About
Words that live
Experience
40+ Years
Background
Broadcast · Advertising · Magazine · Web
Voice
Narration · On-Air Radio · On-Camera TV
Specialties
Southern Dialect · Appalachian · Natural Delivery
The Story
If it's words…
If it's words…
it's probably something I've done
My background includes over 40 years of creative writing for any number of multiple media projects. From Broadcasting (Radio & TV Ads & Programming) to Advertising & Marketing (Agency Owner & Consultant) to Magazine Publications (Freelance Lifestyle & Business Contributor) to Web Pages (Content Developer) to Online Corporate Trade (Client Feature Story Creator) to Fiction and Non-Fiction and most forms of print collateral marketing materials.
Along with all that writing, I spent many years on-air in radio broadcasting, occasionally appearing on-camera for TV ads, plus some audio and video promotional projects, as well as book narration, and more recently, some venturing into podcasting.
My medium-range voice seems to work well for helping deliver and interpret the written word in a warm and authentic fashion without "the voice" overshadowing the storyline's message, mood or emotional appeal. In other words…not having the commanding or highly recognizable voice of a Morgan Freeman, Sam Elliot, Peter Coyote or James Earl Jones (who does?), in my case, the story is the star. And, having been born in the southeast, it's pretty easy for me to slip-slide from the "I'm from nowhere" broadcast speech pattern into a loose southern drawl or some rich "Appalachian speak".
As for fiction writing (poems, songs & visions), I love storytelling and I rely heavily on "the voices in my head". They are constant companions and can make for quite entertaining collaborations!
And, for what it's worth…I typically do not rely on AI for writing original content, whether for magazine feature stories, fiction works, web content or promotional materials. It may be easier, but not as much fun as conjuring up storylines based on a spark of imagination. However, it definitely saves time when researching and gathering technical or historical facts, and can provide a good foundational resource for background and academic writing projects.
All that said, I'd always welcome the opportunity to take a look at your project.
Customer CommentsBabette McAuliffe · Publisher · Carolina Mountain Life Magazine · Banner Elk, NC
Steve York is one of our most prolific and trusted writers for CML magazine. He has been writing for us for over 25 years. Our team relies on him to handle all our business news write-ups and he is our favored writer when we need someone to write about music, traditions of the mountains, or interviews with locals. He has written some of our most poignant pieces that garnered a lot of attention — to the tune of $100,000 that was donated for horse rescue as a result of one of his touching features.
I have recommended him to countless businesses in the area when they are looking for press releases, copy writing or need help with marketing ideas from websites to how to position themselves in a market. He is thorough and has an eye for just the right flavor or twist to add to a story and has a keen eye for detail.
Frederick Fluchel · V.P. Marketing · Westminster Teak, Inc. · Florida & California
"Steve York has been an invaluable partner in shaping Westminster Teak's content strategy. His work on our “Trade Stories” has been nothing short of exceptional—combining thorough research, engaging interviews, and a genuine passion for storytelling that highlights the success of our trade partners. Each piece he creates not only delights our partners but also strengthens our brand presence and SEO reach. Steve's dedication, creativity, and love for his craft shine through in every article, making him a rare asset and a true professional whose contributions elevate our business far beyond product listings."
Kimberly Bridges · The Heartestry Project · Published Author-Collaborator
Working with Steve felt like having someone gently step into the tapestry of my story and help me weave it more beautifully. He didn't just edit—he listened, he understood, and helped bring forward ideas that were already there, but needed a professional touch to unearth them. He is thoughtful, intuitive, and deeply respectful of the writer's voice. His editing and creative insight were invaluable in shaping The Heartestry Project, and I am forever grateful.
I think the reason he excels as an editor is because his own writing is so descriptive and imaginative. He is a master story teller. Any author looking for both precision and inspiration would benefit from working with him.
— Kimberly Bridges
Author of The Heartestry Project
Rates & Terms
Most freelance work is on a "quote per project" basis, and depends on the length of the writing project, the length of the narration, the media in which it will be published, and/or whether the project is part of an ongoing series contract, with a contract price negotiated upfront. And, since some writing projects may require extensive background research, that time is considered within the quote. In all cases, an agreed-upon fee would be determined in advance and would include appropriate deposits. Specific terms to be provided for each project in writing.