Directory
Midwest
Writers
Association
2007
Membership Directory
Welcome to Midwest Writers Association, an organization run by and for professional non-fiction writers working in the Chicago Metropolitan Area.
This directory is a guide to a diverse group of magazine and newspaper journalists, book authors, corporate writers, advertising copywriters and public relations professionals. Our members are
all experienced and well respected in their fields.
We’ve come together to learn, share information and support each other as we explore this challenging craft. The pursuit of ideas through words requires discipline and the application of many skills. Through our association, we help each other sharpen these skills.
We promote our abilities through this directory and our website—www.midwestwriters.com—and through special events where top industry professionals are invited to share their needs and experiences.
We hope that this directory proves a valuable tool for you.
Sincerely best wishes,
Gerry Souter Mary Jane Bezark
MWA President MWA Vice President
Contents
Alphabetical Listing of Members........Page 3
Key:
Member of the American
Society of Journalists and Authors
Topic Specialties
Ý Current Markets
Index of Specialties............................Page 19
Members listed by topics of expertise
Joining Midwest Writers Association
The Midwest Writers Association (MWA) is a Chicago-area organization of independent nonfiction writers who meet regularly for the purposes of sharing information on markets and discussing the practical details of self-employment.
Meetings include dinner programs with presentations by editors, publishers, agents and other writers . . . informal gatherings at members’ homes . . . and annual holiday events.
The basic requirement for admission to MWA is one recently published, full-length nonfiction book or three freelance magazine-length feature articles published during the preceding year, submitted to the membership committee.
Consideration is also given to other freelance nonfiction writing (such as articles in trade publications, newspaper feature articles, brochures, documentary video or film scripts, monographs, contracts with book advances, etc.). Ideally, articles should cover at least two different topics and have appeared in at least two different publications.
Members of the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) are automatically eligible for membership in MWA upon application to the membership committee and payment of annual MWA dues. For many years, MWA met concurrently with the Midwest Chapter of ASJA [now inactive] and still encourages working toward membership in this prestigious international organization, which includes more than 1,000 freelance writers across the country and publishes a helpful monthly newsletter.
Bennett-Lefkow, Julie
2223 Walters Avenue Phone 847-272-6659
Northbrook, IL 60062 Fax 847-272-5617
E-mail: julianaKL@aol.com
Business writing for magazines and newspapers, specializing
in franchising, recruiting, e-commerce and employment
issues. Also, features and celebrity and business profiles.
Ý Print and online media
Berman, Raeannt
3145 Applewood Court Phone 847-433-4149
Highland Park, IL 60035 Fax 847-433-5148
E-mail: Raeannberman@aol.com
Family issues, travel, fitness, psychology
Ý Aging parent books, travel columns
Bezark, Mary Jane
1384 Linden Avenue Phone 847-433-4680
Highland Park, IL 60035 Fax 847-433-4701
E-mail: mjbezark@aol.com
Autism, education, women, children, health
Ý Newspaper and magazine feature stories
Bolek, Karen Field
304 S. Kenilworth Avenue, 3rd Fl. Phone 708-386-3550
Oak Park, IL 60302 Fax 708-386-3750
E-mail: Karenbolek@comcast.net
Editing, education, general/human interest, profiles,
essays, selling, business writing
Ý Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, Anixter Intl.
Bowman, Jim
325 S. Oak Park Avenue Phone 708-383-4850
Oak Park, IL 60302-2213
E-mail: Jimbowman@ameritech.net
www.JimBowman.com
Corporate history, religion
Ý Books, newspapers, web-based commentary
Brown, Duncan H.
916 Wisconsin Phone 641-919-7066
Oak Park, IL 60304
E-mail: duncanbrown108@yahoo.com
Author, Beginners’ PC, editor, Smart Phone Pocket PC
Magazine
Ý Computer and information technology books, magazines
Bushnell, George
802 Lake Avenue Phone 847-256-5649
Wilmette, IL 60091
E-mail: faithpb@mc.net
History, Chicago history, Midwest travel
Ý Magazines, newspapers
Byrne, Dennis
5 The Court of Bayview Phone 847-291-9575
Northbrook, IL 60062 Fax 847-291-9409
E-mail: denisbyrne@yahoo.com
www.dennisbyrne.blogspot.com/
Freelance writer with many years on staff at the Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Sun-Times and other writing-related positions
Ý Magazines, newspapers
Chmura, Jim
715 S. Wesley Avenue Phone 708-383-5584
Oak Park, IL 60304
E-mail: jsea66@comcast.net
Education, general interest, personal profiles
Ý Newspapers, magazines
Clampitt, Cynthia
500 Manda Lane, #604 Phone 847-537-7915
Wheeling, IL 60090
E-mail: caclampitt@worldplate.com
www.worldplate.com
Food, history, geography, travel, English literature, human
interest, religion
Ý Textbooks, magazines, newspapers, reference
encyclopedias, trade books
Cunningham, Elizabeth (Liz)
1606 Palmgren Drive Phone 847-998-8498
Glenview, IL 60025 Mobile 847-903-5700
E-mail: Lizcunn125@aol.com Fax 847-998-8498
Technical writing: pre-press, printing, digital printing, wide
format graphics
Davis, Judith M. , M.D.
