WRITING

A 19-year seasoned freelance newspaper and magazine writer, I have over 70 published non-fiction articles on business, health, and maritime topics.

"I have worked with Kathy for several years on a variety of projects, both in the field and after the field work is done. She has been an indispensable member of the team, and a great and supportive assistant as we have juggled a variety of requirements for books, articles and reports intended for scholarly and popular publication, as well as for the Internet. I could not have done it all, or on time, without Kathy's eagle eye, keen skills, and supportive and on-time style."
~ James P. Delgado, Ph.D., Maritime Archaeologist, Director of Maritime Heritage, ONMS, NOAA

"Working with Kathy on a manuscript allowed me to focus on the story while she perfected the flow and mechanics. Her participation in all my writing, including web pages and promotional flyers, has significantly elevated the level of my work."
~Vince Capone, M.Sc., Side Scan Sonar and Marine Technology Expert, Black Laser Learning®

“Kathy is an enthusiastic and talented writer. She puts in the calls to the right people and shows a keen interest in all things maritime. Most importantly, she delivers well constructed and well-thought out copy on time - a blessing for any Editor!"
~Carly Fields, Editor, Shipping Network

“Kathy is an excellent writer, and is very adaptive. She has a very good understanding of the maritime and offshore industries. Whenever we give her an assignment, the articles are always well liked and very professional."
~Brett Keil, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing, The Maritime Executive

I wrote this article for Pacific Maritime Magazine, a maritime trade publication focused on the U.S. Pacific Coast. (December, 2011) Mariner Training Facilities From mariner trainees and master mariners looking to upgrade, to those seeking a career change from another field, there are a number of maritime organizations in the Pacific Northwest that offer a wide range of training options. (Click on story title to read online.)

I wrote this article for Shipping Network, the official publication of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers based in London, U.K. (December, 2011) The White Knight of the Blue Seas With bigger ships and greater technology, pilots face a brave new world as Kathy A Smith discovers (See pages 20-21.)

I wrote this article for The Maritime Executive, a leading U.S.-based shipping industry publication with a global circulation. (November/December, 2011) Special Report: State of the Offshore Market Increasing capital investments in offshore vessels indicate the market is steadily on the rise.

I wrote this article for The Maritime Executive, a leading U.S.-based shipping industry publication with a global circulation. (September/October, 2011) The Evolving World of Maritime Security As pirates become more sophisticated in their methods, so do the companies that combat them.

I wrote this article for The Maritime Executive, a leading U.S.-based shipping industry publication with a global circulation. (July/August, 2011) Maritime Software: It's Not Optional Anymore Today more than ever it’s important that shipping companies keep pace with the digital age. Automating and streamlining operations for efficiency and cost-effectiveness is no longer the wave of the future – it’s already here.

I wrote this article for The Maritime Executive, a leading U.S.-based shipping industry publication with a global circulation. (May/June 2011) How Green Is Your Vessel? It's not easy desiging ships that are fuel-efficient, emission-compliant and resonably priced. Today's naval architects are more than up to the task.

I wrote this article/sidebar for Shipping Network, the official publication of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers based in London, U.K. (June, 2010) Keeping Pirates Firmly on the Radar Kathy Smith finds out that regional drops in hijacking are no indication of a worldwide improvement. (See pages 10-11.)

I copy-edited the manuscript of this book, ensured it met with the publisher's specific criteria for manuscript format and copy requirements, and helped keep the project on deadline.Silent Killers: Submarines and Underwater Warfare Osprey Publishing UK (2011) James P. Delgado, Ph.D., Director of Maritime Heritage, ONMS, NOAA. Host of the television series The Sea Hunters

Winner of the 2010 Choice Award for Outstanding Academic Title.

I copy-edited the manuscript of this book, ensured it met with the publisher's specific criteria for manuscript format and copy requirements, and helped keep the project on deadline. Nuclear Dawn: The Atomic Bomb from the Manhattan Project to the Cold War Osprey Publishing UK (2009) James P. Delgado, Ph.D., Director of Maritime Heritage, ONMS, NOAA. Host of the television series The Sea Hunters

Writing a book or article for publication?
Leave it to me to be your objective second pair of eyes. I can proofread, edit, or draft copy in your style and your voice. I can also perform the meticulous and detailed task of ensuring your manuscript adheres to the publisher's requirements.

Need to put together promotional materials?
I can work from a blank canvas or roughed-out key points and create web copy, newsletters, press releases, media kits, and more.

My Writing Experience Includes...

I have the ability to quickly comprehend material and put it into easily readable form. Though I may not be entirely familiar with scientific or technical terms, I can still decipher what's needed and write accordingly.

A key specialty I have is the ability to transform academic language into layperson's terms.

With over 19 years writing experience, you can trust me to deliver. I have written web copy, newsletters, articles, press releases, reports, brochures, media kits, website sales pages, marketing emails, and more.

View my "general" writing portfolio

Other Maritime Industry Writing ...

I have worked with Dr. James P. Delgado on several of his books and articles. My job includes proofreading, editing, checking reference and image listings against the manuscript, ensuring the manuscript adheres to the publisher's guidelines, coordinating with other contributors when necessary, and helping keep projects on deadline.

I assisted Dr. Delgado on the following books:

Nuclear Dawn: The Atomic Bomb from the Manhattan Project to the Cold War
(released Sept. 2009)
Acknowledgement reads: "The review and editing of my assistant, Kathy Smith, once again made the task of writing easier. I owe her my usual debt of gratitude."

Gold Rush Port: The Maritime Archaeology of San Francisco's Waterfront (released Jan, 2009)
Acknowledgement reads: "My assistant Kathy Smith was another invaluable member of the team as a dissertation became a book."

Khubilai Khan's Lost Fleet: In Search of a Legendary Armada (released Oct, 2008)
Acknowledgement reads: "I am grateful for the review of the manuscript and suggestions made by...and my assistant Kathy Smith."

I assisted Dr. Delgado on the following articles:

Publication: Journal of Field Archaeology (published Spring, 2009)
Title: Survey of the Steam Yacht Fox at Qeqertarsuaq
Acknowledgement reads: "Kathy A. Smith prepared the manuscript for publication, for which I am most grateful."

Publication: American Journal of Archaeology (published April, 2008)
Title: Nautical and Maritime Archaeology, 2006-2007 Seasons
This newsletter-style article presents brief reports on nautical and maritime projects from around the world during this time frame. I was the point-of-contact for the contributing authors, helped edit and proof their submissions to Dr. Delgado, prepared the piece according to the AJA guidelines and worked with two AJA editors to complete the final version that appears in the April 2008 edition.

I assist Vince Capone with writing and editing website and promotional materials.