Writing sample

Personal satisfaction comes from helping another reach his or her goal. Anne Dozier, a competent publicist, approached me to spice up the Introduction of her book proposal. The Intro needed to "sell" her as the person qualified to write the book "How To Be Thin". The target audience was, of course, a book publisher -- specifically the marketing department.

I focused on selling my client. Telling her story. Qualifying her credentials. Planting the idea of her marketability. And, hopefully, inducing the reader into the meat of the proposal.

Was the client happy with the result? "I really like it!" she told me. I hope she got the contract.

Who is more qualified to write a mass-appeal book on the secrets and beauty tricks of style and fashion: The celebrity with her seemingly endless funds and legion of paid stylists? Or an average American woman who discovered those secrets and tricks and used them to transform herself and others?

In body type, I consider myself one of America's average women. As the typical woman, I've struggled to achieve and maintain my ideal of beauty. Although I battled 10, 20, 30, or even 40-pound fluctuations in weight for years, it took an incident at Bloomingdale's in New York City to rekindle my quest.

This is what happened. Some years ago, I was shopping in Bloomingdale's for panties; on that day, I was wearing a shapeless pink coat dress. A well-meaning saleswoman approach me: "Good afternoon, Madame, would you like to see the maternity undergarments?" I was shocked; I wasn't even pregnant! Suddenly, embarrassment turned to determination.

An educated woman fortified with determination is compelling.

I'm an educated Southern woman: degrees in journalism and home economics from the University of Georgia, and graduate work at the University of Virginia, Emory University and New York University; I also studied at two modeling schools. Equipped with such knowledge and training, I devoted extensive study to fashion, textiles, fabric, and tailoring. I delved into the latest technology. I devoured material on health and beauty. I observed, researched, probed, and experimented.

Finally, the accumulation of all my time and effort paid off: I successfully conquered the beauty battle by fully understanding what fashion insiders had known for years.

Moreover, I am living proof of my exhaustive, cumulative expertise in fashion secrets and beauty tricks. I transformed myself into a far more glamorous woman with a thinner appearance.

"But, can I teach these simple techniques to others?

I did and I was successful. How to Be Thin is the result of the following accomplishments.

I served as regional manager and lecturer for Weight Watchers International, intimately conversant with a wide variety of Middle America's needs and desires.

Under former New York City Mayor Rudolph Guliani, I conducted the first five "Welfare-to-Work" programs held at Macy's Department Store. One of my primary goals was teaching students how to enhance their appearance. During the course of my teaching, I gained invaluable experience about weight loss and beauty that I could share with anyone.

For over twenty years, as an executive recruiter, I advised clients on appearance and presentational skills while placing them with prestigious companies like American Express, Coca-Cola, Frito-Lay, Michelin, and Proctor and Gamble.

I led classes in "Quick Beauty Tips" for the Virginia Board of Education.

"How to Look Thin" is the crowning achievement of years of research, and empirical expertise.

In addition to the pursuit of physical and mental self-improvement, I'm a writer. I've worked as: fine arts and food editor, society and city desk reporter (with the Augusta Chronicle); editorial and permissions assistant, assistant to editorial manager, and publicist (with Random House and Doubleday); freelance in-house publicist (with Simon & Schuster); and, presently, owner of my own book publicist company (Dozier & Assoc.).

My engaging manner and quick wit endear me to all types of people. Quite naturally, I present an authentic voice - in my authoritative writing, compelling training sessions, and persuasive lectures - sprinkled with Southern charm.