Author Laura Mazzuca Toops is a Chicago-based writer with more than 20 years of professional experience, most recently as executive managing editor of National Underwriter, a business-to-business magazine for the property-casualty insurance industry. Her writing, editing and reporting experience includes stints at Chicago's legendary City News Bureau, Crain Communications, freelance work for the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and other local and national publications. She also worked for five years as a film critic for a Chicago monthly entertainment magazine. Her degree in journalism is from Columbia College, and she has taught classes and workshops in fiction writing. She is the author of four books:  A Native's Guide to Chicago's Western Suburbs, The Latham Loop, Slapstick, and Hudson Lake.

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        Laura has specialized in business reporting since 1986, when she began working at  Crain Communications’  Business Insurance  magazine.  Since then,  she has developed an expertise in writing about all facets of the insurance industry. Her published credentials include Best Review, Rough Notes, Independent Agent, and other trade magazines. Some of her freelance clients included  The Hartford,  Arthur J. Gallagher,  and Zurich-America. She served as the editor in chief of American Agent & Broker magazine, executive managing editor of National Underwriter, and agent/broker portal editor of www.propertycasualty360.com. She is currently engaged in contract work for NetVU and other clients.

        Laura is now offering editorial services for writers with completed manuscripts who are seeking in-depth analysis of their projects. She can provide line edits, developmental edits, and written page-by-page commentary of your project, including recommendations on how the work could be improved.

Here’s what Laura’s students have to say about her and her classes:

“She is very supportive of writers...I would like to see more writing classes, more often, particularly for people who work full time.”

“This class stirred up my love of writing.”

“She was organized and well-prepared, but more importantly, flexible and professional.”

“Laura, thank you! I learned a lot and loved the assignments.”

“Excellent coverage of topic...  the class opens new dimensions of writing.”

“She gives good feedback.”

“The good exercises make you think.”

“She listens attentively. She's a good editor. She's flexible and friendly.”

“Laura really engaged the class; very informed and informative...  This course was great. Laura does a terrific job.”

“Toops is very well versed in her work and she gives out great ideas on improvement...  The class was very fun!”

“A great course! Laura does a wonderful job with leading discussions and exercises.”

“She is a motivating instructor who can help get people started on writing.”

“The most valuable thing about this course was working with an experienced published writer.”

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