Rachel Mahrt Degn

(602) 730-5573
writingfencer@gmail.com

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/rachel-mahrt/42/604/523

Experience
Client Services, publication development
Jan 2014present
Prioritize and manage multiple projects and meet the needs of several teams simultaneously.
Manage relationships with clients, answering questions and ensuring they have what they need.
Pilot a new portal web application in an Agile environment.
Support sales by producing cost estimates and advising on project timelines, project details, and translation
processes.
Copyeditor, Wheatley Institute
May 2013present
Create style guide and author guide with other copyeditor.
Rewrite text to fit the appropriate purpose and tone of the publication.
Gather PDFs of sources and check accuracy of quotes and in-text citations.
Compile Endnote library of references.
Edit manuscript of business ethics book as well as articles for publication in journals.
Editor, publication development
JanAug 2013
Select and edit articles for publication using global English guidelines.
Research options for online implementation.
Create project guide for future editors, including step-by-step instructions for established processes.
Assistant Managing Editor, Stowaway
JanApr 2013
Guide editorial team from acquisitions to proofreading.
Edit (substantive to proofreading) manuscripts for print and online publication.
Contact authors and discuss changes to their articles via email and in person.
Discuss assignments, team morale, and publication decisions with managing editor.
BYU Writing Center
Tutor students with papers they bring to the center.
Teach principles of clear writing.
Write reports about tutorials to send to professors.

Oct 2012Dec 2012

DRIFT research and development team

Sept 2012Dec 2012
Work with a team of students from different disciplines to develop a story and storyworld.
Discuss ways the story can be presented and developed through transmedia storytelling.
Present ideas to the entire team after smaller team discussions or individual brainstorming.
Writing Fellow (peer writing tutor), Brigham Young University
Sept 2010Dec 2012
Evaluate and diagnose weaknesses and strengths through written comments and a response letter.
Conference with the students to improve papers and teach writing strategies.
Create individualized learning plans for each student, centered around specific writing assignments.
Prepare training meetings for other writing tutors on BYU campus.
Editing intern, Curriculum Department
SeptDec 2011
Edit, fact-check, and proofread for a variety of products, including programs for Temple Square
Performances, manuals, transcriptions, newsletters, and web content.
Work closely with professional editors and incorporate their feedback in future projects.
Edit and transcribe oral histories for war veterans
Assist in interviewing war veteran.

JanApr 2011

Write 60-page military history for one veteran from transcribing and editing his interviews.
Convert spoken English from an interview to written, narrative-style English.
Work closely with faculty mentor Don Norton.
Associate Editor, Stance: for the Family
SeptDec 2010
Supervise editing of three manuscripts from substantive edits to proofreading in one semester.
Query authors, review submissions, substantive edit, copyedit, source check, and proofread articles.
Work closely with experienced senior editors to improve editing skills.

Education
Undergraduate study at Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
Current GPA: 3.96
Bachelor of English
Minors in editing and Spanish
Graduated: Aug 2013
Studies abroad
English Literature and Landscapes (Rick Duerden; Patrick Madden)
AprJune 2011
Spain culture, literature, history (courses in Alcalingua, Universidad de Alcal)
SeptNov 2009
Relevant Coursework
Editing Capstone
Digital Culture (with Gideon Burton)
Substantive editing for academic publications
Basic InDesign Skills
Basic Editing Skills: Copyediting
Internship: Editing and Transcribing Oral Histories
Writing and Pedagogy
Modern American Usage
Creative Writing
Grammar of English

Winter 2103
Fall 2012
Fall 2012
Winter 2012
Winter 2011
Winter 2011
Fall 2010
Fall 2010
Spring 2010
Spring 2009

Information about specific coursework available upon request.

Skills
Spoken and written Spanish
Earned 18 credits of Spanish classes at BYU
Lived for 3 months in Spain
Adobe: InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator
Familiar with Mac and PC interface
Proficient in Microsoft Office: Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and OneNote
Amateur ballroom dancer

Academic Honors
Graduated Magna Cum Laude of BYUs August 2013 class
Deans List (twice)
Member of Phi Kappa Phi
Member of BYU chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, National Honors Society for Spanish
Don and Sybil Harrington Recognition
Robert C. Byrd Award
Heritage Scholarship
Rotary Club of Anthem Recognition
Walmart Scholarship

Fall 2010
Fall 2008
Fall 2008
Fall 2008
Fall 2008
Fall 2008