NUJ Freelance Directory

Much More Than Creative Writing! Introduction in Brief I have worked within the media for many years, for newspapers, magazines and periodicals. My earlier background included advertising department positions which led to management roles. This has given me the breadth, discipline and understanding to appreciate the nuances between below and above the line activities. In truth, one will not survive without the other. To this end I gradually moved during my career into what has become today, a small, full service agency. My agency, founded in 1992 covers PR, freelance journalism, design, marketing, event management, publishing and online communications. Background My experience spans some 23 years in the media business. Initially in telesales for a busy Belfast daily newspaper, I then moved to a monthly social magazine, where I quickly learnt the ropes, covering events, meeting celebrities becoming involved in feature writing, cover shots and research. In this time I also worked for many specialist titles covering subjects as diverse as cars, weddings, directories, and in house magazines for a hospital trust. Four years followed with a newspaper group working on a weekly title. This lent the aspect of PR and staff management. I was also tasked to handle the key accounts for the title. From a public relations perspective, I have worked on many accounts over the years to include Poppy Appeal for Northern Ireland, American Home Products, Presbyterian Mutual Society, agri clients, Insurance companies, veterinary companies, NI Fire Authority, Agricultural Trust and fashion outlets. Marketing dictates we must put the customer at the centre of things to succeed. My agency focuses on the individual; from small business through to global player. Many organisations want to dovetail their activities to keep a corporate theme. My personal approach, attention to detail and ability to fit in with existing planning, makes the communication process much more clearly defined. My agency, McNeill Media Limited was established in 1992; the disciplines of PR, design, copy writing, marketing & online journalism /design are included separately or as a package. A journalist, Graphic Designer and fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, I offer a flexible approach to modern media requirements. I believe communication should encompass all the aspects available today; editorially through the printed word and broadcast media; and visually - graphic design, logos and photographs which shout out to get carried. From a publishing stand point I can identify with other publishers as I know the pitfalls and difficulties of producing regular printed material. I edit and publish Ireland's quarterly sustainable living journal; Consumer targeted it retails throughout Ireland and is also available by subscription and online. www.lifestylegreen.com In addition I offer a freelance facility for interviews and PR work in various sectors. I cover Ireland and the UK and can work as part of your existing team or as an outside consultant or freelancer. I work well in either situation! Summary I believe flexibility is key to today’s demanding marketplace. In addition, the ability to work under pressure and within deadlines is essential in the fast paced work of communications, regardless of channel. As one who has experience on both sides of the wire and also in complementary disciplines, I can pull together a campaign, promotion, release or publication, while keeping an eye on the bottom line. Competitively priced; local but not parochial, I deliver the goods both online and offline to deadlines and to budget. Breakdown of services: Freelance journalism; Research story and follow up leads. Travel if required to destination/s. Photography is offered and supplied with the article. All editorial is proofed electronically prior to sign off / print. This is sent to all parties to include the publisher, client, interviewee etc. Captioning of photographs and submission. Freelance editorial is also available for publishers and is offered per page rate. Public Relations Post brief, ideas are listed. Release/s are prepared to first draft format and emailed to all concerned. Photography as before is required. Issue of release to media concerned. Follow up contact to ascertain receipt and usage. Cuttings agency appointed if this is required for monitoring purposes. Design Post brief, ideas submitted for approval. First draft design. All artwork for logos, brochures etc is proofed electronically. Liaising with printers if required. Price comparison and project management. Marketing Research, reports and marketing plans available. Copy Writing Copy writing for brochures, letters, advertisement copy, web sites and much more. Event Management Events organised and managed. Publishing both on and offline. Experience in production of magazines. This includes editing, commissioning, design/layout, marketing, distribution and subscriptions. Full PDF proof is supplied by email if desired of entire publication. My interests in environmental issues keep me abreast with the many aspects of daily life on which it impacts. Food to fashion; precycling to recycling; health to transport to cover a few areas. I offer links to other websites and copy to other publications by arrangement. This ranges from not-for-profit to Government and educational departments. Further information and quotations are available by email or ‘phone. My direct number is (+44)028 9065 6407 My agency website is www.mcneillmedia.com Other contact details: Fax: (+44028 9067 1877 Email: gill@mcneillmedia.com Mobile: 07850 657785