Welcome

Image of Colleen Toomey. She wears a black shirt and is standing in front of a gray wall.

Toomey Tales is an interdisciplinary writing studio led by Colleen Toomey.

Anchored in the belief that everyone has a worthy story to tell, my practice centers on creative storytelling, strategic communications planning, and sharp editing skills for every project.

In my formal professional life, I manage brand communications, storytelling and thought leadership writing for one of the largest project management firms in the built environment sector.

Drawing on 15 years of diverse experience, my independent work with Toomey Tales focuses on creative and artistic enterprise, small businesses, and grassroots community builders.

Whether you are just getting started, looking to refresh old content, or just need someone to keep the ball rolling, I’m ready to work with you.

Toomey Tales is based in New York City, and a registered dba with the State of New York. Contact me via colleen@toomeytales.com.


Philosophy of Work

  • Everyone has worthwhile story to tell and everyone has the ability to be a great writer and editor. Creating and editing other’s work is about collaboration and a meaningful exchange of knowledge. It is not about judgement and prescriptive application of old language norms.

  • True style is always rooted in real substance. No jargon, no B.S. buzzwords, or Chat GPT copypasta. I help clients and project partners to get the heart of a story with accuracy and the right details that keep readers and audiences engaged.

  • Empirical evidence and peer-reviewed research are the basis of effective decision-making and public policy.

  • Exposure does not pay bills. All creators, editors, artists, and freelancers deserve to be paid fees that reflect our time, talent and economic realities. Cheap labor is a byproduct of exploitation and often yields disappointing results for everyone.


Key Services

  • Copy editing

  • E-newsletters, blog, and social media writing

  • Editorial writing and planning

  • Nonprofit funding proposals

  • Resume, professional development, portfolios, presentations

  • Public relations and outreach plans

  • Stakeholder analysis, mapping, and surveys

This is just a sample of project types. Get in touch with me to learn more about how we can work together.


Homepage Cover Art: Billy Huynh