30 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1125 Phone 312-236-7965
Chicago, IL 60602 Fax 312-733-3215
E-mail: jd@judithdavis.com
www.judithdavis.com
Emotional health, psychology
Ý Articles, books, educational materials
DeMuth, Jerry
933 W. Ainslie Street Phone 773-769-2272
Chicago, IL 60640 Fax 773-769-2272
E-mail: demuth933@earthlink.net (phone first)
Residential and commercial real estate, finance, regulatory
issues, marketing, small business, consumer affairs
Ý Trade and consumer publications, web sites
Egan-Miller, Danielle
Browne and Miller Literary Associates
410 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 460 Phone 312-922-3063
Chicago, IL 60605 Fax 312- 922-1905
E-mail: mail@browneandmiller.com
www.browneandmiller.com
Literary agent
Ethiel, Nancy
2682 Prairie Avenue Phone 847-475-5217
Evanston, IL 60201
E-mail: ethiel@sbcglobal.net
Travel, healthcare, philanthropy, education, business,
travel, journalism, nonprofit, general interest features
Ý magazines, books, corporate publications, newsletters,
brochures, foundation publications, annual reports
Gallagher, Helen
1815 Tanglewood Drive Phone 847-998-6240
Glenview, IL 60025
E-mail: helen@cclarity.com
www.cclarity.com
Business, technology, small business, website marketing, writing, self-publishing
Ý Consumer and trade magazines, internet, associations,
corporate
Gerson, Vicki
Vicki Gerson & Associates, Inc.
2978 Acorn Lane Phone 847-480-9087
Northbrook, IL 60062 Fax 847-480-9018
E-mail: writer@vickigerson.com
www.vickigerson.com
Business-to-business, finance, healthcare/medicine, profiles, public relations, website development
Ý Newspapers, trade and consumer magazines, custom publications, advertorials, brochures, associations, corporations, individual clients
Goldberg, Jant
924 Long Road Phone 847-729-4589
Glenview, IL 60025 Fax 847-729-4590
E-mail: JanGold1@aol.com
Educational writing (including curriculum and assessment)
careers and business, lifestyles
Ý Books, newspapers, magazines, educational materials, online
markets, adult and children’s markets
Goodheart, Barbarat
15 Sheffield Court Phone 847-945-4353
Lincolnshire, IL 60069 Cell 847-612-7866
E-mail: Fax 847-945-4382
Barbaragoodheart@hotmail.com
Medical writing (print and audiovisual)
Ý Pharmaceutical, educational and training materials; books
Guggenheim, Janis
8440 Callie Avenue, #407
Morton Grove, IL 60053
Mysteries, business
Ý Books, newspapers, magazines
Higdon, Halt
2815 Lake Shore Drive Phone 219-879-0133
Long Beach, IN 46360 Winters 904-543-8771
E-mail: halhigdon@comcast.net
www.halhigdon.com
Contributing editor, Runners World , author, Marathon:
The Ultimate Training Guide, contributor/manager of
www.halhigdon.com
Jacobs, Jodie
590 Longwood Drive Phone 847-234-2504
Lake Forest, IL 60045 or 847-372-2504
E-mail: jbjjacobs@earthlink.net Fax 847-234-4875
Travel, entertainment, leisure, business, home improvement,
older adult issues/activities
Ý Chicago Tribune, North Shore Magazine, Crains’ Chicago
Business
Johnston, Marcia Slater
420 E. Ohio Street, Apt. 30-E Phone 312-944-6079
Chicago, IL 60611-4664 Fax 312-944-6079
E-mail: MarSlaJohn@aol.com
Social and lifestyle issues, business, consumer advice,
public service, health care, arts, travel, philanthropy
Ý Magazines, newspapers, newsletters
Kahn, Ada, P. Ph.D.t
2562 Wellington Court Phone 847-328-4512
Evanston, IL 60201-4975 Fax 847-328-1695
E-mail: adapkahn@aol.com
www.adapkahn.com
www.keepingthebeat.com
Mental health, workplace health, psychology,
women’s health
Ý Nonfiction books, public speaking
Kepler, James A.
