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A woman (whose face is not visible) writes in a notebook on a cafe table, and a coffee mug is nearby.

A compelling narrative.

That’s what it takes to get your story noticed by customers and funders. Hook them with a narrative that neatly unites their goals and interests with your products, services, and projects. Together, let’s find the compelling narrative to grow your organization.

For small businesses, Pen Name can help you build credibility and engage your target audience through creative storytelling, ecommerce features, and newsworthy announcements that generate positive press for your business. For nonprofits and municipalities, Pen Name can help you secure grant funding through proposals that demonstrate your ability to solve problems.

Pen Name, a Maine-based lifestyle PR and grant-writing consultancy, shapes your story into a compelling narrative that gets results.

Words to Grow Your Business

Earned Media

Scale your Maine business by getting your story, lifestyle products, and expertise featured in local, state, and national publications.

Grant Writing

Secure grant funding from the private philanthropic and government funders best aligned with your mission to achieve your vision.

Copywriting

Connect with your customers through helpful, engaging content – like email campaigns and blog posts – that aligns with your brand.

About Elaine, Founder of Pen Name

With the nickname “Elaine from Maine”, I’ve built a reputation for championing Maine’s small businesses, nonprofits, and lifestyle. My strength is writing – I arrange your story and accomplishments in clear, concise, compelling language that garners media attention, attracts grant funding, and translates into consumer engagement and sales. With eight years of experience in grant writing and earned media, I’ve helped organizations establish the invaluable “know, like, and trust” factor with their target audience.

Testimonials

From a startup:
“The Pen Name press release definitely helped us connect with more businesses (which generated sales), connect with more clubs to spread local insight, and get more riders aware of our service! The press release helped us become more credible as well; I finally converted on a certain sale because the client heard us on the radio (that was the conversion point!). Not to mention, our analytics jumped from 2,000 views in Jan. to 6,000 in Feb. (press release came out in mid-Feb). It’s important how much traction we bring, as our income is advertisement-based.”
– Jake Warn, SledTRX

From a nonprofit:
“Elaine was a true partner in our last grant writing project. Each meeting was super productive as Elaine anticipated our every need, asking all the right questions. Her precise writing packs a punch – she nailed our proposal!
Cara Romano, executive director of Heart of Ellsworth

From an instructor:
“Elaine brings expertise and experience to her work with small businesses. Her focus on concrete, actionable steps – as well as her passion for earned media – allows small business owners to make meaningful headway in connecting to local and regional media outlets.”
– Rebecca Parea-Kane, Thicket Jewelry founder, instructor at the CEI Women’s Business Center

As Seen In

Real Simple
Bon Appetit
Women’s Health
Good Housekeeping
New Hope
The Kitchn
Forbes Vetter
WMTW
Eat This
SF Gate
Modern Farmer
Commercial Baking
Shape Magazine
Yankee Magazine
GFF Magazine
DeliMarket News
Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery
NOSH
Downeast Magazine
Morning Sentinel / Kennebec Journal
Lewiston Sun Journal
Bangor Daily News
WABI TV
NewsCenter Maine
Portland Press Herald
Boston Globe
MaineBiz