Work With Us

Let’s write your sequel.

The stage is set for your next big moment — a launch, a new program, a fresh brand identity. We’re ready to help craft the story for what’s next.

Start your story

The Full Journey

The Protagonist Arc

When what comes next needs more than new words.

A new direction raises questions a simple rewrite won’t answer. The Arc lets us write your story from the inside out.

Through research and 1-on-1 stakeholder conversations, we’ll explore where your organization is headed, what sets it apart, and what your audience needs to understand.

Together, we’ll work out the shape of your story — your positioning, messages, and your voice. Those discussions become a narrative guide your whole team can use. Then, we’ll create finished copy for your website or other agreed materials, creating a story your team can build on and your audience can believe in.

What you get

  • A full narrative and messaging guide, defining:
    • Positioning
    • Audiences
    • Key messages and voice guidelines
  • Up to 5 pages of website copy (or other agreed-upon material within scope)

Timing

10–12 weeks (dependent on your team’s availability)

Start a conversation

Not sure or need other materials? Reach out, we’ll discuss the possibilities.

The Moment

The Protagonist Sprint

Your direction is set. Now the website has to say it.

It’s clear to you where your organization needs to go. Now, it has to be clear to everyone else.

Bring us your work, your ambitions, and your headaches. We’ll review your materials, ask the questions that get us past the obvious, and find the strongest story underneath it all.

The result? You’ll leave with copy that sounds like the real you — and gives your audience a reason to act.

What you get

  • One-page messaging guide defining:
    • Your central story
    • Key messages
    • Supporting evidence
  • Three agreed pages of finished website copy (or comparable set of scoped written materials)
  • Delivered in three weeks, once your brief and materials are ready
Start your sprint

Website design and development are separate.We contract collaborators as needed, or write with your designer and existing partners in mind.

The Fresh Look

The Story Read

Get a clear look at what needs attention — and what you should do about it.

It happens to all of us. Something’s not working, but you’re not sure why. You’re too close to your work to read it for the first time.

We’re not.

We’ll look at what comes through, what gets lost, and where you’re asking your audience to connect dots themselves. We’ll give you our recommendations on what to keep, what to change, and what deserves your attention. Then, we’ll rewrite your website’s opening so you can see the difference.

You leave with a clear next step. From there, you can take care of it yourself, work with your existing team, or bring us in to fix it.

Illustration: a long-eared dog in reading glasses peers through a magnifying glass at an open book.

What you get

  • Custom Story Brief: what’s working, your central story, and what’s getting in the way
  • Prioritized, page-by-page recommendations
  • A rewritten homepage opening
  • A one-hour Zoom walkthrough to talk it all through

Timing

One week

Start the Story Read

Not sure where to start? This is a good place.

If you book a Sprint or Arc within 30 days, the Story Read is credited toward it in full.

Not every project is a website.

A large hall of people at round tables during a workshop, a presenter on stage beneath a slide reading “Let’s talk about Wants, Goals and Elixirs.”
Close-up of handwritten sticky notes layered on sheets of yellow paper.
Six people work around a long table covered in sticky notes, laptops and papers, in a room with tall windows.
A person writes ideas about partnerships and sponsorships on a whiteboard in purple marker.

A campaign. A case for support. A program, performance, or a brand film. Bring us what you want to make. Like Mary Poppins on a new assignment, our goal is to make your story one to remember, whether that’s writing, creative direction, strategy, or collaborating to make it real.*

Tell us what you’re up to

*Singing not included

Brand Story Workshops

Discover the same story, in the same room.

We’ll shape a working session around the questions you need answered, where we can guide your team to compare perspectives and make real decisions you can use. Available for either a half day, full day, or corporate retreats.

A workshop can stand on its own or bring more voices into the Arc.

Ask about our workshops

[Protagonist] really challenged some of us to think about the organization and our role in a new light.

Annie Kveton President, Board of Directors, Pacific Crest Youth Arts Organization

Questions you might be asking

Does a focused project stay focused?

Yes. A Sprint is three pages and a Read is one week. Anything beyond that is agreed separately, and only if you want it.

Is design or production included?

Not in the Arc, Sprint or Read. They cover story, messaging and writing; website design and development are separate. For campaigns, programs and events, production is scoped with the project.

Can our existing partners take part?

Yes. We write for your designer and work alongside the people you already have.

How are scope and fees agreed?

We talk through the work, agree what’s being made, then send a scope and fee. Nonprofit rates are available, and nonprofits can swap pages for other materials they need. Just tell us.

Schedule a coffee?

Send us a note with your questions, goals, or ideas you want to walk through. We’ll reply within two working days and arrange a quick chat if it would help. Coffee optional.