Welcome to the Alternative Literary Consultancy
At the Alternative Literary Consultancy, we’re doing things differently. Tired of lofty promises from consultancies that claim to fast-track you to the front of an agent’s queue, we offer real, practical support built on genuine publishing experience. Founded by Damien Mosley—the Booker Prize–nominated editor and The Bookseller Rising Star 2023, as well as co-founder of Indie Novella and the Alternative Book Fair—our consultancy is a no-nonsense, collaborative space dedicated to helping you make your book the best it can be.
We understand that publishing isn’t about shortcuts. It’s about hard work, perseverance, and getting the basics right. Whether you’re grappling with your first draft, stuck in a manuscript slump, or fine-tuning your work for submission, our team is here to help. Our services range from standard editorial assessments and detailed line-edited reports to submission support and full mentoring packages—tailored to meet you exactly where you are in your writing journey.
What We Offer (and what we don’t)
At The Alternative Literary Consultancy, we believe in honest, practical support for writers. We’re here to help develop your craft for the long haul—not to sell you the dream of overnight success. Our manuscript assessments, in-depth editorial feedback, coaching, and submission package reviews are designed to make you a better writer, equipping you with the skills and insights to strengthen your work, draft by draft.
Unlike other consultancies that claim to “scout for agents” or promise to “put you at the front of an agent’s queue,” we reject the idea of fast-tracking writers through the industry. These misleading claims often leave authors out of pocket, with assessments that offer little practical guidance for improving their manuscript. The reality? Agents and publishers don’t make decisions based on consultancy referrals alone—they invest in work that is ready.
That’s where we come in.
As experienced editors and publishers, we understand both what makes a compelling story and what resonates with readers and the market. We’ll work closely with you to hone your plot, refine your structure, and sharpen your storytelling, leaving you with a clear, actionable plan to take your work forward. And when the time comes to submit, we’ll offer honest insights into the publishing landscape, so you can approach agents with confidence—on the strength of your writing alone.
No gimmicks, no false promises. Just expert, thoughtful guidance to help you take your manuscript to the next level.
Who we are
The Alternative Literary Consultancy was founded by the award winning editorial team behind Indie Novella, born out of a simple but pressing demand from our writing course students: Do you offer manuscript assessments?
As individuals we champion accessibility in publishing and support emerging writers. We also recognise that many authors needed more individual attention—guidance tailored specifically to their manuscript, rather than generic industry advice. That’s why we created The Alternative Literary Consultancy: a place for honest, fair, and empowering editorial support that helps writers develop their craft, rather than selling them empty promises.
At the heart of this consultancy is Damien Mosley and Kate Pasola—Damien is a professional editor, author, and writing tutor. As a commissioning editor, Damien has worked with scores of authors, taking their work from manuscript to bookshop shelves. Damien has published acclaimed writers, including V. S. Pritchett Shortlisted and Booker Prize-nominated author Martin Raymond, Watson Little x Indie Novella Prize winner Sue Amos, and former Disney animator Sarah Airriess. Kate is an award winning journalist and editor who has brought to print titles such as Don’t Go To Work The World Is Ending and Teardrop.
Our approach is hands-on and collaborative. We don’t sit at a distance, critiquing from afar. Instead, we work with you as partners, offering practical insights and actionable feedback, drawn from years of experience editing both fiction and non-fiction. Just as Indie Novella has always sought to level the playing field in publishing, this consultancy exists to help every writer have a real shot at success—not through gimmicks or shortcuts, but through better writing, stronger storytelling, and a clearer path forward.
If you’re looking for a consultancy that values real insight, honest feedback, and a belief in your potential, you’ve come to the right place. Welcome to The Alternative Literary Consultancy—where we help you turn your manuscript into the best version of itself.
Martin Raymond, Lotte
“I couldn’t have asked for a better experience than with Damien and Gina. The tone was warm and respectful, the suggestions were always constructive and insightful. I trusted their judgement because they put time into understanding what I had set out to do. It wasn’t just about taking scissors to my lovely manuscript - although that was necessary - their ideas for additional material developed the characters and deepened the narrative.”
Paul Dalton, Don’t Go To Work, The World Is Ending
“Kate and Damien's editorial advice was invaluable in writing my novel. They understood what I wanted to say and through their comments I was able to filter, edit and rewrite my story to make it the best it could be. Throughout the process they were thoughtful, clear and knowledgeable.”
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Contact Us
Please this form to contact us with any queries or to submit your synopsis and the first 10 pages of your manuscript for assessment. Once we’ve reviewed your material, we’ll suggest a tailored package to suit your needs.
Our editorial team works across a wide range of fiction and nonfiction genres, including but not limited to: historical, thriller, contemporary, drama, women’s fiction, book club, commercial, literary, crime, Young Adult, SFF, romance, erotica, memoir, narrative nonfiction, creative nonfiction, short stories, and horror.
If you’re unsure which genre your work falls into, feel free to get in touch—we’re happy to help you figure it out.
We’ll communicate with you via email when assessing your material and for sharing reports and editor feedback. Also, if you prefer to contact us over email please do so at editorial@alternativeliteraryconsultancy.co.uk