Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Barnard.
Hi Kimberly, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Well, I’m married to my best friend, mother to two boys, and we live in Olathe. I’m “new” to the KC area and I lived most of my adult life in Arizona and Texas. I love the community in Kansas City, and I’m so glad my husband wanted to move back here with our family. I’ve always loved writing and editing, but I took a little detour through corporate aviation before I found my way back to what I do now.
I double-majored in Creative Writing and English Literature in college. I always loved reading, and I started enjoying writing and realized I was good at it in high school. As my university courses progressed and focused on poetry and fiction writing, I dove into that and toyed with the idea of going for an MFA. After graduating, I worked for the University of Arizona for a few years, then for Pace University in downtown NYC. Then I made a huge switch and became a corporate flight attendant. I grew up in an aviation family, which felt like the right career path. I was able to complete my Master’s degree while I was flying, which was always my huge goal. My turn into editing and resume writing happened on a trip from Aspen to London in 2011; I was flying with a pilot who was writing a fiction book in his spare time, and in casual conversation, I told him my background. He printed out the first few chapters and asked if I would give my opinion. That set the whole thing in motion. We worked on his book together for a few years, but what was neat for me was that he told several other writers about me, and they began to ask for my services.
Looking back, my favorite part of my writing courses was the workshop. Everyone would read the other writer’s work and offer feedback, suggestions, and ideas to improve the poem, story, or essay. I loved that part. I loved helping writers make connections in their work, seeing the next draft, and experiencing the changes as the reader excited me! During that time, I was casually helping friends with resumes, writing consumer complaint letters, composing poetry for wedding invitations, and a huge mashup of different writing projects. I honed in on the resumes, and again, I realized I could craft language that helped people sell themselves and get interviews. After the birth of my oldest son, I left flying and started my business, Everyday Editing.
You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
Oh gosh, no. As a creative, it is challenging to put a value on your work. While a resume isn’t exactly art, each one is a product that represents me in some way. It is strange to put a price on that! I am constantly learning about the realities and difficulties of owning, managing, and growing a business. I am always trying to make connections in different industries, understand the current trends, and do this across various industries. This helps me as I write resumes for various clients, so I put in my research hours. I am fortunate to be able to remove my feelings from my writing. My goal is to help my client, and sometimes I have to guide them toward what I know they need, not necessarily what they want. I rely on the finesse and customer service skills I developed as a corporate flight attendant when working one-on-one with my clients. Also, I am doing all this during my kids’ naptimes!
We’ve been impressed with Everyday Editing, but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share about what you do and what sets you apart?
I help jobseekers create a modern and effective resume that reflects their unique professional skills. I am an experienced resume writer specializing in corporate and commercial aviation resumes, transitioning teachers, sales, oil & gas, executive level resumes, accounting, healthcare, law, and military members transitioning to civilian or corporate fields. I also have experience creating and writing Federal Resumes, especially for military members transitioning to federal government work. I also work with writers to edit and prepare manuscripts for submission to publication and self-publication. I am an editor with a demonstrated history of working in the writing and editing industry. I have a strong background in creative writing. I earned my master’s degree in English from The University of Arizona. Throughout my varied career, I learn a new skill, master it, and then seek to help others improve their abilities and techniques and advance their careers through teaching, mentoring, and encouragement. With a background in higher education administration and corporate aviation, I understand the value of processes and procedures and how they benefit every organization. I have a genuine desire to serve others and find both professional and personal fulfillment in using my unique skills to do so. I truly enjoy working one-on-one with clients to craft a unique resume that they will be proud of and one that will serve them in the future.
Who else deserves credit for your story?
I give so much credit to my husband, Taylor. He is so encouraging and proud of me for all that I do. He works incredibly hard to provide for our family, and I have the privilege of staying home with our kids and working on my business. He listens to my brainstorming, throws out new ideas, and motivates me to keep going. He’s a great businessman and so intuitive, and it’s fun when we throw ideas around. I’m grateful to him because he never lets me undervalue myself or my work. One particular client of mine was a student completing law school. Her mother saw the final draft of her resume and was so impressed that she shared my name on Facebook and online forums she participated in and continues to do so two years later. She may be the reason my business grew so much in one year! I am grateful anytime someone refers a friend or colleague to me. I consider that the highest praise. I must thank Paul the Pilot, who launched me on this path without knowing it. He is a great pilot, a great friend, and a great writer. I also had the pleasure of working with a great writer, Tom Darin Liskey, he was the first author to credit me in a published book. His writing continually inspires me and we work well together. I feel really lucky to be able to develop friendships with my clients.
Pricing:
- Resume–$100
- Cover Letter–$35
- Federal Resume–$200
- Manuscript Editing $0.03/word
- Other projects available
Contact Info:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ktbarnard/
Image Credits
Individual photos are by Kathy Mueller. Family photo and couple photos are by Jessica Strom Photography.
Alice Carroll
March 7, 2023 at 3:32 pm
Kimberly Barnard is a remarkably multitalented modest woman. Her expertise with computer navigation have rescued me on many occasions. She’s listens and advises with clarity. Her suggestions and advice will surely benefit her clients.