I LOVE WHERE MY WRITING TAKES ME.

I’ve interviewed movers and shakers, from a woman who dresses as a mermaid to promote environmental education to design and lifestyle stars like Jonathan Adler, Emily Henderson, Hilton Carter, Leanne Ford, Sarah Sherman Samuel, Nate Berkus, Jeremiah Brent, and Justina Blakeney. I’ve visited Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs, both famous and off the beaten path. Toured lakefront homes and vintage-inspired bungalows. Fed apples to rescued pigs. And witnessed the inner workings of an eco-friendly cheese factory.

And I’m just as content crafting stories in the comfort of my home, gathering interviews and research and turning them into articles with my 1970s-inspired office acting as a home base.

No matter the topic, when I sit down to begin work on a piece, my inspiration and expertise comes from a place of intention. I never look for shortcuts and I always give every article the care and attention it deserves. I have no doubt that you strive to feature top-notch writing that will leave readers with the desire to visit or read again. That’s the caliber of writing I provide to every publication.

“One of my absolute favorite go-to writers(!), Shelby blew me away from the very first assignment she turned in—and continues to impress me with every new piece even a year later. She is everything you look for in a freelance writer: dependable, incredibly talented, and understands the audience. She always meets her deadlines, incorporates SEO best practices into her work, uses great sources and is not limited in range when it comes to topics to cover. She’s a joy to read and edit, and I know that whatever she turns in is going to be of the highest quality. It’s such a pleasure to work with Shelby regularly, and it would be to anyone in need of a reliable, gifted lifestyle writer.”
–Kelsey Pelzer, Deputy Editor, Lifestyle, Parade.com

My attentiveness to you and your publication’s needs begins from the very first email, phone chat, or coffee. I believe in good communication, heeding notes and nuances, and sticking to deadlines. I value the importance of the writer-editor relationship.

As an editor, I know that you are always on the lookout for fresh ideas to fill your editorial calendar. I’m a perpetual idea generator, consistently seeking out new stories and topics to pitch. I especially enjoy gathering inspiration for articles through visiting new places and connecting with people who lead extraordinary lives.

“Shelby has been an integral part of the Naturally family for years. On-time, on-point, always—well—on it!”
–Danny Seo, Founder and CEO of Danny Seo Media Ventures

“Shelby has been contributing to Saatva’s blog since 2019 and is one of my go-to writers for sleep health and interior design content. Shelby is well-versed in SEO and is capable of writing about far-ranging topics including whether cats and dogs can have insomnia to how to mix and match bedroom furniture. Additionally, she does a great job of interviewing industry experts and breaking down complicated health information for the average person. I know I can always count on Shelby to turn in clean copy and meet deadlines. She’s a pleasure to work with, and I would highly recommend her to any publication looking for new writers!”
–Christina Heiser, Saatva’s Director of Content

My thoughtfulness carries over to every source I interview. Whether it’s an expert weighing in on a topic or a remarkable person I’m profiling, I take care to truly listen and ask perceptive questions, catching details and providing accurate representations in every piece I write.

 “Shelby does a wonderful job when interviewing for an article. Not only does she get the right facts from what you are telling her, but she gets engaged in the conversation and asks amazing follow up questions. If I ran a publication, I would want her working with my team!”
–Stacey Scannell, owner of Madison’s The Soap Opera

Research and providing factual information are of course journalistic cornerstones, and I do not take them lightly. I’m an enthusiastic researcher who never just scratches the surface. All those years as a history minor researching in the college archives have paid off.

And then there’s the writing, the center of what I do. My writing is rich and highly-descriptive, but it’s also educational and leaves the reader feeling inspired, positive, and knowledgeable. I love dreaming up outside-the-box descriptions that engage with readers and instantly transport them into the topics I cover.

“Shelby has been great to work with on our various publications. She brings fun, fresh pitch ideas and her writing style matches our publications’ various voices. She’s responsive, detailed, follows editorial direction easily and is a talented lifestyle writer that you’ll enjoy working with!”
–Shayna Mace, Editorial Director of Nei-Turner Media Group

I put my heart into everything I do, every article I write, no matter if it’s 200 or 2,000 words. When you hire me to write for your website or magazine, this is the level of quality and care you’ll experience throughout each project we work on together.