Patricia Truty

Proofread, edited, and rewrote catalogs, ads, calendars, Christmas annuals, emails, websites, and internal sales proposals. Produced client-facing copy for publishing and retail catalog accounts.

Wrote and edited SEO-focused marketing articles for law firms and medical practices. Optimized content for search while maintaining client-specific messaging.

Assisted library operations as a library clerk in a second part-time role. Supported day-to-day patron and circulation needs in the Belvidere library setting.

Provided ongoing circulation and patron support as a library clerk. Continued assisting patrons, managing library services, and supporting circulation processes.

Helped patrons at the circulation desk and by telephone while supporting circulation-related tasks. Processed library card applications, accepted fines, and assisted with shelving and material check-in.

Screened online condolences for obituaries for both national and international newspapers to ensure appropriateness before posting. Edited notices by adding headlines, merging duplicates, checking images, and processing pet and celebration notices.

Handled obituary work for the daily newspaper and updated the Go! events calendar. Supported front-page initiatives including the Christmas Stocking Fund.

Supervised children during lunch in the cafeteria and during recess on the playground and in classrooms. Supported a safe, structured environment for students during daily routines.

Proofread direct mail materials for nonprofit clients across copy, graphic design, and production stages. Supported special projects including management team PowerPoint presentations and occasional copy changes.

Scanned newspapers (primarily from New York) to fulfill client requests for press clips. Provided requested clipping selections for downstream client use.

Copy edited multiple sections across weekly newspapers and managed the obituary department. Interviewed funeral home directors and bereaved families, wrote obituaries, and updated the newspaper website regularly.

Proofread Yellow Pages display ads, ensuring required changes followed customer guidelines. Detected errors in typesetting, layout, and artwork, made corrections using Adobe Illustrator on Macintosh, and trained new employees.

Proofread, copy edited, and wrote headlines for Northern Illinois University’s newspaper. Supported editorial quality through careful review and headline writing.

Provided customer service in-store and by phone, handled returns, and operated the cash register. Supported merchandising activities including shelving books and stocking magazines, as well as special orders.

Earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Northern Illinois University, completed in May 1990.

Graduated from Elgin High School in June 1985.

Earned an Associate of Science degree in Accounting at Elgin Community College, starting in August 1987.