Diagnose
Find the clearest market path for your manuscript
A strategic review for SFF manuscripts that need stronger positioning, comps, target lane, and package direction — for querying, submitting, or targeting the right press.
What It Is
A strong manuscript still needs a clear path
Knowing where your book fits in the market is not the same as having a good book. Genre ambiguity, weak comps, unclear audience framing, or mismatched submission targets can kill a strong manuscript's chances. The Market Alignment Review identifies exactly where your book fits, what path is most plausible, and what package materials you need to move forward.
What's Included
What we assess
- ✦Format and length viability for your target path
- ✦Genre and audience positioning
- ✦Comparable title (comp) logic and selection
- ✦Target market path recommendation
- ✦Package gap assessment (query letter, synopsis, pitch materials)
- ✦Path risks and stronger alternatives
- ✦Positioning statement draft
- ✦Prioritized next-step recommendation
Transparent Pricing
One flat rate. A clear lane.
The Process
Find your lane.
Submit your manuscript and context
Upload up to 25,000 words. Tell us your intended path: agent querying, small press submission, magazine targeting, or self-publishing.
We assess market positioning
We evaluate genre fit, comp logic, audience alignment, format viability, and package readiness against your stated path.
Receive your alignment report
A written report with positioning statement draft, path recommendation, package gap analysis, and your clearest next step.
Move forward with a clear lane
Whether the path is agents, small presses, magazines, or a pivot — you know exactly where to aim and what you need to get there.
Common Questions
Answers before you start.
Do I need a finished manuscript?
A near-finished or finished manuscript is best. We assess up to 25,000 words, but the review also draws on your synopsis or story summary if provided.
What markets does this cover?
Traditional querying (agents and publishers), small press submission, short fiction magazines, and self-publishing positioning. We assess which path is most plausible for your manuscript and why.
What do I receive?
A written report covering genre/audience positioning, comp analysis, path recommendation, package gap assessment, a positioning statement draft, and clear next steps.
How long does it take?
Delivery within 7 business days.
Can I get editorial help after this?
Yes. The review will indicate whether deeper editorial work is recommended before pursuing your target path, and we can continue with any of our editorial services.
Not sure whether your story needs revision, repositioning, or a different path entirely?
Start with a diagnostic. Most authors discover the answer changes everything.