Login   
Friday, September 10, 2010    
     
Available for
  • News editing and compiling
  • Line editing, copy editing and proofreading
  • Newspage design
  • Writing of all kinds
  • Teaching
  • Research
Resume

Innovative and versatile editor, writer and page designer. Demonstrated excellence in producing clear and accurate information in a fast-paced environment.

Professional Experience

LOS ANGELES TIMES – Los Angeles, CA
Asst. Readers' Representative – (2003-2009)
Provided a bridge between readers and the newsroom to resolve disputes over inaccuracy and journalistic standards.

• Educated readers about journalism and journalists about readers.
• Helped lead the initiative to take discussion between readers and the newsroom to an online forum, increasing the office’s readership and efficiency.
• Created an online resource for frequently asked questions that turned a time-consuming task into a way to generate online readership
• Gained a reputation for considerate resolution of disputes.
• Pursued and supervised publication of corrections.

ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, Santa Ana, CA
Wire Editor / News Layout Editor / Copy Editor

• Selected and compiled international, national and state news.
• Oversaw presidential election coverage.
• Layout editor of main news section.
• Copy editor on two Pulitzer Prize-winning projects.
• Award-winning headline writer.
 
LOS ANGELES HERALD EXAMINER, Los Angeles, CA
Line Editor / Layout Editor / Copy Editor

• Editor and designer of the Weekend entertainment section.
• Layout, line and copy editor on the daily features section, and the weekly food, travel and books sections.
 

Technical Skills

Microsoft and Mac operating systems; Basic HTML; Adobe Photoshop; Quark Xpress; FreeHand; CCI LayoutChamp; Assembler; Microsoft Office; TypePad
 

Professional Development

The American Copy Editors Society; Organization of News Ombudsmen; Society for Newspaper Design; Orange County Press Club

 
Recommendations

"Kent Zelas was my first editor, and remains the best in a long line I've experienced since. With his background in both literature and journalism, his eye and ear for good writing and a well-told tale are without compare. He is also thoughtful, considerate and kind, qualities one doesn't usually associate with the hustle and bustle of a big city newsroom. He has proven himself a consummate team player in the heat of deadline action, and thus enjoys the admiration and affection of colleagues. He would be a great asset in any media/communications environment, in fact anywhere brains, hard work and character are properly valued."

David Was,

National Public Radio

"Kent Zelas is conscientious, creative and was a hard-working contributor to the readers’ representative office throughout his tenure as assistant readers’ representative. He was effective, efficient and always willing to step in as needed on problems. Our office is the liaison between readers and the newsroom. His experience as word editor and in graphics design, combined with his patience, played an important part in his helping this office better understand the readers’ perspectives and convey those thoughts to editors and reporters. I would strongly recommend him for any position he seeks.

Jamie Gold,

Readers' Representative at the Los Angeles Times


Education

University of California, Irvine
Master of Fine Arts in Fiction

Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo 
Bachelor of Arts in English/Philosophy, with writing emphasis

Honors

  • UCI's Graduate Student Essay Award 
  • Graduated summa cum laude from WMU
Accomplishments
  • Orange County Press Club awards for design
  • Orange County Register awards for headline writing and copy editing
Home  |  About  |  Reporting  |  Design/Editing  |  PR/Marketing  |  Projects  |  Research
Copyright 2009 TheJournalismShop   |  Privacy Statement  |  Terms Of Use