I love words.

Even from a young age, the right word mattered. Feeling hungry was one thing, but feeling peckish was something else. Indignant (while a noble feeling) is not the same as indignity.

It goes without saying that I was always a big reader. At Barnard College and the Jewish Theological Seminary, I received B.A. degrees in English and Jewish Literature respectively.

Words and books have colored everything for me and they eventually led me to print journalism. There I stayed for many years, working as a reporter and editor at different print publications. I was a singles columnist for a while. Then, after I moved to Jerusalem, I wrote a column about being an American living in Israel.

I was also very fortunate to spend five amazing years running the Nextbook literary series in Chicago, which brought many acclaimed authors to town for the sole purpose of discussing literature, culture and ideas. It was an exciting gig for me and one that placed me squarely in the marketplace of the publishing world and author events. It was also quite a boon for the many authors who were tapped to be part of this series who had the chance to leave the solicitude of their desks behind to share the toils of their labors with their readers face to face. As for the readers themselves,  the fact that so many people showed up to hear their favorite author speak in a city like Chicago that has a myriad of interesting cultural events to choose from every day of the week is a testament to the hunger out there for engaging and enlightening literary events.

Now I’m an independent writer and editor. And in this Internet age, the field of journalism and writing (re-named content) has changed dramatically. It seems that everyone with a computer and an Internet connection is a “writer.” Yet, with so much content to plow through, now more than ever good old fashioned writing is essential. I like to call it smart writing. It’s concise writing. Writing that showcases your expertise. Writing that brands your business. Writing that markets your organization.

Writing that tells your story.

Because liking words doesn’t mean being wordy. Or using a fancy word to show off.
It means being able to communicate your message as directly as possible. And if you’re good, it means throwing in a bit of flair.

So far I’ve ghosted a book and many op-eds. I’ve edited books and columns. I’ve written web copy, qualitative reports, marketing materials and many, many articles.

All that’s left is to write something for you.

Contact me and tell me how I can help.

Short Bio

Abigail Pickus has over 15 years of experience as a print journalist and communications professional. She has worked as a staff writer and editor for a variety of publications, including the JUF News, Moment Magazine and eJewish Philanthropy. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications, from the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Reader to Food Fanatics and in many Jewish publications. She was a regular columnist for StreetWise in Chicago and also for the Jewish Week in New York. Other work experience includes helping to launch and Direct the Nextbook literary series in Chicago, serving as the only English-language writer for the Jewish Agency in Jerusalem and as the Editor-in-Chief of ROI’s signature Summit booklet in Jerusalem and serving as the Communications Manager for the American Conference of Cantors. She received a B.A. in English Literature from Barnard College, a B.A. in Jewish Literature from the Jewish Theological Seminary and a certificate in Marketing Strategy from eCornell.