Manuscript Assessment, Mentoring & Editing
Manuscript Assessment
In 2011, I started my company The Reader Berlin to offer manuscript assessment. The Reader evolved to offer a whole host of creative writing courses, literary events and services, but manuscript assessment was where it all began. There’s little I like better than reading a a novel, non-fiction manuscript, or short story collection, working out what the writer’s vision is, and what in the current draft is serving/not serving them. I’ve undertaken assessments for authors across a range of genres, and I have a particular interest in structure.
After an initial consultation to find out where you are with your project, I’ll read your work and write a report. This is akin to a developmental edit with an initial focus on the big picture. I construct my feedback to be helpful, incorporating suggestions and possible fixes where appropriate. After I send you your assessment, we can meet online to discuss any queries you have and your planned edits, plus the publishing avenues you may want to explore.
If you are interested, please get in touch via the contact form and tell me a bit about yourself and your work, including whether your manuscript is complete or a partial, the genre, how long it is and how many drafts it has been through. I will then send you a quote and one or two anonymised reports I’ve written so you can be sure you will get what you are looking for.
Testimonials
“Working with Victoria was a turning point in my writing journey. Her manuscript assessment was thoughtful, insightful, and genuinely helpful. She offered clear guidance not only for my work, but through the publishing process, and gave me meaningful encouragement throughout. Thanks to her mentorship, I connected with my literary agent, who went on to secure a seven-way auction for my debut. I quite literally owe Victoria my writing career! I’m incredibly grateful for the way she has helped me change my life.”
Ishi Robinson, author of THE SWEETNESS IN THE SKIN, Harper Collins
“Victoria provides a critical eye, which is crucial when developing any work—whether it be a novel, non-fiction or short stories—for publication. She is able to see ‘the big picture’ of what you are trying to do, when you are too close to see it for yourself.”
Brigid Delaney, author of WILD THINGS, WELLMANIA and REASONS NOT TO WORRY
“Victoria is my best and first choice reader. I have huge respect for her judgement and I couldn’t have finished my novel without her.”
Kenneth Macleod, author of THE INCIDENT, Weidenfeld & Nicolson
“Victoria has been editing my work for more than a decade. She gave me the confidence to keep writing at a time when I was ready to give it up. From my first novel to my third, hers is the editorial voice I trust most. She knows how to help me write the book I want to write, and her feedback always helps me move in that direction. She is generous with her praise, and also pulls no punches with her critical feedback. She has a keen eye and excellent insight into what I'm trying to achieve, even when I get lost. She has often picked out red threads in the narrative that I didn't even realize were there, and then helped me to bring these to the surface. As a writer who produces far too many words in pursuit of a story, I value the work Victoria does to help me hone it all down into a tight, sharp narrative. In addition to the writing itself, she's given me excellent advice on how to navigate the publishing world, from publishing my first short stories, to finding an agent, to signing my first publishing contract. I hesitate to write this glowing testimonial only because I'm afraid she will find so many new writers who value her skills and experience as an editor that she will have no more time for me! And I want all of her attention!”
Alissa Jones Nelson
Mentoring
Without structure or support, it’s easy for writing to end up at the bottom of the to-do list. Mentoring provides ongoing accountability, deadlines, feedback and encouragement. Whether you are part-way through a novel-writing marathon, or seeking to establish a regular writing routine and find your voice, I can help you reach your writing goals.
How does it work? Reach out via the contact form and tell me a bit about yourself and what you’re looking for and I’ll respond. If I think I’m the right person for you, we’ll set up an initial free online consultation to talk further. Clients usually book a number of sessions which we will schedule at intervals – sometimes weekly, sometimes monthly – depending on what they need. Prior to a session, an agreed amount of writing is submitted for me to give feedback on. We can also talk about any challenges you face with your writing routine or discuss getting your work published. If you need a sounding board, an editor, a collaborator, a cheerleader or a drill instructor, I can help.
How much does it cost? A little depends on the number of sessions booked (I give a 10% discount when you book five or more) and how many thousand words you want to submit before each session. To give you some idea, a single mentoring session with up to 3000 words reading beforehand would cost £75. However, if you want to send me your novel in 10k chunks, we can organise for that to happen too.
Testimonials
“I would not be the writer I am without Victoria Gosling. Her legacy in Berlin, The Reader, is an organisation that has allowed me to take myriad courses in all kinds of writing with the best tutors, while also connecting with an amazing community. I’ve been lucky enough to attend all of The Reader retreats and her feedback has been consistently brilliant - insightful and encouraging, with valuable ‘big picture’ information on the industry as well as a knack for finding what is working in a story, and what needs work. I wholeheartedly recommend her services to both new and established writers alike.” — Dan Ayres
“I started as the least experienced writer in Victoria’s Introduction to Fiction class, but she never let that define me. Her mentoring style is remarkably adaptive. She meets each writer where they are. Over five years, Victoria has guided me with support and encouragement, while always being honest about what could hold me back from getting published. Her straight-talking insights, honest feedback, and sharp editorial eye have been invaluable. She’s been there every step of the way from recommending the right writing coaches early on to helping me navigate publishing workshops, query letters, and synopses. The accountability, deadlines, and structure she provides have kept me on track and helped me finish my novel.” — Lydia Ciesluk
“I’ve worked with Victoria intermittently since 2012 — first on the manuscript of my debut novel, and most recently on a collection of short stories about female sexuality. It’s always a pleasure to work with her; she is insightful, encouraging, and genuinely caring. Whether long or short works, Victoria's development notes are gold, offering invaluable guidance on structure, genre, character, and tone. She’s equally strong at line editing, bringing precision and polish.
As a published writer and the founder of The Reader Berlin, she has invaluable insight into the publishing world and the marketing aspects every aspiring author must navigate. She is warm, personable, and generous. You receive written notes along with an online editorial session, giving you the chance to explore your work in depth.
I see my relationship with Victoria as a long-term creative journey and an excellent investment in my writing. I highly recommend working with her — she will help take your work to the next level.” — Shlomit Lasky
Editing
Have you written a book or document that you are preparing to publish, either online or in print? If so, you may want the services of a professional editor to whip your manuscript into shape. This might take the form of a developmental edit, which looks at the structure and organisation of your material, or a line edit, to ensure your prose reads smoothly and clearly, without confusion or unnecessary repetition.
I have worked with a wide range of authors to ensure their work meets the reader in tip-top condition. From self-help books, to short story collections, to anti-corruption white papers, you can rely on me to bring clarity, polish, and focus to your writing.
Whether you need a fresh pair of eyes on the big picture or a meticulous edit at the sentence level, my goal is always the same: to help you say what you mean, ensuring your voice remains intact while your message comes across with maximum impact.
If you’d like to discuss your project – or simply get a sense of what kind of edit might serve you best – please get in touch.