Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Publications
Awards
Organizations Volunteer Positions
References
Timeline
Generic

Donna J. Essner

Cape Girardeau

Summary

Organized, and known for productivity and efficient task completion. Specialize in time management, data entry, and customer service skills. Excel at communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, ensuring smooth office operations. Skilled in oral and written communication, team leadership, and relationship-building. Excellent computer and data entry skills, with the ability to complete tasks swiftly. Excel in time management, problem-solving, and adaptability, ensuring seamless operations and quality work output. Committed to maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of data handled.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience

Work History

Freelance Editor

03.2011 - Current
  • Assist authors with developmental, line, and copy editing of manuscripts in preparation for submission for publication.
  • Layout and design anthology for local writer’s guild anthology.
  • Prepared marketing brochures, flyers, and ad design for local bakery.
  • Proofreading of book prior to final publication.

Publisher/Editor

Amphorae Publishing Group
St Louis
10.2014 - 10.2017
  • Partner/acquisitions editor for all manuscript submissions, audiobook preparation—which required reviewing audio transcription, correction, and proofing for accuracy.
  • Manuscript analysis for possible publication, sales forecast, review of marketing platforms, contract negotiations with authors, agents, illustrators, editing and proofing of books for publications.
  • Proof book covers.
  • Prepare loglines and book descriptions.
  • Work with and build relationship with authors from inception to publication, including marketing efforts.
  • Proofed and copyedited more than twenty-five books.
  • Submitted all copyrights.

Instructor of English/Adjunct Instructor

Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau
08.2016 - 12.2016
  • Facilitated instruction for beginning composition courses, EN099, EN100, and EN140.
  • Developed engaging course materials for diverse student populations.
  • Facilitated interactive classroom discussions to enhance student learning.
  • Implemented innovative teaching strategies to improve student participation.
  • Evaluated student performance through assessments and feedback sessions.
  • Conducted lectures, demonstrations and group activities in order to enhance learning experience.
  • Encouraged students' critical thinking skills by facilitating classroom discussions.

Office Manager/Assistant Editor

Southeast Missouri State University Press
Cape Girardeau
08.2009 - 03.2011
  • Office manager duties included maintenance of all press financial records, preparation of monthly and annual reports, invoices and receivables, submitted copyright application for all book publications, maintained book inventory, online and book launch sales, university press website, and supervising and scheduling of interns.
  • Assistant editor and production manager of three literary journals, and books published, including layout, editing, proofing, and submission of files to printer.

Accounting Clerk

Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau
  • Reviewed and processed vendor invoices and payments.
  • Utilized accounting software
  • Data entry of invoices, payment vouchers, purchase orders, and travel reimbursements.
  • Supported budgeting activities by organizing financial documentation.

Cashier

Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau
  • Data entry of student and department payments and deposits.
  • Balanced cash drawer and prepared daily bank deposits.
  • Received and processed student loans, ATOM student loan payments, on-campus teller and vending machine monies.
  • Prepared, printed, and routed bi-weekly and monthly payroll checks to employees and departments.

Education

Bachelor of Science (BS) - Agriculture/Horticulture

Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO

Master of Arts (MA) - English (Creative Writing emphasis)

Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO

Skills

  • Microsoft Office mastery
  • Service-oriented customer service and communication
  • Good Telephone Etiquette
  • Excellent data entry skills
  • Fact-checking skills
  • Task prioritization
  • Email communication
  • Fax and copy operations
  • Copy editing and proofreading
  • Critical thinking abilities
  • Time management strategies
  • Calendar organization

Publications

  • Journey
  • Faulkner and Twain
  • Big Muddy
  • Newpages.com
  • Southeast Missourian newspaper (feature monthly article/3 years)
  • The Mighty River Rose Anthology

Awards

  • Martha Wehlman Dahringer Scholarship Recipient
  • Student Life and Leadership Award

Organizations Volunteer Positions

  • Pregnancy Resource Center, Client Advocate, Navarre, FL, 03/01/21, Present
  • Saturday Writer’s, Judge, Fiction Contest, 01/01/20, 01/01/20
  • Saturday Writer’s, Judge, Fiction Contest, 01/01/17, 01/01/17
  • All Write Now!, Conference Chair, 01/01/12, 01/01/17
  • Missouri Center for the Book, Treasurer, 01/01/15, 01/01/16
  • Missouri Arts Council, Grant Committee, 01/01/15, 01/01/18
  • Missouri Writers’ Guild, Treasurer
  • Southeast Missouri Writers’ Guild, President, VP, Secretary/Treasurer
  • SCBWI, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
  • Heartland Writers Guild

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Instructor of English/Adjunct Instructor

Southeast Missouri State University
08.2016 - 12.2016

Publisher/Editor

Amphorae Publishing Group
10.2014 - 10.2017

Freelance Editor

03.2011 - Current

Office Manager/Assistant Editor

Southeast Missouri State University Press
08.2009 - 03.2011

Accounting Clerk

Southeast Missouri State University

Cashier

Southeast Missouri State University

Bachelor of Science (BS) - Agriculture/Horticulture

Southeast Missouri State University

Master of Arts (MA) - English (Creative Writing emphasis)

Southeast Missouri State University

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Donna J. Essner