Long-Form Storytelling | Creative Content & Stories | Editing & Proofreading | Social/Content Strategy
Long-Form Storytelling & Journalism
JUST PLAIN HARD
Even after 20 years, the Plain 100 remains a specimen of old-school ultrarunning at its finest.
Trail Runner/DIRT, 2018
THE WILDERNESS WITHIN
Deep in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest, a motley bunch of runners taps the imaginative realm beyond races on a quest for joy, camaraderie and mysticism.
Trail Runner/DIRT, 2017
THE SIREN SONG OF MONT BLANC
For centuries, climbers, philosophers and poets have proclaimed Mont Blanc a wellspring of enchantment. Now UTMB is spreading the message to runners.
Trail Runner, January 2016
THE THIN LINE
What can the trail-running community learn from this year’s tragedy in Patagonia?
Trail Runner, July 2016: View PDF | Read Online
THE QUEST TO ENDURE
Kendell Kelton and Shannon Farar-Griefer have never met, but they have one thing in common–tempering a terrible medical diagnosis with a passion for trail running.
Trail Runner/DIRT, 2016: View PDF | Read Online
SCHOOL OF HARD ROCKS
The Redden children ran ultras at ages 7 and 8. A concerned public criticized their parents, but is trail running the antidote to challenges facing children in our modern world?
Trail Runner, January 2015
Outside Online, April 2015: Read Online
STRANGER THAN FICTION
Five years in the lives of Born to Run’s colorful cast of characters
DIRT, 2014
THE MAN BEHIND THE PHOTO
Ultrarunner David Green’s iPhone snapshot helps nab Boston Marathon bombers
Trail Runner, July 2013
IN PURSUIT OF BEAUTIFUL SUNRISES
George Dunn’s 500 Mount Rainier Summits
OutdoorsNW, Winter 2011
Editing & Proofreading
I’ve worked as a professional editor since 2008.
Currently, I write and edit product information for REI. Previously, as associate editor at Trail Runner, I managed the work of 50+ freelance writers. Later, on a freelance basis, I did developmental edits, writing coaching, line-by-line edits, proofreading, and everything in between. I’ve worked with corporations, online media, book publishers, print magazines, and independent authors. I have also edited a variety of shorter form content, including magazine features, online articles, product information, and technical guides.
Here is what several past clients have said about me:
- “I couldn’t be happier with Yitka’s work! When our original editor pulled out at the last minute, we didn’t think we’d be able to find someone who could edit our book in time. Not only did Yitka complete the project before our deadline, she went above and beyond what we were expecting. She caught things that so many others had missed. She is a pro at what she does and made the whole piece flow and read beautifully. I never thought I’d be so thrilled that our original editor pulled out. I will definitely be utilizing her skills in the future and recommending Yitka to everyone. Thank you!!!”
—Robin Konie, author and blogger at Thank Your Body
- “Working with Yitka was a fantastic experience! Her level of service far exceeded our expectations. We were hoping for a careful proofreader, and she was superior, but she did so much more than catch errant spelling. She provided excellent insight on refining the language and flow of the narrative, all while conserving our writing style. She went even further by checking key references, which was far beyond our expectations and so helpful. We were thrilled with the end product and would recommend Yitka very highly to anyone seeking an efficient, knowledgeable and talented proofreader and/or editor!”
—Becky Burton, author at Gus McAllibaster
- “Yitka is a pleasure to work with. During my project she was super responsive when I had questions and the project turnaround was very fast. She is able to edit in a way that blends with any writing style, making the whole process seamless. I will definitely work with Yitka again!”
—Heather Haynes, author at Kula Mama
Social Media & Content Strategy
I’ve successfully produced and managed online content for several publications including Trail Runner magazine and Outdoors NW magazine, building online audiences through high-quality content and grassroots marketing. In 2011, I served as project manager to help Outdoors NW redesign its outdated website and move to a more modern, flexible content management system on WordPress.
I also have 8+ years of experience managing small-business social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. More recently, I brought the fan base of the Trail Runner Facebook page from 18,000 to 165,000 in less than two years—which ultimately more than doubled annual traffic to the Trail Runner website, bringing their annual pageviews to more than 6 million.
- “[Yitka] was a member of the Price Media team for a couple of years, writing stories, participating in Team Outdoors NW, helping us become established in social media, and collaborating in the development of our website. She’s a bundle of focused energy, always thinking of new and creative ways of pushing ahead.”
—Greg Price, Owner, Price Media/Outdoors NW Magazine