Open to opportunities

Kathy Sargent

@kathysargent

Message

I’m an editor and publication designer who turn words and layouts into polished, results-ready stories.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a role where I can edit and design compelling publications, apply strong style and SEO, collaborate with marketing, and own production details end to end—from planning to press-ready results.

I’m a freelance publication designer, editor, and writer (2009-present), delivering polished book and e-book covers and interior layouts while writing promotional language that performs in both print and online channels. I publish and develop fiction, and I balance creative voice with proven structure—grounded in my Copy Editing Certification (ACES) and fluency with major style guides and SEO.

Earlier, I served as Communications Director for the Texas Computer Education Association (1999–2009), overseeing publication production—including a four-color magazine, online newsletter, and convention materials—and leading media relations and public relations efforts. I’ve also edited and managed newspaper teams (Round Rock Leader, 1998–1999; Associate Editor, 1993–1998) and supervised production and editorial staffs at the Westlake Picayune and Distinct magazine (1989–1993), bringing a detail-driven, production-savvy mindset to every deadline.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Freelance Publication Designer

Current

Freelance

Jan 2009 - Present (17 years 5 months)

Designed covers and interior pages for print books and e-books and wrote promotional copy for print and online. Published three novels and wrote seven novels total.

Copywriting Copy Editing Book Cover Design Promotional Writing Novel Writing seo writing Editorial production

Communications Director

Texas Computer Education Association

Jan 1999 - Jan 2009 (10 years)

Led end-to-end production of a four-color magazine, online newsletter, and convention materials as managing editor of the quarterly journal and newsletter. Managed marketing and media relations, including advertising sales, communications budgeting, and liaison work with other outlets.

Editorial Leadership Media Relations Public Relations Advertising Sales Social Media Marketing Content Planning

Editor, Round Rock Leader

Round Rock Leader

Jan 1998 - Jan 1999 (1 year)

Edited a twice-weekly newspaper by planning editorial content and performing copy edits, page layout, and computer pagination in QuarkXPress. Supervised an editorial staff of eight and oversaw the editorial department budget.

News Editing Copy Editing Layout Quark Xpress Editorial Leadership Budget Management Staff Supervision Pagination

Associate Editor, Round Rock Leader

Round Rock Leader

Jan 1993 - Jan 1998 (5 years)

Edited stories and designed layouts while helping manage the news staff for a twice-weekly newspaper. Covered business news and city hall, wrote feature stories, and contributed columns to the op-ed page.

Editing Layout Feature Writing Op Eds Editorial Planning Copy Editing

Editor, Westlake Picayune

Westlake Picayune & Distinct

Jan 1989 - Jan 1993 (4 years)

Edited an award-winning weekly newspaper and monthly lifestyle magazine by planning editorial content, copy editing, and page layout. Supervised production and editorial staffs and wrote a weekly community and politics column.

Editorial Planning Copy Editing Layout Staff Supervision Weekly Column Writing News Editing Content Development

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

ACES: The Society for Editing

Copy Editing Certification, Copy Editing

Completed a Copy Editing Certification through ACES (in partnership with the Poynter Institute), strengthening skills in copy editing and content editing using major style guides.