Notable Achievements

Lissa M. Cowan

Notable Achievements

Translation from French to English of poetic prose work by prominent Quebec author, Pierre Morency

Co-founded national Canadian magazine (Family Groundwork), social marketing enterprise (SNAP Promotions) and publishing house (Groundwork Press)

Writer of several non-fiction books

Languages

English Fluent

French Fluent

Communications, Translation and Social Marketing

Managed number of publishing and translation projects from books and magazines to brochures/reports

Expertise in copywriting, translation from French to English, and editing

Concept development of branding/identity with corporate and public sector clients

Knowledge of InDesign and Photoshop

Communications experience in both the public and private sectors for over 10 years

Media outreach and book marketing

Develop communication plans and strategies for not-for-profits, governments

Write news releases, creative briefs, scripts and fact sheets

Speaking engagements on topics related to not-for-profits and media outreach

Recent Positions

1995-Present

Translation Consultant, Vancouver, BC

Translation and proof-reading of general documents, annual reports, questionnaires and market studies, brochures, web sites, press releases, business and cultural documentation, magazines and catalogues, exhibition guides, and tourist information.

2003 - Present

SNAP Promotions, Creative Consultant, Vancouver, BC

Copywriting web and print for governments and not-for-profits including creating new slogans, messaging, concept development to create new image or give boost to old one. Lead social marketing initiatives with governments and not-for-profits with respect to public awareness campaigns, media outreach, re-branding identities involving web and print development, and creating and implementing communication/strategic plans.

Groundwork Press, Editorial Director, Vancouver, BC

Developed book (Living series and Adoption Piece by Piece series) ideas for parents who have children with special needs. Created identity and messaging for Groundwork Press, working with designers and others on concepts, book covers, layout, etc. Liaised with publicist and marketing consultant to expand networks, increase media outreach. Participated in Book Expo Canada 2004 and gained significant media coverage being interviewed by Canada’s CTV, CBC and the Vicki Gabereau Show.

2001 - 2005

Family Groundwork Magazine, Managing Editor, Vancouver, BC

Created concept for magazine, hired focus group of parents, conducting surveys, liaised with marketing consultant to create overall plan and timeline involving messaging for identity, creation of website. Developed content for site, print and electronic marketing materials. Worked with team to develop editorial schedule, theme issues, recruit and liaise with writers, layout and design of publications, follow-up and continued marketing to target groups.

September 1997-May 1998

Writing Consultant, Ministry of Education, Communications, Victoria, BC

Participated in strategic initiatives involving capital planning, tuition freezes, online learning. Compiled support documents such as fact sheets, reports, quotes. Created databases for media on hot topic issues and worked on capital planning database in conjunction with Ministry of Finance. Researched and wrote document for teachers about the Internet to accompany CD of resources.

March-July 1997

Writer and Editor, Pacific Forestry Centre, Natural Resources Canada, Victoria, BC

Wrote articles, liaised with printers, designers, photographers and provided editorial assistance to writer scientists about topics such as the mountain pine beetle, climate change, First Nations forestry programs for a national publication called Information Forestry.

Education
1998

Post-graduate diploma (Harvey Southam) in writing and editing, Writing Department (Fine Arts), U of Victoria, Victoria, BC.

1996

Master of Arts in English Studies, U of Montréal, Montréal, Québec. Summer courses in translation taken at Université Laval.

1990

Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, Concordia University with courses in East Asian Studies from McGill University, Montréal, Québec

Awards

Banff Centre for the Arts Fellowship (2000), Banff, Alberta

Harvey Southam Post-Graduate Diploma in Writing and Editing Fellowship (1998), Victoria, BC

Rates (CAD currency or equivalent/I can accept payments in US dollars, pounds sterling or euro)

Translating: $150/1000 words (target language)

Minimum charge: $65

Proof-reading: $45/hour

Minimum charge: $55/1000 words

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