Hire me to write for you

I am Miraz Jordan, a writer, educator and explainer based in Wellington, New Zealand. I’m also a member of the organising committee for Webstock.

What I do

I write for, on and about the web, email, forums, and new developments on the Internet.

I translate techno-geek-speak into plain language. I am acknowledged for my expertise in plain language and clear explanations.

How I can add value to your work

Web and print are very different. As a web specialist I help you avoid the mistakes of people who don’t understand the medium. I write and rewrite text to take account of how people read on the web.

Although I no longer create websites, I also have expertise in writing valid, accessible HTML. This gives me additional understanding of how websites work and how to create better and more effective text and images.

Well-written web pages mean visitors find the information they need more quickly and more easily. They stay around longer on your site, and are more satisfied with what you’re offering.

Your pages rate better with search engines. You make more sales or serve up better information, and save time answering helpdesk calls and general queries.

I spend a lot of time staying up to date with current trends and best practice. This means I can help you stay on the leading edge, or at least know where that edge is.

Examples of my work:

• WordPress 2 Visual Quickstart Guide (with Maria Langer)
• Informit articles
• MacTips
• I write regularly for my own blog, TiKouka
• Webguide 1 and Webguide 2.0
• Groupings blog
• Communitynet Aotearoa Panui Tips.

Some current work is not yet available to the public.

Older work includes: writing the Programmes section of the NZAID website (has since been updated in-house), Just Next Door (a resource book in print for the Development Resource Centre), the regular Newbies Guide and PowerUp columns for NZ Macguide (no longer in publication). I have also contributed articles to Wise Women, Digital Web Magazine and About This Particular Mac (ATPM).

See more portfolio details at www.firstbite.co.nz

Who should hire me

I work as a freelancer and contractor for small and large businesses, publishers, government departments and community organisations.

No job is too small. I can help with as little as a single page, but I can also take on large projects such as overhauling a comprehensive website.

Writing transcends international boundaries: I can write for you wherever your organisation is located.

My background

I’ve been writing and teaching on and about the Internet since 1990. I have been writing and teaching about computers since 1982.

I’ve taught thousands of adults through personal and group training, and increased the expertise of thousands more through my written articles and tutorials.

In 2003 I was selected as an Exceptional Adult Educator of the Year as part of a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) initiative.

My background includes Adult Literacy work, secondary school teaching, community education.

I have several times been a guest on NZ National Radio, speaking about the Internet, and also about Macintosh computers.

How much do I charge?

My ‘casual’ rate is NZ$120 per hour plus GST. Rates for particular jobs may be higher or lower, depending on the amount and nature of the work involved.

Contact me

Contact me to discuss how I can work for you to make your website, email or printed material more effective.

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