Tara Kenny
Q What do you do?
“I’m a writer and communications specialist working across editorial, strategy, content, and copywriting for businesses, publications and non-profits.”
Whether I’m helping a small business find its voice, or communicating the impact of a national nonprofit’s work to their supporters, my writing is clear, compelling, and considered. In short, I choose my words wisely (and can help you do the same)!
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I’ve been writing professionally for a decade, from penning articles for The Guardian, Interview Magazine, Paper, i-D, and countless other publications; to full-time communications positions at non-profits and agencies; and colorful freelance copywriting gigs for everything from a cookbook about Brad Pitt’s on-screen eating habits to an underwear brand for “burly” men. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and (for reasons that currently escape me) a Master’s degree in International Relations.
In mid-2022, I went full-time freelance in order to apply everything I have learned throughout my career to create work that fulfills both me and my clients.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
With experience working for diverse clients across criminal justice, environmental sustainability, food, fashion, mental health, and beyond, I am adept at transforming complex, industry-specific information into clean, compelling content for general audiences.
Q What are you working on right now?
Blog content for children’s mental health non-profit the Child Mind Institute, and a feature on Mad Realities aka “the web3 Netflix” for Daily Dot.
Q What’s your style?
My writing is clear, compelling and considered. I steer clear of industry jargon, academic meandering and overly flowery language, so audiences can get the message faster and have fun along the way. Having said that, I’m a shapeshifter and can button things up for a more serious client or get playful when the occasion calls for it. See the Child Mind Institute’s 2021 Annual Report and this feature on web3 bimbos for i-D for examples at each end of the spectrum.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Copywriting and communications strategy for clients in the health, fitness and wellness space. And, fun little zine projects such as Altered Zones.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Figuring out how to split my time wisely and efficiently between my various current and future dream projects.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Force me out of bed in the morning!
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Hindsight is 20/20, but I would tell my teen self not to hack off my beautiful, bushy eyebrows.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
The business side of freelancing (contracts, invoicing, taxes, etc).
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Regular copywriting, content and communications strategy work.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I’d love to work with more clients in the health, fitness and wellness space who understand the importance of good copy.
Q What is your rate?
My rate is $75 per hour for communications strategy, copy and content writing, but I’m also happy to negotiate day or project rates for more long-term projects.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Email me at wordsbytara@gmail.com with some information about your project and needs.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Lauren McCurry - copywriter
Play on Play - graphic design studio
Michael Sun - writer and graphic designer
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Read weird zines.
This member profile was originally published in January 2023.