HELLO! I’M HOLLY. I write person-driven stories
that make readers weep, laugh, and throw money at you.
Welcome. Let’s get acquainted.

I'm Holly Leber Simmons, the proverbial (and literal) pen-wielder behind Red Pen Editorial Services. I partner with higher education institutions and associations to tell stories that advance their missions and shine a light on innovation and creativity.

I’m a person-driven storyteller specializing in profiles, impact pieces, and features that help universities maintain long term connections with their alums and inspire prospective donors to -- in the words of author Brian Doyle -- "weep, laugh, and throw money at you." 

I write stories

I've been a writer all my life. My mother says I used to dictate stories to her before I knew how to hold a pencil.  In my career as a journalist, and my graduate education at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, I learned the value and craft of strong storytelling and developed sharp interviewing skills. I also learned to live and die by deadlines. 

My passion for editing came a few years after my love for writing was born, probably when I won the 2nd-grade spelling bee (on the word "elementary").  That helped launch a lifelong love of clean copy and proper grammar. I've applied this love to helping publications, companies, associations, universities and nonprofits tell stories without the distraction of error.

I pride myself on being witty, incisive and straightforward. I'm not afraid to slash out entire paragraphs, but not before reading start-to-finish. I'll gladly tell you not only that something is problematic, but why, and most importantly, I'll work with you to find a solution. Misused homophones can ruin my day. I  can't stand text-speak. I'm a sucker for etymology. Oh, and I really dislike writing my own bio. 

So enough about me. Let's talk about you. What do you need? How can I help?