Meet Dana Neuts

I believe that everyone has a story to tell, whether it is touting your company's products and services, sharing your personal philosophy with your customers, reviewing a book, writing attention-getting Web copy or creating a marketing plan or social media strategy.

As a passionate writer, editor and marketing professional, my role is to help you tell your story, whatever it may be. Let me help you put your message into clear, concise, colorful words.

With Virtually Yourz, your message will leave a lasting impact on those who hear it.

"I used to write to give myself a voice. Now I write to give a voice to others."
-- Dana E. Neuts

A Brief Bio

Growing up in the Midwest, I began writing poems and short stories as an outlet for my emotions and to express my creativity. I wrote throughout school, devoting countless hours to my writing. As an adult, I chose a career in banking and insurance, eventually earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. Other than writing papers for school or fulfilling job responsibilities, I had very little time to write.

As I grew weary of the corporate world, my daughter and I made a leap of faith to move away from family and friends to Washington State, sight unseen. Surrounded by the beauty of God's Country, I rediscovered my passion for writing and my long-forgotten love of the written word.

I started Virtually Yourz in February 2004, specializing in writing, editing, and marketing services. I live in the Seattle (Washington) area with my fiance Jim, daughter Brooke, and our cats Sammy and Ginger. I also have two step-children, Beth and Ryan, from a previous marriage. Beth lives in New Jersey with her husband Patrick, daughter Kate and son Frankie. Ryan lives in Indiana.

To view my Professional Profile, click here. 

Education

Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration (magna cum laude) from Indiana Wesleyan University. Concentration on Communications and Marketing.

Professional Accomplishments

Speaker, Freelancing as a Business, National SPJ Conference, Indianapolis, Indiana, September 2009.

DiscoverU Instructor, proofreading and freelance writing and editing classes, 2007.

Guest speaker at International Association of Administrative Assistants, Bellevue, Washington. Topic:  Tips & Tricks on Communicating Professionally, October 2007.

Featured speaker at 2005 Whatcom Business Conference, Bellingham, Washington. Topic: Your Marketing Toolkit - a "must have" for every small business owner and entrepreneur.

Freelance writer for publications including Northwest Business Monthly, MacDonald Advertising Services (Inside Classified and Inside Recruitment), Foothills Gazette, HS Today, GSN: Government Security News, Washington Farm Bureau's Neighbors magazine, and more.

Freelance writer and editor for websites and e-zines, including www.thespiritofhope.org, www.lchic.com, www.whatcomhousehunters.com, and www.coloradorealestateonline.com.

Independent book reviewer

Writer/volunteer for not-for-profit organizations including the Society of Professional Journalists, Kent Downtown Partnership, Kent Salvation Army, The Spirit of Hope Foundation, United Way of Greater Lafayette, Lafayette Transitional Housing and others.

Associations and Affiliations

• Regional Director, Region 10, Society of Professional Journalists and member of national board.
• President, 2007-2009, Society of Professional Journalists, Western Washington Pro Chapter.
• Northwest Independent Editors Guild, Member, 2007-2010.
• Kent Downtown Partnership, Member, 2006-2010. Member of Promotions Committee.
• Board Secretary, The Spirit of Hope Foundation, 2005-2010.
• Board Member, SPJ, Western Washington Pro Chapter, since 2005.
• Co-chair of local SPJ Press Club Nights and Freelancers' Group, 2005.