What is coaching?

note: I am currently closed to new coaching clients. I will open to new writers in October 2025. Email me if you’d like to be notified when I re-open.

Coaching with Niamh Mulvey is a service for writers. You book a slot and we talk through any creative problems or challenges you are having in your work. It’s a bit like therapy, but for your novel (or children’s book, or memoir or non-fiction project). I work with some writers on a regular basis (usually monthly, sometimes more frequently); others just on a one-off, to help with a particular problem.

I’ve worked with writers for over ten years now. In my previous life as a commissioning editor at a leading UK publishing house, I would read and re-read my authors’ work and then write up long, detailed editorial letters that outlined ways in which I thought the work could be improved. This was deep work – intensive, creative, collaborative – and it taught me a lot about storytelling, story structure and artistic sensitivity.

I still work like this sometimes, but with many writers, especially those who have not yet been published, I’ve found that one-to-one coaching approach is a better approach. It is more affordable for the writer, and is usually more fun too. My clients appreciate my artistic understanding and insights, as well as my knowledge of the publishing world.

How does it work?

You book a slot with me here, and you tell me about your work and the problems or challenges you are going through as you write it. I help you work through it.

I offer introductory 20-min consultations for free. This is a chance for us to get a sense of whether we can work well together.

I don’t have to read any work in advance, but I can, if you’d like me to. We can discuss this in our introductory session.

How do I know if you are any good?

Testimonials! Read them here.

As a former commissioning editor at a major UK publishing house and an author with a book deal at another major UK publishing house, I have a unique insight into the ins-and-outs of the publishing world. Most importantly, I understand and respect the way artists think and work, and my respect for this process is central to everything I do.

What kind of writers do you work with?

I have worked with writers of: literary fiction, literary non-fiction, children’s fiction, young adult fiction, picture books, middle grade fiction, thrillers, romantic fiction and historical fiction. I write literary fiction myself.

How much does it cost?

The first twenty-minute session is free.

Coaching is €100 per hour if you pay as you go. Packages of hours are sold at the below rates. Reading and coaching time is charged at the same rate; I read approx 7k-8k words per hour. If you wish me to read in advance of a call, please send the pages 3-4 days in advance. New clients must book in a (free) introductory session before the first full coaching session.

3-hour packages are €270

5-hour packages are €425

10-hour packages are €890