Editorial & mentoring
I work closely with writers on manuscripts and submissions, offering honest, detailed feedback and a clear way into the next draft. I’m a published novelist, founding editor of a literary journal and postgraduate Creative Writing teacher.
Tell me about your projectA focused conversation about the questions holding up your work: structure, voice, a particular section, the next draft or the route towards submission. We agree the focus in advance so you leave with useful decisions to make.
Close editorial attention to the material you plan to send to agents or publishers, including your opening pages and submission documents. We look at what the work promises, how the pitch presents it and what may need another pass.
I read the whole manuscript and return a substantial editorial report, with comments throughout the text. We look at structure, character, voice and pace, as well as passages where the prose could work harder. You’ll have specific examples to return to as you revise.
A bespoke arrangement for writers who want sustained editorial conversation, deadlines and a thoughtful reader alongside them as a book develops. We can shape the work around your manuscript and the stage you are at.
Manuscript assessment
“Patrick has an exceptionally keen editorial eye and an ability to immediately zone in on both what’s working and what isn’t, at line level and in the bigger picture of a novel. His assessment was perceptive, thoughtful and detailed, giving me a much clearer sense of the manuscript’s strengths as well as practical ways to address the areas that needed work. The whole process was personal, friendly and supportive, with a very fast turnaround. He’s an excellent mentor: encouraging and generous, while never shying away from what needs attention. I came away with renewed confidence, not only in the novel, but in my writing. I’d highly recommend working with him.”
— E.D.
Ways to work together
These are starting prices. The final fee depends on manuscript length and the scope of the work; I’ll agree it with you before we begin.
About Patrick
I’m the author of The Language of Remembering, named among RTÉ’s best Irish books of 2025, and Interlude, forthcoming from Ériu/Bonnier Books UK. I’m the 2026 Arts Council Writer in Residence at Maynooth University, where I teach Creative Writing at postgraduate level, and the founding editor of The Four Faced Liar.
My fiction has won the Bath Short Story Award, the Molly Keane Creative Writing Award and Flash 500. I’ve worked with writers through Maynooth, the Irish Writers Centre, UCC, festivals and mentoring programmes. I also write features for The Irish Times, Irish Examiner and IMAGE.
For organisations & editors
I’m available for Creative Writing workshops, guest teaching, literary interviews and chairing, judging, festivals, talks, panels and commissioned journalism. Get in touch with the brief and dates.
Enquire about a bookingAutumn 2026
Two six-week online courses begin in October: one for people beginning to write, and one for experienced writers with a novel already under way.
View the coursesEnquiries
Include the type and length of your project, where you are with it, and the kind of help you think you need. I’ll reply with availability, the best format and a clear fee before anything begins.
Email Patrick