Hi, I’m Mark.

I’m a long-time freelance writer and editor. Although something of a generalist, I gravitate towards health content, profiles, and service journalism. Every day, I look for ways to turn words into action to help my clients reach their goals.

I’ve been a full-time freelancer since 1998. From books to magazine articles to social media posts, I write content that moves, entertains, occasionally wins awards, and always communicates effectively. Although I’m based in Louisville, KY, I’ve written for B2C and B2B clients from coast to coast, as well as in England and France (the latter in English, Dieu merci!) I’ve witnessed the fall of magazines, the rise of content marketing, and the advent of AI and SEO. I remain convinced that words written by people for people have unparalleled power.

Aside from the school play I wrote in third grade, my writing career began when I studied English and journalism at the University of Mississippi. After a stint with the Boy Scouts of America in the early 1990s, I worked as a copy editor and editor for The Cobb Group (a division of Ziff Davis) and as a communications specialist in Humana’s corporate communications department before launching my freelance career. Since then, I’ve written books, annual reports, CEO speeches, Sunday school lessons, blog posts, social media content, and hundreds of magazine and newsletter articles, finding new ways every day to turn words into action.

Brands, publications, and content agencies I’ve written for include:

✓ Aetna International
✓ ArchWell Health
✓ Boy Scouts of America
✓ Boys’ Life magazine
✓ Bucknell University
✓ Contently
✓ Humana
✓ Linkwell Health
✓ McKesson Medical-Surgical
✓ MOFI
✓ Optum
✓ Oscar Health
✓ PBS Next Avenue
✓ Presbyterian Church (USA)
✓ Princeton University
✓ studioID
✓ The United Methodist Church
✓ UnitedHealthcare

You can find work samples on the projects page, but below is an in-depth look at my key focus areas.

I’m always open to new projects. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to connect.

Alumni Relations

Client Spotlight: National Eagle Scout Association

From 2005-2020, I wrote extensive content for Eagles’ Call Magazine, the alumni publication of the National Eagle Scout Association, along with its predecessor publications. In addition to writing hundreds of profiles, I wrote front-of-the-book features on member benefits, organization news, and related topics. High-profile profile subjects included the lead FBI negotiator after the Boston Marathon bombing, a Tuskegee Airman, a member of the Little Rock Nine, the chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force, an astronaut who was also a Scoutmaster, a Nobel Prize-winning chemist, a gold medalist in bobsledding, and a Fortune 10 CEO.

Other Clients: Brenau University, Bucknell University, Colgate University, Johns Hopkins University, Princeton University

Health and Wellness

Client Spotlight: Aetna International

Since 2017, I’ve written thought leadership content for Aetna International, which serves expats and globally mobile individuals. Among the most significant projects was a series of research-informed whitepapers on major global health topics, including obesity, aging, pandemics, antibiotic stewardship, and the opioid epidemic. I’ve also written smaller-scale content for AI’s employer-facing Fit for Duty campaign.

Other Clients: Aetna, Avesis Vision, eHealth, Humana, Linkwell Health, McKesson Medical-Surgical, Mentavi Health, Optum, Oscar Health, PBS Next Avenue, studioID, UnitedHealthcare

Youth Development

Client Spotlight: Boy Scouts of America

 In 2014, I wrote the 13th edition of the venerable Boy Scout Handbook. That was my highest profile project for the BSA, but I also wrote the two-volume Troop Leader Guidebook and new versions of the Bear Cub Scout Handbook and Webelos Scout Handbook. I’ve also self-published two Scouting books, including The Eagle Court of Honor Book, which has sold more than 75,000 copies. From 2009-2021 I wrote the Roundtable section for Scouting Magazine, a regular package of how-to articles for adult volunteers.

Other Clients: Presbyterian Church (USA), The United Methodist Church

Technology

Client Spotlight: The Cobb Group/Element K Journals

Early in my career, I edited the Inside Microsoft FrontPage journal, a monthly tips-and-techniques publication about Microsoft’s then-popular website software in the early 2000s. In the intervening years, I’ve used technology a lot more than I’ve written about it, but I still enjoy helping readers make sense of complicated software.

Other Clients: Flyover Future, PBS Next Avenue, Sams Publishing

Miscellany

Client Spotlight: Costco Connection

Since 2017, I’ve written a broad range of stories for four national editions of Costco’s member magazine (the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia). The stories have covered Costco’s sustainability practices, profiled the company’s suppliers and internal processes, and even offered tips on how to wash your car.

Other Clients: Boys’ Life magazine, Forbes.com, Kentucky Homes & Gardens magazine, MOFI, PBS Next Avenue, Presbyterians Today magazine

Selected Awards My Work Has Received

✓ IABC/PRSA Landmarks of Excellence Award, 1998
✓ Association Media & Publishing Gold EXCEL Award, 2011
✓ Folio Eddie & Ozzie Award, 2014
✓ Bronze National Mature Media Awards, 2023