Freelance Writing
Through deep research and critical understanding, I craft copy and content that inspires further exploration.
In addition to my work with the City of Burlington, studios and publications I’ve partnered with include Ruthless & Wellington, Hello Burlington, and Seven Days.
Authentic, persuasive, and productive writing. Measurable impact and impeccable style.
Recent Work
Wreckers
I went deep with the Waterfront Diving Center to explore their decades-long passion for Lake Champlain’s darker side.
Obscura BTV
I named and led communications for Burlington’s blissfully successful total solar eclipse event, playfully grounding the once-in-a-lifetime celestial phenomenon in the arts world with a reference to the camera obscura. Cosmic design by Ted Olson.
Grand Point North
I previewed Higher Ground’s 2024 GPN festival series for Hello Burlington, musing on the Flaming Lips, the Head and the Heart, and other non-appendage-named bands.
Let There Be Love
I wrote this campaign for Burlington-based brand sorceresses Ruthless & Wellington, on behalf of Lake Champlain Chocolates. “The Better ‘Be Mine’” and “Inspire Desire” were other copy contenders. Heartening design by R&W.
State of Romance
A review of Lillian Leadbetter’s magnificent State of Romance, for Seven Days.
LCC Holiday Campaign
Another one for LCC via Ruthless & Wellington. The goal here was to be refined and wholesome with a bit of bite. My pitch “Your Other Gift’s Insurance Policy” had more than a bit of bite. R&W’s design made these ads pop from the page.
Masks Mean Business
During the pandemic, Burlington City Arts pitched in with content for the City’s Resource and Recovery Center. I thought of this campaign while driving to the dump. Ted Olson again on design.
PAC Promo
As the Marketing Content Manager for the Flynn Center, I wrote the yearly series catalogs. Salad days. Cover by S+H Design.
Testimonials
“John's copywriting work for Union Street Media has been invaluable. His high quality work with quick turnarounds on tight deadlines, was impressive to say the least. I tasked John with assignments specifically with SEO in mind for real estate and the results this has had for organic search, on my client's websites, has been extraordinary. John also contributed editing, proofreading and landing page copy. A highly reliable and professional colleague.”
—Thomas Cull, Literary Agent, Cull & Co. Ltd.
“John is one of the most capable writers I've had the pleasure of working with. He displays impressive initiative in pitching creative pieces and following through with polished copy — reliable to the max.”
—Arikia Millikan, Founder and Chief Strategist, CRTL+X
“John is a quick study. We met up once to talk shop, and he pitched me on a few ideas. I connected him with two of my editors and within a few weeks he was cranking out great features for Wired.com and Seven Days. I better up my game a bit or he's going to leave me in the newsprint and digital dust.”
—Matt Bushlow, Senior Project Manager, Flimp Communications
© 2024 John Y. Flanagan