Alongside writing fiction I take great pleasure in helping others explore the craft, whether seeking to complete a first novel or revisit a manuscript that needs further work, developing plot, character or the prose itself. My interest is in helping fellow writers achieve their own vision, drawing on two decades of experience as both a novelist and a teacher of creative writing to help them avoid pitfalls and (where required) hone a manuscript with an eye to the world of contemporary publishing.

It’s important to me that this service is affordable whatever someone’s income, so there is a sliding scale of prices and I do encourage anyone interested to get in touch. I offer a free 15 minute chat based on a reading of 5-10 pages. Standard pricing is £180 per full session, which includes an hour’s reading/analysis (5000-10,000 words) plus an hour’s one-to-one feedback, either in person or via video link. Discounts for block bookings of five sessions or more are available.

‘Oliver Harris is one of those rare professional writers who are also able to communicate their skills through teaching.  Oliver focused on the task of making my work commercial and I will be forever grateful to him.’

– Myrna Croome

‘Working with Oliver Harris went far beyond my expectations. I have written professionally for many years, but was seeking a new direction. Oliver was immensely helpful and provided excellent guidance without ever encroaching on the creative process. Our discussions were fascinating and he took a genuine interest in the work. In the end he helped me to write a novel which I love, and yet feel is entirely my own! I am hugely grateful to him.’

– Conor Corderoy

‘I loved working with Oliver Harris. His knowledge and encouragement were extremely motivating and I felt I learnt a great deal from his approach to critique. My writing has certainly benefited from his insight.’

– Sophie Parkes-Nield, author of Out of Human Sight (Northodox, 2023)

‘As a tutor [IOliver] is positive and constructive … His focus is on ensuring that the writer’s work becomes a pleasurable experience for the reader. More than anything else, Oliver has given me the confidence to believe in my writing abilities and to pursue my dream of having a piece of work published.’

– Eirlys Wynne, MA student, MMU 2022