opportunities; an informative, engaging brochure that sells the clients’ products/services; or a deftly-scribed direct mail letter that converts leads into sales. I love knowing that my writing can be meaningful and impactful—that it really can make a difference.
The way I see it? Communication is the foundation of every business operation. If the foundation isn’t well-built—if the company’s paradigm for communication isn’t exemplary—all else will crumble. There’s something deeply satisfying about knowing that my writing is pivotal to, and responsible for, the success of a business.
What is your dream job?
My dream job is one that enables me to leverage my creativity, my writing and communication skills, and my comprehensive understanding of the news media (I’m a former broadcast journalist with an “insider’s” savvy of the news biz), to help grow the company and shape its future. Although I work extremely well independently, I’m also a natural leader with an effervescent personality, so I thrive in collaborative work environments in which I can help train, guide, and advise others. My interests include health and beauty; diet and exercise; dogs and animals; fashion and style; “green” and sustainability; food and drink; and travel and culture.
What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned throughout your career so far?
Hmm. Good question! I think the biggest lesson that I’ve learned, as trite as it may sound, is that everything—the ups, the downs, the good, the bad, the obvious, and the confusing—happens for a reason. Everything is a learning experience. If a road dead-ends on us, it’s because we were meant to learn from the journey. If a road forks, it’s because we were meant to learn from the choices we make. There will always be failures and successes in our careers—some inconsequential, some seemingly earth-shattering. But it’s how we handle and what we do with all of those experiences, collectively, that really defines us and sets the stage for our future. As the adage goes, when one door closes, another opens.
What type of opportunity are you seeking?
I’m looking for a full-time gig with benefits. Ideally, a M-F, 9-5 position. A MarComm (Marketing/Communications) position would be right up my alley. Perhaps something in the Public and Media Relations realm, too. Anything that gives me the creative liberty to write crisp, clear, compelling copy. What I don’t want: a staff reporter’s job at a news publication or a TV news-related job (sorry, but I’ve been there/done that and it’s time to move on!).
As far as work culture goes, a work-from-home arrangement (even if just occasionally) would be ideal! If not, I prefer a more cool, casual, fun, and friendly (read: NOT uptight, conservative, and stuffy) office atmosphere. As long as the job gets done on time, on budget, and up to or above expectations, what’s wrong with having a little fun in the process? 
Why should someone hire you?
Because I’m a catch. Seriously! I’m fun, creative, outgoing, and smart (I’m a Phi Beta Kappa college graduate). I have an outstanding work ethic; I write/speak/read French; and I’m an Ivy Leaguer (I hold a Master’s Degree from Columbia University).
More important, I have valuable skill sets and unique professional experiences that set me apart from the pack. (For example, how many marketers or public relations specialists do you know who’ve actually worked in a real newsroom before, as opposed to simply pitching one? How many of them have delivered live reports, on camera and on the radio, to hundreds of thousands of viewers simultaneously? And how many really know the difference between writing for broadcast and writing for print—and excel at both?) Plus, I learn and apply new concepts and technical skills quickly.
Last but not least, I’m deeply loyal, committed to excellence in everything I do, and ready to hit the ground running, wherever my career path leads me next. My next boss will be impressed with my fastidious attention to detail, my leadership capabilities, and my go-getter personality!
Rachel’s contact information:
rachel@rachelrosewriting.com
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