Seventh Stories presents The Literary Lab.
This is a focused editorial and submission-readiness process for writers preparing to query fiction. It combines professional editorial evaluation with direct insight from literary agents.
The aim is simple. To give you a realistic sense of how your work is likely to be received at submission stage, what is already working, and what may still be holding it back.
Places are limited per cohort to ensure each submission receives proper editorial attention.
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How it works
You’ll submit the first 6,000 words of your manuscript alongside a synopsis. Our in-house development editor will review your work and deliver a focused, two-page evaluation that examines how effectively your voice, premise, and narrative direction establish themselves on first read.
You’ll receive clear, practical feedback on what is already working in your favour, what may be limiting agent engagement, and how your opening is likely to be interpreted by industry readers making fast decisions. You’ll also be given a clear sense of whether the manuscript feels ready to submit or would benefit from further development before approaching agents.
Agent Insight
Alongside your editorial report, you’ll join a live 90-minute online session with three literary agents, offering a candid look at how manuscripts are received in a real submissions inbox. You’ll hear what immediately draws attention, what leads to hesitation, and how agents make early decisions on whether a project moves forward.
We explore what agents look for in opening pages, why manuscripts are rejected at first glance, how positioning shapes the way your work is read, and what helps a project stand out in a competitive market. You’ll also have the chance to ask questions, gaining direct insight into the realities of querying and submission.
Who It’s For
The Literary Lab is for writers approaching submission who want a clear, honest sense of how their work is likely to be received in a real industry context.
It’s especially valuable if you’re preparing to query agents, unsure whether your manuscript is truly ready, or looking for a professional perspective before you submit. It also helps if you need clarity on what still needs work, or whether you’re at the stage where it’s worth sending out now.
If your manuscript feels close, but you want an experienced, industry-informed view before taking the next step, this is designed for you.
Your Questions,
Answered.
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The Literary Lab costs £225 per place.
This includes your editorial assessment and access to the live 90-minute agent insight session.
Places are limited per cohort, and once the cohort is full, booking will close.
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You will receive a written editorial report (around 2 pages) offering a considered, structured response to your submission.
This will typically include:
how your opening reads at submission level
the clarity of voice, structure, and narrative direction
key strengths in the work as it currently stands
areas that may affect how agents respond
how the manuscript is likely to be positioned in the market
and a clear sense of submission readiness
The aim is to give you an honest, useful reflection of how your work is landing at this stage, from an industry perspective.
This is not a line edit, but a submission-focused evaluation.
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Your manuscript will be reviewed by our in-house development editor.
They work closely across our fiction list and editorial projects, helping shape manuscripts at different stages so they are as strong and clear as possible for submission and publication.
Their focus is on how a piece is likely to be received in the current market, and what an agent would take from a first reading.
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Submission window:
Once you’ve booked your place, you’ll be sent a private upload link along with full submission guidance.
Manuscripts should be uploaded between 24 April and 15 May 2026.Submission deadline:
Friday 15 May 2026
Editorial reports delivered:
Friday 5 June 2026
Agent group session (live):
Saturday 20 June 2026
Group 1 (11am - 12.30pm)
Group 2 (1pm-2.30pm)
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You will receive your report once the cohort has been fully reviewed.
We’ll share a clear timeline with you at the point of booking, along with all submission deadlines, so you know exactly what to expect.
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Once you join The Literary Lab, you will receive:
full submission instructions
your cohort timeline and deadlines
details for the live agent session
confirmation of your place
From there, you’ll simply follow the steps at your own pace within the cohort window.
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No, this isn’t a pitching opportunity or a submission route into Seventh Agency.
The Literary Lab is designed as an independent editorial and submission-readiness process, rather than a pathway into representation.
That said, your manuscript will be read in-house, and if anything feels particularly strong or shows clear potential for representation or development, it may be flagged internally for further review.
This is not a formal pipeline into the agency, and it should be approached as a standalone editorial experience focused on helping you prepare for submission.
Testimonials
“Excellent value for money and so great to meet other writers, all writing in different genres and at different stages of their individual journeys. Really helpful editorial evaluation from Seventh agency. Highly recommend!”
— Amanda“The manuscript assessment was very clear, constructive and helpful. Some good encouragement and welcome tips on how to improve my writing. The course itself was very insightful about the industry with good practical sessions.”
— John“Seventh Stories lifted the curtain of the publishing industry, with direct access to a successful editor to answer the flurry of questions I had. The feedback on my first two chapters has helped me better understand how to polish my work, ready to query agents. Thank you, Clare Hey and Seventh Stories!”
— Faye