“Patrick is a skilled editor. With my manuscript, he could illuminate both the overall structure and minute details in a compelling way. He struck the perfect balance between support and truth-telling. I had questions bouncing around about my story and he provided concrete answers that helped me get right back to work. More than that, he listened to me, and had a great intuitive sense of what I was trying to do, so I trusted his advice. I cannot recommend his services highly enough.”
— Anne, novelist

Manuscript Services

  • Conceptual Edits

  • Story Development

  • Line Edits / Critique

Working with...

  • Novels

  • Short Stories

  • Essays

  • Memoir

  • Experimental / Multi-Genre Work

“A writer is someone for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people.” —Thomas Mann 

As solitary as it is, writing a book – or an essay, or a short story – is almost impossible to do on your own. Thankfully, we have editors.

For writers who’ve completed a manuscript but aren’t ready for the querying or submission stage, I offer a variety of editorial services. Whether a line-by-line critique, an overall one-time evaluation, or an in-depth, ongoing consultation, my goal is to bring writers outside of their perceptions and into the manuscript itself, ensuring that all its questions are, if not resolved, at least addressed, and that you’ve created the strongest possible novel, essay, or story within your abilities. With a strict eye toward pacing, tone, character, syntax, vocabulary, plot developments, prose style, and structure – and by raising a few difficult questions along the way – we’ll work together to put your manuscript through a rigorous and thorough reading, anticipating many of the questions or hesitations both editors and agents may bring once they have a chance to take a look.

The revision process doesn’t have to be dull or intimidating. With strong direction and the right questions, it can be as invigorating as the first time you sat down to bring your idea to paper. For rates and terms, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

More from recent clients:

"Patrick Nathan creatively thinks through your writing to ensure an active logic exits within all the lines. Working with him is a professional experience. Everything is upfront: pricing, expectations, and turnaround. Nathan recognizes economy in language, while being mindful of the individual voice on the page. His straightforward feedback saves time. He’s a fellow writer and journeyman. And, his unique editorial insights are instinctual and researched to add value to your material.” — Yvonne, essayist + memoirist

“I worked with Patrick on multiple stages in my writing. He helped me shoot an azimuth towards where I wanted to take my work. He also helped me refine my narrative to better get the assumptions in my head down on paper. I would work with him again in a heartbeat.” — Kristian, novelist

"I worked very happily with Patrick Nathan on some stories of mine.  He has an acute, sensitive eye, and is able to see 'macro' problems in addition to being a superb line editor, sentence by sentence.  I'm glad I got to work with him, and recommend him highly." — Greg, novelist + short story writer