Beth Icard

Hello! I'm Beth Icard, a passionate and dedicated editing professional with more than nine years of experience in both academic and non-academic environments. My journey in the editorial world has been shaped by my love for children's literature and my experience as an academic copyeditor. Over the years, I've worn many hats, from volunteer copyeditor to digital marketing coordinator, each role enriching my skills and deepening my commitment to high-quality editorial standards.

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My editorial career began with extensive experience as the Lead English Tutor at Utah State University Eastern's Writing Center. Over the course of six years, I edited and proofread thousands of pages of student writing, providing valuable feedback to help students improve their writing skills. As the Lead Tutor, I spearheaded extracurricular instruction on style guide rules and composition principles, collaborated with students, staff, and faculty across various departments, and provided academic advising. This role strengthened my ability to communicate effectively, manage multiple projects, and maintain high-quality standards in all aspects of editorial work, as well as honed my copyediting talents.

 

I currently serve in a volunteer position at the Earth Love United Foundation, where I provide copyediting services for social media, website content, and various public-facing documents. This experience has taught me the importance of consistency and clarity in all written materials. Previously, I also worked for almost two years as the Digital Marketing Coordinator for Ballet West in Salt Lake City, where I oversaw all external written communications, managed social media, and created engaging content that significantly boosted our online presence. In addition to marketing content creation and website maintenance, I was responsible for copyediting and proofreading all press releases, the quarterly magazine, brochures, playbills, emails, social media posts, campaigns, video scripts, and website pages. This role required meticulous attention to detail and the ability to handle and manage multiple editorial tasks efficiently under tight deadlines and collaborate effectively with diverse teams.

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In addition to my professional experience, I have a strong academic background that complements my editorial skills. I hold a Master of Technical Communication from Utah State University and am currently pursuing a Master of Professional Studies in Publishing at George Washington University. I'm also working towards a Copyediting Certificate at the University of California, San Diego, and have completed courses in Editing Children's Books and Editing for Conscious and Inclusive Language from the Editorial Freelancers Association. My ongoing education ensures that I stay up to date with the latest industry trends and best practices, continuously enhancing my editorial expertise.

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Throughout my career, I've developed a keen eye for detail, a knack for problem-solving, and an unwavering commitment to maintaining high editorial standards. My technical proficiencies include MLA and Chicago styles, and beyond the world of publishing, I have experience with web design, graphic design, video creation, and various content management systems. I'm adept at managing multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines consistently.

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What excites me most about the world of publishing is the opportunity to shape the literary journeys of readers. My ultimate career goal is to become a managing editor, and I am particularly drawn to children's publishing. I believe in the power of storytelling to inspire and educate, and I am committed to supporting authors in bringing their visions to life.

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Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey. I look forward to contributing my skills and passion to the vibrant world of publishing.