Seventh Stories | Editorial Assessments
A focused editorial assessment for writers readying their manuscript for submission to agents.
Each cohort is strictly limited to 10 writers. We accept manuscripts up to 85,000 words.
This is a focused, industry-level evaluation of your full manuscript, delivered by our in-house development editor in the form of a structured editorial report (approximately 6 pages). It is designed to reflect how your work will be received in a real submission environment - by agents and editors making fast, competitive decisions.
Each report typically includes:
how your synopsis positions the manuscript
how your opening reads at submission level
clarity of voice, structure, and narrative drive
key strengths already present in the work
areas that may impact agent response
how the manuscript sits within the current market
an overall assessment of submission readiness
Where appropriate, promising submissions may be flagged internally for consideration by Seventh Agency agents, should there be interest in representation.
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Your Questions,
Answered.
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Seventh Stories Editorial Evaluation, for full manuscripts (for a maximum of 85,000 words) costs £450 per manuscript.
Places are limited per intake, and for the August 2026 intake we have 10 places.
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You will receive a written editorial report (around 6 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 editorial 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 signed-up for a editorial evaluation, you’ll be sent a upload link along with full submission guidance.
Manuscripts should be uploaded between 13 JULY 2026 and 31 JULY 2026.
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Submission deadline:
Friday 31 July 2026
Editorial reports delivered:
Friday 7th September 2026
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No, this isn’t a pitching opportunity or a submission route into Seventh Agency.
The Editorial Evaluation 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