Colm Farren
Colm Farren works as a developmental editor, copy editor and proofreader based in Dublin. He largely concentrates on fiction, non-fiction, science fiction & fantasy and mystery & thriller.
Services & Specialisms
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Line Editing
Genres
Fiction · Non-Fiction · Science Fiction & Fantasy · Mystery & Thriller · Memoir & Biography
Languages
English
Availability
Available for immediate projects
Books Colm Has Worked On
A selection of titles Colm has helped bring to life.
Ravelling
By Estelle Birdy · Lilliput Press
Oona
By Alice Lyons · Lilliput Press
Colm's Professional Experience
Freelance literary editor & manuscript assessor with experience being hired by Lilluput Press (Dublin), Dalkey Archive Press (Illionois). Currently a listed editor on Reedsy's online marketplace.
Qualifications & Certifications
I have an MA in Modern English & American Literature from University College Dublin.
From 2013 to 2021 I worked with The Lilliput Press as their principal out-of-house reader, in which time I appraised hundreds of manuscripts, both fiction and non-fiction, providing analysis, criticism, feedback and endorsement for work from such authors as Donal Ryan, Rob Doyle, Sam Coll, Elske Rahill, Pat McCabe, J.P. Donleavy, Mike McCormack, Richard Kearney, Aidan Mathews, Sara Baume, Michael D. Higgins, and others. I have also edited published works for Lilliput.
From 2018-19 I worked as a copy-editor and proofreader for The Dalkey Archive Press in Illinois.
I have written over fifty short book reviews for The Irish Times, covering fiction and non-fiction and authors such as José Saramago, Orhan Pamuk, David Mamet, Will Self, and Julian Barnes.
I have also worked as a script- and editing-consultant on film and television projects with Ishka Films and Cosmic Cobalt.
What Colm's Clients Say
Verified reviews from clients they have worked with
“Boundless appreciation: my editor Colm Farren for astuteness, clarity & banter in the track-changes.”
“There’s one person without whose contribution there simply wouldn’t be a book - a gift from Lilliput - editor Colm Farren. Thanks to him for every edit, every pretend argument, every bird photo, every story. He stitched the book together, took it apart and stitched it back better each time. I am proud and grateful to call him a friend.”
“Sensitive and thorough ... I commend his work without hesitation.”
“Thank you to Colm Farren, a very, very good editor – the best I’ve known.”
"Working with Colm Farren has been an absolute pleasure and one of the most valuable parts of my publishing journey ... His feedback consistently strengthens clarity, pacing, and emotional impact while preserving the author’s voice. He never imposes his own vision; instead, he refines and elevates the story you’re trying to tell. The result is always a stronger, more resonant manuscript that still feels unmistakably your own ... He truly understands story, character, and reader experience, and working with him feels like a genuine partnership rather than a transactional edit. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colm Farren
What services does Colm Farren offer?
Colm Farren offers the following services: Developmental Editing, Copy Editing, Proofreading, Line Editing.
What genres does Colm Farren specialize in?
Colm specializes in Fiction, Non-Fiction, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Mystery & Thriller, Memoir & Biography.
Is Colm Farren currently accepting new clients?
Colm is currently accepting new clients.
How do I contact Colm Farren?
Visit Colm's website at https://colmfarren.com/ to enquire about working together. Most professionals respond within a few business days.
Try Manuscript Analysis
You'll get more value from working with a professional if you polish your manuscript first. ProWritingAid helps you fix structural and other common issues so you get more from every editing or coaching session.