Pen Name:
None
Genres:
Articles, Essays, Memoir, Poetry, Other Nonfiction: Booklet and blog posts about freelancing; editing; proofreading
Websites:
WriterRuth.com
AmericanEditor.com
RuthThalerCarter.naiwe.org
Social Media:
Other Contact Information:
Ruth@writerruth.com
Bio
Ruth Thaler-Carter (www.writerruth.com) is a widely published, award-winning freelance writer/editor whose motto is “I can write about anything!”® She writes, edits, and proofreads for clients in the arts, business, communications, diversity, education, publishing, gardening, law, public relations, and much more, and has been published locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally in magazines, newspapers, newsletters, blogs, books, and online outlets. She is the author/publisher of “Get Paid to Write! Getting Started as a Freelance Writer” and author or co-author of two booklets for the EFA, about launching a freelance business and resumés for freelancers.
In addition to the SWW, she is active in professional associations such as the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA; new coordinator of New Mexico chapter), National Association of Independent Writers and Editors, ACES: The Society for Editing, Editing, Society of Professional Journalists, New Mexico Press Women (regional affiliate of National Federation of Press Women), and Cat Writers’ Association. Ruth moved to the Albuquerque area in April 2025 and looks forward to meeting and working with SWW colleagues.
More from Ruth
In addition to my own prolific writing activity, I have edited and proofread several dozen books, for associations in editing, Judaism, waterfronts, and more, and for several independent authors in fiction, memoir, and business/leadership. I’m available to SWW colleagues for such projects. My core writing advice is “Never give up!” If you have a story to tell, whether about yourself or something of interest, just sit down and write. Don’t worry about quality or criticism; just write, and then let a professional editor help shape your work.
At the moment, I’m working on several writing and editing projects for clients, a memoir, and launching a business to help other authors get published. I sold my first journalism articles while in high school and have been writing professionally ever since. I originally wanted to be an international correspondent and have expanded into freelance writing, editing, and proofreading — less international work, but a lot more in many fields. Being freelance means, among other things, constantly learning new things and “meeting” new people, and I find that aspect continually fascinating and refreshing. I’m also a big believer in networking, and do my best to provide advice and resources to colleagues at all levels of the writing world through public speaking, blogging, and participation in associations and online groups for writers in particular and freelancers in general.
Articles/Essays/Webinars
“A Gardener is Born and Blossoms” ♦ Upstate Gardeners’ Journal, November-December 2025
“An Editor’s Origin Story” ♦ Editors Toronto BoldFace, November 5, 2025
“Making Time for Breaks and Vacations” ♦ ASBPE blog, October 9, 2025
“Tackling That First Draft: How Editors Can Help Nervous Writers” ♦ Editors Canada/Editors Weekly, September 25, 2025
“On the Basics: An editor’s origin story” ♦ An American Editor (AAE), September 19, 2025
“On the Basics: Settling into a new home through networking” ♦ An American Editor (AAE), September 8, 2025
“Speak Up! Transferring Journalism Skills into Public Speaking” ♦ Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), September 2, 2025 [webinar]
“On the Basics: Punctuation Day is every day for editorial professionals” ♦ An American Editor (AAE), September 2, 2025
“Mom Had Her Important Moments, Too” ♦ Great Dames/Dames Talk, Aug 28, 2025
“On the Basics: What it takes to be an editor — perspectives on ‘Basics of Editing and Proofreading’” ♦ An American Editor (AAE), June 24, 2025
“Dad Moments I’ll Never Forget” ♦ Great Dames/Dames Talk, June 15, 2025
“Brag time — awards galore!” ♦ An American Editor (AAE), June 12, 2025
“IABC Offers Invaluable Opportunities to Connect and Succeed” ♦ International Association of Business Communications (IABC), 7 January 2025
“Invisible Voices” ♦ Chronically Called, January 07, 2025 [interview about mobility]
“On the Basics: Public domain update” ♦ An American Editor (AAE), January 1, 2025
“Surviving in an increasingly challenging publishing environment” ♦ San Diego Professional Editors Network (SD/PEN), December 30, 2024
“What a Difference a Cat Makes” ♦ Cat Writers’ Association, November 28, 2024
“Connection is the essence of membership value and networking success” ♦ International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) St Louis, November 18, 2024
“Ruth Thaler-Carter, NAIWE’s Networking Expert” ♦ NAIWE, June 7, 2024
“Climate change affects St. Louis weather and plants — for better or worse?” ♦ Center for Media Engagement, June 6, 2024
“Past meets present in St. Louis’ adaptive reuse odyssey” ♦ MetroWire Media, May 16, 2024
“Wright City School project provides opportunity to prepare for the future” ♦ MetroWire Media, May 9, 2024
“Area projects are taking the St. Louis region to new heights” ♦ MetroWire Media, May 2, 2024
“Celebrating Creativity Among Colleagues” ♦ International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) St Louis, Feb. 16, 2024
“Webinar about Boundaries and Expectations Yields Invaluable Tips” ♦ ASBPE, August 4, 2023
“Going Solo: Launching a Communications Consulting Business” ♦ International Association of Business Communications (IABC), 19 April 2022
Poetry
Title: St. Louis Writers Guild Members Anthology 2024
Publisher: St. Louis Writers Guild (February 22, 2024)
“Life Storage?” pp. 101-112.
“Life Storage?” is a reflection on a sign for a storage facility, about ways that a life can be “stored” or saved and cherished.
A showcase of SLWG Members! Thirty-two short stories, poems, essays, flash-fiction, and more in an anthology written and published by St. Louis Writers Guild Members. If you enjoy the pieces in the book, please consider reading more of their work. St. Louis Writers Guild is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with the mission to further Missouri’s literary heritage, connect, support, and promote writers and literary organizations in the community.
Available for Sale
Writing Resource
Booklet Title: Get Paid to Write! Getting Started as a Freelance Writer
I’ve finished updating and expanding my “Get Paid to Write! Getting Started as a Freelance Writer” booklet. It covers more than I usually can discuss in a presentation — lots of tips, guidelines and resources.
It’s only $20/copy, payable by check (send e-mail message to Ruth@writerruth.com for mailing address) or PayPal or Zelle (to Ruth@writerruth.com). It’s available in print or as a PDF. Many thanks to Victoria Brzustowicz for the original cover design and Michael Brady for the new version.