Marcia
Clemmitt
Washington, DC
202-244-1637
mclemmitt@gmail.com
HIGHLIGHTS
Do you need a writer with a passion for translating complex subjects into engaging,
down-to-earth prose? I have written about health care, medicine, science, education,
politics, Internet issues and business for audiences ranging from first graders to
science PhDs. As a writer and editor I have met hourly, daily, weekly, monthly and
quarterly deadlines. As a high school teacher turned writer, I embrace this motto -- If I
Am Bored, Readers Will Be Too.
RESUME
September 2013 to present, Contributing Writer, CQ Researcher; 2005-2013,
Staff Writer, CQ Researcher.
Report and write 12,000-word, fully footnoted backgrounders on issues of public
importance for this weekly print and online publication for general readers carried by
university, high school, public and institutional libraries. Devise data graphics and
assist with photo research, propose my own topics and assist editors with overall topic
selection and editorial-calendar planning. Specialty areas are health and medicine,
health care, science, education, economic policy, social networking and Internet issues.
I have written on topics ranging from U.S.-Pakistan relations to extreme sports.
1997-2005, Capitol Hill Correspondent (1997-1999), Perspectives Editor
(1999-2001), Editor in Chief (2001-2005), Medicine & Health
Reported on and directed coverage of health-care policy for this daily and weekly trade
newsletter read by federal and state health officials, business leaders, academics,
lobbyists, and members of Congress. As Perspectives Editor I wrote, assigned and
edited weekly long-form analytical and feature stories. Initiated, established and
maintained the Medicine & Health blog.
1995-1996, Editor in Chief, National Business Woman, Business &
Professional Woman/USA
Planned, assigned, wrote, edited and produced this quarterly, association-based
consumer magazine for working women. Oversaw a complete overhaul of graphics and
content to make NBW more engaging, informative and reader-friendly.
1989-1994, Assistant Editor, Contributing Editor, The Scientist
Initiated, reported and wrote news briefs, news and feature stories and profiles for this
biweekly newspaper covering the business and profession of science.
1989-present, Freelance Writer and Editor
Articles, books, book chapters, educational materials, books and articles for children,
promotional and marketing materials and multimedia projects for a variety of clients.
Specialty areas include health care, science, education, technology, economics and the
intersection of politics and domestic public policy.
Book:
The Record: Gains and Losses for Women and Families in the 104th Congress,
Women's Policy Inc., 1997.
Book Chapters:
“Americas Aging Infrastructure: An Overview”, in How Safe Is America’s
Infrastructure? Louise I. Geddes, Ed., At Issue: American Politics Series,
Greenhaven Press, 2009.
“Controversies over Women's Access to Birth Control”, in Womens Health,
Christina Fisanik, Ed., Contemporary Issues Companion Series, Greenhaven
Press, 2006.
“Are Reproductive Technologies Ethical? Overview,” in Medical Ethics, Noel
Merino, Ed., Greenhaven Press, 2011.
Ghostwriting:
Two chapters, “Healthcare Prognosis Uncertain” and “Washington Climate
Changing?” on the politics of healthcare and of energy and climate change
during President Obamas second term, for Kenneth Jost, Obama’s Agenda, CQ
Press, 2013.
Foreword to Pamela Gilberd, The Eleven Commandments of Highly Successful
Women, Macmillan Spectrum, 1996.
Science Books for Kids:
Mathematics (with Dava Walker), Science Project Series, Capstone, 1992.
Animal Behavior (with Dava Walker), Science Project Series, Capstone, 1992.
How to Hide an Elephant, Children’s Story Scripts, 1991.
Multimedia:
Earth Explorer, interactive multimedia cd-rom encyclopedia of the environment
for middle-school readers, Apple Home Learning, 1995. As a writer and editor, I
was responsible for shepherding dozens of pieces through a five-member
National Science Foundation expert review panel; creating engaging articles on
contentious topics such as nuclear power and the World Bank; and helping to
develop graphics. Winner of Parents Choice Award, Spring 1996.
Education Writing:
Classroom newsletters (in multiple editions for grades K-6); writing, math and
art activities; puzzles, experiments; teaching guides; Science Weekly, 1995.
Classroom newsletters (in multiple editions for K-8), activities, puzzles, games,
plays, short stories, teaching guides and subject-matter backgrounders;
Migration and Refugee Services, U.S. Catholic Conference, 1991-1993.
Musical Plays:
‘Tis Ivan on a Visit (with Buzz Mauro); winner, David Lloyd Kreeger Creativity
Award for Play Writing, Department of Drama, Catholic University of America,
1991.
The Odyssey (with Buzz Mauro); multiple professional and amateur
productions; winner, best original play, best production, Northern Virginia
Theater Alliance (NVTA) play festival, 1990.
Magazine Writing:
Articles and short stories published in Nature, Seventeen, Cricket, Child Life,
Children’s Digest, Faith n Stuff, The Friend
Other Professional Experience
College instructor: composition and introduction to poetry/drama, Georgetown
University
High school teacher: English, physics, math
Education and Training
M.A., English, Georgetown University, concentration and thesis on teaching writing
B.A., Liberal Arts and Sciences, St. John’s College, Annapolis, MD
AWAI copywriting training: B2B, white papers, Web writing, content marketing