This portfolio is the work of Isabelle Rothbauer. Please do not copy without permission. Some of the editing and writing samples displayed on this page are the proprietary property of the organization whose name appears on the document and serve only as a demonstration of my overall body of work.
My work philosophy for anything I write or edit is readability, relatability, and competency. First and foremost, writing is a form of communication, so it should be clear, consistent, and flow well. Secondly, writing is a means to express, which is why integrity is the utmost importance to me and I focus on it heavily in any project I’m apart of. Lastly, there should be allowance for artistic and creative freedom in anything we do, and if done with purpose and appropriateness, artistic choices can enhance the competency of the writer’s voice.
The following editing/writing samples are a snapshot of projects I’ve worked on in the past 8 years and feature a brief description of my responsibilities and skill areas.
Click on the thumbnails/links to expand and view my projects.
Editing
Copyeditor/Email Marketer – Fourteenth Avenue
As a co-owner of my family’s online jewelry business, I took on generating all the web copy for our website, including product descriptions and blog posts, and I also create email marketing campaigns. I developed a style guide and distinct voice to build brand awareness and trustworthiness. I am also assisting in optimizing the website’s appearance, functionality, and efficiency. This project is very personal for me and has allowed me space to experiment and learn new skills.
Copyeditor – Family Dough Cookbook
For this family cookbook, I acted as copyeditor/proofreader, in which I was responsible for fact-checking the recipes, standardizing and correcting format inconsistencies, and rectifying any grammatical/spelling errors. This is one of my favorite projects to date and exemplifies my attention to detail, consistency, and commitment to larger projects.
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Proofreader/Copyeditor – Birchwood Cafe
As Catering and Events Coordinator for a relatively new catering program in Minneapolis, I had the opportunity to grow their web presence and improve customer interaction. In addition to developing the online ordering system and generating marketing material, I worked closely with the Style Coordinator to perfect the style and readability of the catering menus (pictured above). This displays my ability to adhere to [style] guidelines and my design experience.
Editorial Team Member – Waldorf Literary Review
I was selected to the editorial team for the Waldorf Literary Review where I collaborated with three other editors to produce Waldorf University’s annual creative journal. Responsibilities included selecting material for the journal, corresponding with authors and artists, and developing the journal design.
Social Strategist – www.alicerothbauer.com
As editor for this personal blog, I practice constructive critiquing and positive client relations as I assess articles for spelling/grammar and overall readability and provide feedback on the impression of the work.
Writing
Article Cats – Contributing Writer
As a contributing writer for Article Cats, I was able to choose from their bank of topics or come up with my own article ideas. I was required to research, follow style and article guidelines, provide royalty-free images for my articles, and submit posts through WordPress on a deadline. It was engaging to research a wide range of topics, from cryopreservation and the origin of Christmas traditions to mushroom hunting, and I enjoyed the freedom to work and develop independently.
Queen of the Castle Magazine – Biographer
For my first writing internship, I interviewed and wrote features about cover models and community stand-outs for a local women’s magazine. The publication’s goal was to celebrate, inspire, and connect. The two articles I have included share the stories of young honey business owner Natalie Abbott and community-adored Pamela Speckien.
Guest Blogger – If The Shoe Doesn’t Fit
The theme for this guest blog article was #outofrona, a series started to share and reflect on how and what the pandemic changed, taught, and brought us. You can view other blog articles I’ve written in the Blog tab of this website. This article is particularly special to me because it embodies what it means to me to be authentic and honest with my audience.
Waldorf Literary Review Volume 10-May 2017
1st Place Salveson Prose Prize – “Becoming the Lobster: The Shells We Live In”
Honorable Mention in Poetry – “Among the daisies and forget-her-nots”
My prose piece, “Becoming the Lobster: The Shells We Live In,” was a chapter borrowed from my honors thesis that was centered around the idea of growing through vulnerability. I wanted to challenge myself to write exactly what was going on in my mind because I realized that a lot of times what we express is not necessarily representative of what we think, feel, or have experienced.
30 N. Volume 13-2017
Non-Fiction Selection – “The [Wo]Man in the Moon”
“The [Wo]Man in the Moon” is a non-fiction exploration of womanhood from the perspectives of three women in my family. Revolving around the death of my great-grandmother, the piece considers gender expectations, strength, sacrifice, and autonomy.