About Monica Shaw, Freelance B2B Writer and Editor,
Atlanta, Ga.

My journey to the b2b writing, editing, and public relations world has been full of twists and turns, but I have definitely gained from this technical and creative experience in a way that benefits my clients. While I have more than 15 years of professional writing experience, I actually began my career in the aerospace industry as an Engineering Analyst, after graduating from the University of Alabama in Huntsville with a B.S. in Computer Science/Minor in Mathematics. Although I participated in proposal writing activities aimed at NASA contracts while working for General Dynamics and United Technologies, I soon determined that I truly wanted to pursue the writing career I had aspired to since the age of eight.

To bolster my writing skills, I took graduate level technical writing courses at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, benefitting greatly from instructors like Dr. Rose Norman, who focused students on a clear and concise writing style. In this academic atmosphere, I rediscovered my love of literature and started pursuing an M.A. in English at night while changing my career field to that of technical writing.

As a Technical Writer, I documented software products for Intergraph, as well as industrial control products for VMIC, but I was still searching for a more creative work experience. After completing my M.A. thesis on Margaret Atwood, I took advantage of an opportunity as Editor of a local business and lifestyle magazine.

In 1996, I officially joined the b2b world by becoming Associate Editor for Pulp & Paper magazine, a market leading monthly magazine serving pulp, paper, and paperboard manufacturers. I became Editor of this publication in 2001, and, in addition to my supervisory and outreach duties, I collected and organized online technology content, coordinated a weekly technology e-newsletter, and provided marketing copy for these efforts on a regular basis. During my 11 years with the magazine, I also served as Editor of Paper Equipment News , a product tabloid, and the Paper Summit Show Daily, a conference daily. I was a Contributing Editor for Tissue World magazine as well.

As Editor of Pulp & Paper, I covered topics ranging from automation and information technology to sustainability, corporate strategy, and marketing, but wanted to expand my portfolio even further. After leaving this publication in 2007, I started public relations work for Atlanta area firms, providing media relations services for technology companies, as well as writing press releases and articles for publications such as DM Review, Food Manufacturing, Industrial Equipment News, Banking NY, and Consumer Goods Technology. As a b2b freelancer, I’ve also created direct mail pieces and developed web site content.

The journey to the b2b writing world has definitely been a winding one, but with it I bring a wealth of writing and technology experience to offer my clients. I looked forward to helping you with your next b2b writing or public relations challenge.