7700 Eastlake Terrace Phone 773-761-1858
Chicago, IL 60626-1372 Fax 773-761-1857
E-mail: jkepler@adamspress.com
www.adamspress.com
Book publishing, ghost writing, editing
Kramer, Julie
726 Cherry Valley Road Phone 847-680-6044
Vernon Hills, IL 60061 Fax 847-680-6053
E-mail: jkramer229@aol.com
Marketing, sales promotion, publicity, ghost writing, small
business, insurance
Ý Direct mail, brochures, newsletters, press releases, ads,
catalogs, web sites/e-mail promotions, articles
Lanning, Thomas
131 16th Street Phone 847-251-3657
Wilmette, IL 60091 Fax 847-251-3657
Business, personal finance, financial markets, human
interest features, technology
Ý Newspapers, magazines, wire services, corporate
communications
Levin, Meta
Meta L. Levin & Associates LLC
420 Evanston Avenue Phone 847-615-0543
Lake Bluff, IL 60044 Fax 847-574-0439
E-mail: meta.levin@comcast.net
Information security, profiles, careers, general/human
interest, editing, writing
Ý Magazines, newspapers, newsletters
Madorsky, Rachel
P. O. Box 427 Phone 847-523-2149
Northbrook, IL 60062-0427
E-mail: quasimur@yahoo.com
www.quasimir.com
The art of healing, health, self-help, inspiration, spirituality,
metaphysics, New Age
Ý Nonfiction books, magazines, newsletters, online
publications, speaking engagements
Marcin, Marietta
425 Sunset Road Phone 847-446-7312
Winnetka, IL 60093
E-mail: JSteinb611@aol.com
Gardening, psychology
Ý Books, articles
Masaracchia-Roberts, Sue
1111 Swinburne Place Phone 847-680-6583
Vernon Hills, IL 60061 Cell 847-772-8653
E-mail: suemas@comcast.net Fax 847-680-6705
Public relations, marketing communication materials, annual
reports, not-for-profits, profiles, features, business stories,
letters, search engine optimized web writing, educational
materials
Ý Nonfiction newspapers and magazines, public relations,
marketing communications
McCleary, Elliott H.
2747 Meadowlark Lane Phone 847-328-4719
Evanston, IL 60201 Fax 847-328-4719
E-mail: elmac9@hotmail.com (phone first)
Travel, health, general interest features, magazine and book
editor
Ý Magazines, books, corporate publications
Moldafsky, Annie
721 Lexington Court Phone 847-509-1474
Northbrook, IL 60062 Fax 847-509-1475
Email: ameditor@att.net
Arts, business, money, profiles, retirement, travel, women
Ý Single-sponsor magazines and newsletters
O’Brien, Mary
2612 Goldenrod Phone 847-724-7354
Glenview, IL 60026 Fax 847-724-7354
Email: maryobmail@aol.com
Travel, history, architecture, lifestyles
Ý Magazines, newspapers, books
O’Connor, James V. (Jim)
O’Connor Communications, Inc.
333 Warwick Road Phone 847-295-3403
Lake Forest, IL 60045 Bus. Ph. 847-615-5462
Email: jimo@oconnorpr.com Fax 847-615-5465
Public relations, marketing, human interest, lifestyles
Ý Books, magazines, newspapers
Schell, Rich, J.D.
