Hire the Best Journalists in Chicago, IL

Good morning/afternoon/evening, Upwork clients! I have had the pleasure of being on Upwork since 2014. Want to work together? Here are my rates. HOURLY EDITING JOBS: $40 per hour to proofread (egregious errors only) (intermediate- to advanced-level writing) $45 per hour for medium-level copyedit using AP Style, proofread (intermediate- to advanced-level writing) $50 per hour for substantive editing, meticulous copyedit using AP style, fact-checking, rewrites as necessary (any level of writing, including beginners) WRITING PRICING BREAKDOWN: $40 per hour for minimal research, mandatory byline, general articles $50 per hour for investigative research articles, fact-checking, editing, mandatory byline ------------------------------------- MORE ABOUT SHAMONTIEL: I am a full-time freelancer with 21 years of journalism experience and editing experience (mainly AP Style), 24 years of administrative experience, 18 years of digital editing experience (including law firms and newsrooms), seven years in mid-level management roles in publishing, 27 years of social media experience, and completed approximately 258 interviews. Everyday tasks for me currently include editing (AP Style), fact-checking news copy, using project management software and Google Workspace, and keeping tabs on SEO trends. Outside of the financial and publishing industry, my volunteer leadership projects included being a two-year condo board president and treasurer, a five-time Toastmasters officer, and a yearlong host of a storytelling club. Ideal Client: My CliftonStrengths results are Achiever, Command, Executor and Influencer, meaning I excel in leadership positions with minimal supervision. I thrive in virtual work environments with clients who communicate well, give constructive feedback and encourage a work-life balance. My long-term clients are also quite fond of Upwork Messenger, Slack, Asana, Loom, Google Meet and DialPad. Does that describe you? I'd love to hear from you then.

I am a Communications Professional with a decade of experience in journalism and media relations. I have served as a journalist and television producer for the last ten years, working for cable news networks and local television stations as a lead news writer, line producer, executive producer, and more. Additionally, I work as a freelance writer and media relations consultant for businesses and nonprofits, where I help develop content for their brands. My services include blog writing, press release writing, media pitch creation, social media content, email newsletter writing, strategic media/press plans for company events, and media training. I would love the opportunity to work on behalf of your brand.

Nice to meet you. I'm RJ, an experienced freelance writer with a sharp voice and proven track record in storytelling, cultural commentary, and satirical humor. I've published 500+ articles on a variety of subjects across multiple media- from independent print magazines to Substack to YouTube video scripts. I've written extensively on music history, local events, witty takes on current events. My research is in-depth and organized, and my tone is punchy, energetic, and most importantly, funny. Comfortable with WordPress, SEO-friendly content, engaging blog posts, opinion pieces, and creative nonfiction. I deliver clean, deadline-driven work with a hardened edge. I'm available now for writing, editing, ghostwriting, researching, or outline creation. Let's collaborate on some content that stands out!

Social media is all about connection. People don’t just want a product—they want to know why your brand deserves their attention. That’s where I come in. I'm the girl who turns casual viewers into loyal, returning customers through engaging, authentic, and on-brand content. I’m a creative, ambitious, and hard-working content curator with a passion for storytelling through social media. With over 3 years of experience in UGC (user-generated content), social media marketing, content curation, and multimedia journalism, I’ve worked with startups, music companies, cafes, and local publications to help them grow and thrive online. Here’s what I bring to the table:
 ↳ Strong skills in video/photo editing, social strategy, and graphic design
 ↳ Proficient in Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, and other creative tools
 ↳ Equipped with my own camera, phone, and tripod to create high-quality content anytime, anywhere
 ↳ Proven results like growing a local Chicago publication’s TikTok by 156%, Instagram by 311%, and Twitter/X by 84% through consistent posting and creative engagement I also curated a barista-run TikTok account that quickly gained a following by showcasing the fun, relatable personalities of the café staff. This not only built a loyal online audience but also increased in-person visits. I’m super personable, love a good laugh, and value honest, open communication. I’ll help your brand stand out through my unique POV and creativity ✨

Struggling to explain your product in a way that actually drives pipeline and closes deals? Many B2B and tech-adjacent companies invest in content marketing, but still face long sales cycles, confused prospects and investors, and content that doesn’t convert. I’m a B2B content writer and strategist who works with companies to turn complex products into clear narratives that drive pipeline, shorten sales cycles, and improve conversion. My work straddles marketing and sales by: ➜ Attracting high-intent buyers through research-driven content ➜ Helping prospects understand the problem—and your solution—faster ➜ Giving sales teams assets they can actually use with prospects I combine a journalist’s approach to research and interviewing with a strategist’s understanding of how buyers evaluate technical solutions. The result is content that does more than just explain: it shapes how buyers think, evaluate, and make decisions. This includes: ✓ Flagship content (white papers, reports, case studies) that generates qualified pipeline ✓ Messaging and website copy that clarifies your value and improves conversion ✓ Executive thought leadership that builds trust before the first sales conversation My work has generated ~100 qualified leads from a single white paper within six months, been used by sales teams in conversations with prospects, and helped reduce friction in the buyer journey. I work with companies in complex, regulated, and technical industries, including: 📌 Healthcare & healthtech 📌 SaaS 📌 Climate tech and sustainable energy 📌 Higher ed & edtech 📌 Cybersecurity Here's what some happy clients have said about working with me: “From day one, she quickly grasped the complexities of our industry, the challenges our customers face, and the nuances that make our content truly resonate.” —Teagan Fast, ImageTrend “Heather Kenny is a seasoned navigator and clear interpreter: a writer who understands how businesses need to translate their strategies and goals to the audiences they most need to reach.” —Todd Pruzan, Harvard Business Publishing If your product is powerful but hard to explain, I can help you turn it into messaging and content that buyers understand and act on.

I'm an award-winning journalist, bestselling author, and accomplished editor, marketer, and editorial advisor. The last two books I edited both reached #1 on Amazon, as did my own book, released June 2023. I've been successfully advising founders and CEOs on their public writing and thought leadership for years. I've reported from around the world for the New York Times, The Guardian, Financial Times, Foreign Affairs, The Atlantic, Foreign Policy, Monocle and other top outlets. I served as communications editor for the World Bank's private sector arm, IFC, for more than six years, examining an array of business and financial issues. I worked as a lead editor for several major media sites and have hosted multiple podcasts and ghostwritten several books.