Welcome to the online home of

Red Pencil
Publicity + Marketing

Discover Who We Are

Red Pencil Publicity + Marketing was established in 2010 by Helena Brantley.

Helena is a publicist who specializes in promoting nonfiction books and events.  

Read What People Are Saying

“Creative and purposeful,

Helena was quick to understand the complex issues with which our department had to deal. She was collaborative in coming up with tactics and strategies. Our relationship leads felt completely confident in sharing their contacts with her–a rare compliment.”

– Sigrid Metson, publishing, product development and market development, Nolo Press

“Helena is my PR hero.

I may have written my book, but she turned it into a best-seller. As my publicist at HarperOne, she worked tirelessly on my behalf, yet always in good cheer and almost always behind the scenes. In the end, she got me endless attention in print and on radio and television, including a cover story at Time and appearances on “Oprah” and “The Daily Show.” Helena is bright, creative, and hardworking. She is also one of the kindest people I know. I wouldn’t be where I am in publishing today without her, and I give her my highest possible recommendation.”

– Stephen Prothero, author of Religious Literacy, What Every American Needs to Know and Doesn’t and religion professor, Boston University

“Her expertise is extensive, her connections far-reaching,

and her ability to develop essential professional relationships is fantastic. I could not have asked for a better marketing mind behind my most recent book. Helena knew who to talk to, where to send me, where to pitch articles and when–the list goes on. I would recommend her, without hesitation, for any marketing or public relations needs.”

– Marya Hornbacher, author of Waiting: A Nonbeliever’s Higher Power

Why "Red Pencil?"

My mother, Annie, a secretary, was my first editor. In the early 1980s, it was her red pencils that improved many a thank-you note I wrote, and rewrote, and sometimes rewrote again, almost always on a yellow legal pad, until she deemed my words ready to print.

Contact Red Pencil Publicity + Marketing

510.350.7822

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