I’m an experienced creative writing tutor, having tutored for the Creative Writing Summer School at the University of St Andrews for ten years and for the Open College of the Arts  for eight years.

I now work freelance, offering one-to-one creative writing mentoring services, so whether you’re a  beginner looking to get started with creative writing, or have a piece almost ready to submit to agents/editors that you’d like to polish, I would be delighted to work with you.

As a writer of fiction, poetry and creative non-fiction, I work with writers in all forms and genres. As well as mentoring and editing services, I also offer one-to-one Zoom/phone chats, so if you’d like to discuss any aspect of the creative process – including finding time to write, getting ideas, redrafting, etc. then I can offer you a one-to-one conversation focused on your needs. Or perhaps you’d like to find out more about the professional side of being a writer – entering competitions, placing your work with journals and magazines, querying agents or getting a publishing deal.

I’m also available for readings, Q&A sessions, workshops and residential courses. I’ve led workshops at many book festivals including Sheffield’s ‘Off the Shelf’ Book Festival and Ilkley Literature Festival, and I’m registered with the Scottish Book Trust’s Live Literature Database. I  give talks and writing workshops for schools and community groups, and am happy to devise workshops and courses to fit with existing interests.

To connect with me about any aspect of my tutoring services, please get in touch via the Contact page.

Testimonials from previous mentees:

“Victoria’s approach to editing and storytelling is rigorous, considered and comprehensive, yet also brings with it her own personal brand of enthusiasm, kindness and her vast reservoir of experience as teacher and writer. She is a joy to work with, leaving one with a precious sense of uplift and possibility afterwards. ”

Lauren Mackenzie, mentee (debut novel THE COUPLES forthcoming from John Murray, July 2023)

“Writing a novel is a lonely experience and I was suffering from ‘imposter syndrome’, convinced that I was wasting my time. What I liked most about working with Vicky was that her feedback was so encouraging and inspired me to keep going but, at the same time, she also provides an honest and useful appraisal. I would highly recommend Vicky’s critique services to any writer at any stage of their writing process.”

Gemma Al-Khayat, mentee.

“Vicky is a very accomplished editor with a sharp eye for factual, grammatical and stylistic detail as well as a strong sense of the overall manuscript. Her comments on rhythm, sound, and my verbal tics helped me to polish my style. Her readings of my characters and plot were sensitive and thoughtful. This gentle but rigorous approach made it easy for me to absorb any constructive criticisms, knowing that Vicky had faith in my overall project and my ability to achieve it. ”

Charlotte Clutterbuck, mentee.