Seventh Stories | Submission Review.
This is a focused editorial and submission-readiness process for writers preparing to query fiction. It combines professional editorial evaluation with an industry-informed perspective on what agents are looking for at submission stage.
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.
We only offer limited places per cohort to ensure each submission receives proper editorial attention.
You can take a look at our testimonials HERE.
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How it works
You’ll submit the first 8,000 words of your manuscript alongside a query letter and one-page synopsis. Our in-house development editor will review your submission as a whole, considering how effectively your voice, premise and narrative direction establish themselves in your sample chapters, as well as how your query and synopsis position the work for agents.
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.
Who It’s For
The Submission Review 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.
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 Submission Review costs £175 per submission package.
You’ll receive a written editorial report covering your 8,000-word sample, query letter and one-page synopsis, with focused feedback on strengths, areas for development and your overall submission readiness
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You will receive a written editorial report 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 by Tuesday, 13 October 2026.Submission deadline:
Tuesday 13 October 2026
Submission Reviews delivered:
Friday 13 November 2026
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Once you request a Submission Review, you will receive:
full submission instructions
your timeline and deadlines
From there, you’ll simply follow the steps at your own pace within the submission timeframe outlined.
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No, this isn’t a pitching opportunity or a submission route into Seventh Agency.
The Submission Review, alongside all our other offerings 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