Sasha Nyary is a writer, editor and
content strategist.

WHAT I DO

I write. I work with words, language, people, research, information, and facts. I write profiles, news stories, newsletters, marketing materials, reports, web content. My versatility is one of my core strengths.

I edit. I use developmental editing and line editing tools to bring form and structure to rough notes and final drafts, in the form of captions, brochures, articles, email campaigns, grants, annual reports and reports of all kinds.  

I strategize. I devise and manage long-term communications goals and marketing campaigns. I team up on website builds and relaunches. I work closely with designers and photographers to execute the creative vision.

I report and research. I gather information from libraries, archives, online and on the streets. 

I interview. I love talking to people, anyone, about their work and families and passions and journeys.  

I copy edit and proofread. I have worked closely with the AP Stylebook and Chicago Manual of Style, and with academic style guides. I have created several style guides of my own. 

HOW I WORK

 

  • I work solo and I lead teams. I am a project manager and a team member. I work closely with people who are communications professionals: designers, photographers, other writers and editors, and sometimes translators. And I work closely with people who know nothing about editorial processes and standards, guiding them when asked.

  • I bring vision and take projects to completion. I fit in anywhere in the process, from taking a vague idea to completion to coming to a project for a final proofread. I learn or create the client’s strategy and core values, and from that, identify story and content ideas. I either execute them myself or I work with existing colleagues or recruit new ones.

  • I am a generalist, with broad varied interests and experiences. I have degrees from elite schools and worked with some of the best magazine journalists in the world. And I’ve lived on a farm, washed dishes in restaurants, led nonviolence workshops as a volunteer in prisons, written marketing and communications for nonprofits, PTAs, and community groups, co-founded a New York City theater company, and worked as an Actors Equity Association stage manager on off-Broadway. 

WHAT I VALUE

 

  • I am committed to social justice. 

  • I am passionate about writing, visuals, design, and presentation that is accurate, honest, clear, and free of jargon and exclusivity. 

  • While I am most familiar with journalistic and mission-driven organizations, I love sharing my skills — and picking up new ones — and learning about people, communities and projects.

  • I believe everyone has a story to tell, a voice that needs to be heard.

  • I appreciate that stories can best be told through a variety of platforms and formats, funding and skills permitting.

  • I value clarity about values and strategy on each project.

WHO I AM

 

  • After a childhood in suburban Boston and living in cities as an adult, I now reside in southern Maine, in a 100-year-old home that I’m renovating. It’s perfect for our monthly family game nights, which I love to cook for.

  • I like to take walks around my village, and to hike, when I have time. I am learning to garden and to fish. To slow down.

  • I’m a lifelong swimmer and I’ve been on several masters swim teams. My coaches have taught me that very specific technique is essential to good swimming and I like trying to channel their instructions when I’m in the water. That said, I will never be a competitive swimmer because I’m very slow and still can’t do flip turns, no matter how many people try to teach me.

  • I’ve always been a big reader and am currently in two book groups. Recent books that have spoken to me include: “The Parable of the Sower” by Octavia Butler; “Shy: The Alarmingly Outspoken Memoirs of Mary Rodgers,” by Mary Rodgers and Jesse Green; and “The Women of Troy” by Pat Barker. Having studied radio in journalism graduate school, I am particularly appreciative of audiobook readers.

  • Whether onstage, backstage, or in the audience, I’ve adored theater as far back as I can remember. Beloved shows include “Arcadia,” “Fun Home,” and “Sweeney Todd.” As a former technical design major, I am hugely impressed with the stage tech of recent shows such as “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” I loved the puppets — and all the tech — in “Life of Pi.”