780 Lee Street, Suite 102 Phone 847-635-0551
Des Plaines, IL 60016 Fax 847-635-0558
Email: Richardschell@hotmail.com
Making legal topics easy to understand: immigration,
entrepreneurship, agriculture, food law, small farming
Ý Magazines, books, legal guides
Shade, Joanne Primt
5413 N. Magnolia Phone 773-907-8448
Chicago, IL 60640 Fax 773-907-9982
Email: rthomp773@aol.com
Travel, art, theater, anything about Chicago (including
shopping, neighborhoods, coffeehouses), summer activities,
history, holiday events
Ý Magazines, newspapers
Sotonoff, Roberta
318 Michael Manor Phone 847-965-0974
Glenview, IL 60025 Fax 847-965-0972
Email: rsotonoff@aol.com Cell 847-400-4461
www.robertasotonoff.com
Travel, humor, features
Ý magazines, books, newspapers, internet sites
Souter, Gerry and Janet
905 E. Frederick Street Phone 847-398-1087
Arlington Heights, IL 60004-5737 Bus. Ph. 847-398-3074
E-mail: avril1grp@comcast.net Fax 847-398-3075
History, juvenile nonfiction, computers and multimedia,
community history
Ý Books, magazines, newspapers, novels, short stories,
stage plays
Spaltro, Kathleen (Kathy)
143 Lawrence Avenue Phone 815-337-5806
Woodstock, IL 60098-3958
E-mail: Kathleen.spaltro@gmail.com
Co-author of Royals of England: A Guide for Readers,
Travelers and Genealogists, Editor, Genealogy and Indexing
Ý Books, magazines, newsletters, corporate publicity
Tabin, Janet H.
2660 Roslyn Lane Phone 847-432-5221
Highland Park, IL 60035 Cell 847-767-5221
E-mail: jtabin@aol.com Fax 847-432-5239
Business, education, contemporary biography, light gossip,
general interest
Ý Books, magazines, newsletters, corporate publicity
Temkin, Mira
3022 Lexington Lane Phone 847-433-2109
Highland Park, IL 60035 Fax 847-433-2134
E-mail: mtemkin967@aol.com
Incentive/motivation, travel, consumer packaged goods,
consumer services
Ý Promotional marketing, website development, advertising
(consumer and business-to-business), motivation incentive
programs, direct mail, catalogs
Turk, Carl (d. 2/27/07)
493 Yosemite Trail Phone 630-980-8998
Roselle, IL 60172 Fax 630-980-8999
E-mail: mediabiz@earthlink.net
Business communications, media and public relations
Turow, Ritat
5020 Arbor Lane, Apt. 202 Phone 847-446-8233
Northfield, IL 60093 Fax 847-446-8234
E-mail: ritu77@aol.com
Divorce, children’s material, poetry
Ý Books
Wagner, Karen
24180 N. Forest Drive Phone 847-540-5410
Forest Lake (Lake Zurich), IL 60047 Fax 847-540-5855
E-mail: klw@klw.ms
Healthcare/medical, business, technology
Williams, Mary K.
Copy Editor
The Great Books Foundation Phone 312-332-5870,
35 E, Wacker Drive ext. 228
Chicago, IL 60601
E-mail: mary.williams@greatbooks.org
Alternate contact:
324 Rosewood Avenue Phone 847-501-2664
Winnetka, IL 60093
E-mail: marywilliams6@comcast.net
Copy Editor
MWA Index of Specialties
The following categories are admittedly general. For more specific information regarding each writer’s areas of expertise, please refer to the alphabetical listing
Arts and Culture
Marcia Slater Johnson
Mary O’Brien
Joanne Prim Shade
Book Reviews
Jim Bowman
Jan Goldberg
Business
Julie Bennett-Lefkow
Mary Jane Bezark
Jerry DeMuth
Nancy Ethiel
Helen Gallagher
Vicki Gerson
Janis Guggenheim
Jodie Jacobs
Marica Slater Johnston
Julie Kramer
Thomas Lanning
Sue Masaracchia-Roberts
Janet Tabin
Carl Turk
Karen Wagner
Careers & Employment
Julie Bennett-Lefkow
Jan Goldberg
Meta Levin
Celebrities
Julie Bennett-Lefkow
Chicago Lifestyle
Joanne Prim Shade
Chicago History
Jim Bowman
