Katie Yeakle

KATIE YEAKLE, Co-Publisher of Barefoot Writer Magazine, has spent over 30 years in the world of direct marketing and publishing in the roles of copy editor, editorial coordinator, product manager, fulfillment supervisor, marketing manager and publisher. Recognizing the industry-wide need for talented copywriters who can deliver copy that sells, she helped establish American Writers & Artists Inc. (AWAI) with co-founders Paul Hollingshead and Don Mahoney in 1997.

Today, as Executive Director, Katie oversees AWAI’s 70+ programs designed to help people turn their passions into careers.
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REBECCA MATTER, Co-Publisher of Barefoot Writer Magazine, is also the President of American Writers & Artists Inc (AWAI), the world’s leading trainer of direct-response copywriters and graphic designers. A marketer with over a decade of experience in publishing and direct-marketing, Rebecca has spearheaded successful million-dollar campaigns for countless products, both online and off, and has spoken and written on topics ranging from getting and working with clients to successful web marketing strategies.

Rebecca recognizes the tremendous opportunities available to people who know how to write and market effectively on the web. She’s dedicated herself to keeping AWAI members ahead of the curve … and in demand … by creating cutting-edge programs on the most marketable web skills today.
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MINDY MCHORSE, Executive Editor, is a professional freelance copywriter who gets paid daily to follow her writing passion. Through her work with Barefoot Writer, Mindy is dedicated to helping new and experienced writers find freedom through well-paid writing. She also writes for clients in the biz-opp, alternative medicine, and self-help world. Mindy was the original Reality Blogger for the Wealthy Web Writer and chronicled her real-life journey of going from $24K to six-figures in just one year as a freelance writer.

With three children small children at home, Mindy considers herself a full-time mom who is lucky enough to make a living as a writer. She lives in sunny New Mexico where she writes all her promotions with a full-view of the Rocky Mountains and with her three Cavalier King Charles Spaniels by her side.
 M_Klassen_Color_Web MIKE KLASSEN, Lead Graphic Designer of Barefoot Writer Magazine, is a freelance graphic designer and consultant. Like many Barefoot Writer members, Mike wanted something more than the typical 9-5 job. He started his freelance career as a writer in 2003 after being inspired by AWAI’s Six-Figure Program for Accelerated Copywriting and Peter Bowerman’s book, The Well-Fed Writer. But a request from a potential client led Mike to explore design as an add-on service. He enjoyed it so much, he made the move from writing to design in 2005. Mike has been the designer for Barefoot Writer since the magazine started in 2011. He lives with his wife and two children in Washington State. More often than not, Mike does work barefoot, but reserves the right to wear socks during the cold, Pacific Northwest winters.
 li sitting costa rica LI VASQUEZ-NOONE, Editorial & Content Coordinator for Barefoot Writer Magazine. She also writes B2B copy for information marketing, wine supplies, and travel. She’s been a freelancer for nearly four years, and loves working from home. When she’s not writing, she makes wine, runs, and travels. She and her husband live in southern Florida.