about heather cook...

Heather is an accomplished writer with over 200 published articles in regional, national and niche publications. She is a former assistant reining horse trainer and lives in Calgary, Alberta with her husband, Randall, and her children, Michael and Emily.

For 2008 my focus will be on the writing and marketing of my book length projects. I will be selectively accepting some short term freelance writing and editing projects.

Writing Experience

The Western Horse Review, Calgary, Alberta
Freelance Writer, Editorial Team Member
September 2003 – September 2007

The only freelance writer on the Editorial Team. Responsible for several monthly columns, monthly feature assignments as well as special assignments including editing and proofreading as required.

The Reiner, Oklahoma City, OK
Official publication of the National Reining Horse Association
Freelance Writer
September 2004 – Present

Show coverage for major reining events in Canada, the United States and special assignments as required.

Quarter Horse News, Fort Worth, TX
Columnist and Freelance Writer
May 2003 – Present

Bi-weekly column on the reining horse industry in Canada. Special assignments and show coverage on an as-needed basis.

HorseLife, Ottawa, ON
Official Publication of Equine Canada
January 2007 – Present

Published four times per year. All coverage related to the sport of reining including profiles and news coverage.

Canadian Cowboy Country, Calgary, AB
Freelance Writer
July 2002 – July 2004

Published six times per year, articles include trainer and sport profiles.

City Light News, Calgary, AB
Staff Writer
March 2003 – July 2004

Published monthly, I contribute articles as assigned for this Calgary-based Christian newspaper.

Slidin’ – Official Publication of Reining Canada, Airdrie, AB
Freelance Writer and Editor
December 2001 – July 2007

Published four times per year, articles include equine health, event coverage, and general show articles.

Editing and Copy Editing Experience

June 2005 – September 2007
Western Horse Review
Calgary, AB

Editorial team member. Responsibilities include editing and proofreading as well as fact checking and researching. I also attend monthly editorial meetings and yearly editorial planning meetings.

November 2002 – January 2006
The Rundown – Official Newsletter of Reining Alberta
Calgary, AB

Re-designed newsletter. Provide majority of copy and seek remainder from club members.

March 2000 – September 2007
Slidin’ - Reining Canada ’s Official Publication
Airdrie, AB

Proofreading and copy editing of magazine on a volunteer basis. I also produced the majority of the press releases and marketing material for this not-for-profit organization.

Ongoing Contracts:

Tri-fold Brochures and Sales Material for Soft Touch Photographics, Calgary, Alberta

Tri-fold Brochure and Catalogue for Pure Wilderness,
Calgary, Alberta

Teaching Experience

Chinook College – Instructor
Fall 2003 - Spring 2004
Calgary, AB

Freelance Journalism Grades 7 – 12 (Youth Enrichment Program)
Junior Journalist Grades 5 – 6 (Youth Enrichment Program)

Riding Instructor
1996
Samhof Ranches, Salzburg, Austria

All levels of riding from beginner to advanced. Reining, horsemanship, trail.

Volunteer Experience

Reining Canada
Chair of the Communications Committee
2005 - July 2007

Reining Alberta
Vice President, Director At Large
2002 - 2005

Willow Ridge Soccer Association
Coach
2005 Season

Equal Voice Alberta South
Executive Board Member
2007