ABOUT SHANNON LITTLEJOHN

I am Shannon Littlejohn, a word pro who can write a well-structured sentence, and get the facts straight and the grammar correct.

BUT HERE’S WHAT I DO BEST:

I take other people’s good writing and make it better. You compile the report, complete the dissertation or thesis, produce the catalog, tell the story or write the book, and I can come in with more than 30 years of expertise in copy editing.

MISSION STATEMENT

To help individuals and organizations communicate clearly, concisely and correctly via professional editing, writing and consulting services.

EDITING PHILOSOPHY

A good editor is an advocate, not an adversary, of your writing voice and style. But that editor should promote accuracy, brevity and clarity in your writing to make your voice strong and your message clear.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

    -- Grammar, syntax, spelling and punctuation

    -- Style consistency through APA, MLA, AP and Chicago guides

    -- Typographic excellence

    -- Knowledge of Microsoft Word programs and editing in tracking mode

EDUCATION

Wichita State University, BA in print journalism, minor in English

EXPERIENCE

Shannon Littlejohn Communications, established in 2001

    Editing, writing and consulting on contractual or freelance basis. Projects include thesis and dissertation preparation, textbook editing, newsletter and annual report editing, grant reviews with written summaries, non-fiction and fiction manuscripts, and more.

Clients include the Kansas Leadership Center, Kansas Health Foundation, Wichita State University, Wichita Area Chamber of Commerce, and The Wichita Eagle.

    -- Served as project editor (2014-2016) for Wichita State University’s successfully completed and approved accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission.

    -- Continued vendor status (from 2013) at Wichita State University, with such regular editing projects as the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ newsletter and occasional projects for University Relations; Alumni Association; WSU Foundation; Center for Urban Studies.

    -- Continue to serve (from 2013) as a pre-press copy editor for the Kansas Leadership Center’s quarterly magazine, The Journal.

Editor/writer, Wichita State University, January 2004-April 2013

Coordinated media for colleges of education, health professions and fine arts, and the Ulrich Museum of Art; wrote and edited news features; edited college newsletters and other publishable materials; wrote news releases and helped set up and manage news conferences.

Commentary editor, The Wichita Eagle, May 1989-November 2001

Reviewed and solicited outside submissions, selecting or rejecting for publication letters to the editor, bylined local commentaries and nationally syndicated columns. Edited all commentary for length, content, clarity and grammar. Wrote frequent columns about grammar, Eagle letter writers, and other topics.

Project Editor, Book Kansas, a publishing arm of The Wichita Eagle and Beacon Publishing Co., 1996-1998: “Take Control,” a guide to crime prevention by Bob Portenir; “Sorry We’re Open,” a Geech cartoon book by Jerry Bittle; and “PrairieMirth,” Eagle editorial cartoonist Richard Crowson’s cartoon views from 1987-92.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES / MEMBERSHIPS

Wichita Public Library, city-appointed member of board of directors, 2014-present

National Federation of Press Women and its local affiliates, Kansas Professional Communicators and Wichita Professional Communicators, full member since 1989.

    -- WPC president, 2017 (previous presidential term late 1990s); WPC historian, 2013-2016; at-large, 1991-1999, 2001, 2002; program VP on several occasions.

    -- KPC scholarship chair, 1997-2000; KPC patron co-chair early 2000s. Frequent attendee state conferences, two-time national conference attendee.

    -- NFPW conference attendee.

Elliott School of Communication, Wichita State University, 2015 Outstanding Alumna.

Wichita Ukulele Society, founding member, 2007-present.

Judge, annual Kansas High School Scholastic Association journalism contest hosted on the Wichita State University campus, 1991-present.

Society of Professional Journalists, board member, 1992-present; scholarship chairwoman, 1996-1999; producer of Gridiron, a benefit event, 2002-2003.

Elliott Society, board member for alumni organization for the Elliott School of Communication at Wichita State University, 2000-2003.

Wichita Radio Reading Service, board member, 1998-2003.

Association of Opinion Page Editors, member, national commentary-editor organization, 1990-present. 1992 recipient of Gold Award for best op-ed theme page and Silver Award for best op-ed page (The Wichita Eagle). 1997 recipient of Phil Joyce Outstanding Service Award. 

Frequent speaker for social, professional and political organizations, public schools, Wichita State University journalism classes and career days.

Workshop presenter for Wichita State University’s Continuing Education program; WSU Center for Urban Studies; Newman University’s Milton Center; Cessna Aviation magazine’s volunteer writers; Kansas Professional Communicators.