George Bushnell
Mary O’Brien
Joanne Prim Shade
Children
Mary Jane Bezark
Jan Goldberg
Mary K. Williams
Community Affairs
Ada P. Kahn
Dennis Byrne
Consumer Affairs
Jerry DeMuth
Marcia Slater Johnston
Annie Moldafsky
Cookbooks
Cynthia Clampitt
Corporate History
Jim Bowman
James Kepler
Sue Masaracchia-Roberts
Editing
Karen Bolek
James Kepler
Meta Levin
Marietta Marcin
Elliott McCleary
Joanne Prim Shade
Mary K. Williams
Education
Julie Bennett-Lefkow
Mary Jane Bezark
Karen Bolek
Jim Chmura
Nancy Ethiel
Jan Goldberg
Jodie Jacobs
Janet Tabin
Entertainment
Jodie Jacobs
Roberta Sotonoff
Family
Raeann Berman
Finance
Jerry DeMuth
Vicki Gerson
Thomas Lanning
Annie Moldafsky
Food/Nutrition
Cynthia Clampitt
Rich Schell
Roberta Sotonoff
Karen Wagner
Gardening
Marietta Marcin
General/Human Interest
Karen Bolek
Dennis Byrne
Jim Chmura
Cynthia Clampitt
Thomas Lanning
Meta Levin
Rachel Madorsky
Sue Masaracchia-Roberts
Elliott McCleary
James O’Connor
Joanne Prim Shade
Roberta Sotonoff
Janet Tabin
Rita Turow
Ghostwriting
Jim Kepler
Julie Kramer
Health Care/Medicine
Mary Jane Bezark
Nancy Ethiel
Vicki Gerson
Jan Goldberg
Barbara Goodheart
Marcia Slater Johnston
Ada P. Kahn
Sue Masaracchia-Roberts
Elliott McCleary
Karen Wagner
Mary K. Williams
Health/Fitness
Judith Davis
Julie Bennett-Lefkow
Raeann Berman
Mary Jane Bezark
Barbara Goodheart
Hal Higdon
Ada P. Kahn
Rachel Madorsky
Sue Masaracchia-Roberts
Elliott McCLeary
Karen Wagner
History/Nostalgia
Cynthia Clampitt
Gerry & Janet Souter
Mary O’Brien
Home and Garden
Jodie Jacobs
Marietta Marcin
Mary O’Brien
Gerry & Janet Souter
How-To
Rachel Madorsky
Humor
Roberta Sotonoff
Information Security
Meta Levin
Insurance
Julie Kramer
Juvenile Nonfiction
Jan Goldberg
Gerry & Janet Souter
Rita Turow
Law Enforcement
Dennis Byrne
Rich Schell
Lifestyles/Leisure
Jodie Jacobs
Marcia Slater Johnston
Mary O’Brien
James O‘Connor
Sue Masaracchia-Roberts
Literary Agents
Danielle Egan-Miller
Literature
Cynthia Clampitt
Marketing/Marketing Communications
Raeann Berman
Jerry DeMuth
Julie Kramer
Sue Masaracchia-Roberts
Annie Moldafsky
James O’Connor
Mira Temkin
Music
Ada P. Kahn
Parenting
Mary Jane Bezark
Mary K. Williams
Photography
Elizabeth Cunningham
Profiles/Essays
Julie Bennett-Lefkow
George Bushnell
Dennis Byrne
Jim Chmura
Vicki Gerson
Meta Levin
Annie Moldafsky
Gerry & Janet Souter
Janet Tabin
Printing/Graphics
Elizabeth Cunningham
Psychology/Mental Health
Raeann Berman
Mary Jane Bezark
Judith Davis
Barbara Goodheart
Ada P. Kahn
Marietta Marcin
Public Relations
Raeann Berman
George Bushnell
Vicki Gerson
Julie Kramer
Sue Masaracchia-Roberts
James O’ Connor
Carl Turk
Public Service/Philanthropy
Nancy Ethiel
Publishing
James Kepler
Real Estate/Relocation
Jerry DeMuth
Karen Wagner
Religion/Metaphysics
Jim Bowman
Cynthia Clampitt
Rachel Madorsky
Retirement
George Bushnell
Annie Moldafsky
Self-Publishing
Helen Gallagher
Sports
Hal Higdon
Technology/Computers
Julie Bennett
Duncan Brown
Michael Coffey
Elizabeth Cunningham
Helen Gallagher
Thomas Lanning
Meta Levin
Gerry & Janet Souter
Travel
Raeann Berman
George Bushnell
Cynthia Clampitt
Nancy Ethiel
Jodie Jacobs
Marcia Slater Johnston
Elliott McCleary
Annie Moldafsky
Mary O’Brien
Joanne Prim Shade
Roberta Sotonoff
Mira Temkin
Website Development
Duncan Brown
Helen Gallagher
Vicki Gerson
Julie Kramer
Mira Temkin
Women
Ada P. Kahn
Rachel Madorsky
Writing
Helen Gallagher
Jan Goldberg
Ada P. Kahn
Rachel Madorsky
Sue Masaracchia-Roberts
Rich Schell