Mapping the Maze

Dates  |  Pricing and Refunds  |  Schedule   |  Presenters 

Trying to get your work published can feel like wandering in a maze. If you're running into one dead end after another, not sure which way to turn, Poets & Writers can demystify the process and help you reach your destination—publication. 

Mapping the Maze is an online workshop designed for poets and writers of literary prose (fiction and narrative nonfiction) who have developed their craft and are now ready to make a concrete plan for getting their work published. 

In this workshop you will:

  • Learn to prepare submissions to literary journals and presses
  • Get tips on querying literary agents
  • Gain insight into the business side of publishing
  • Network with established authors as they share stories from their own paths to publication
  • Be introduced to Poets & Writers’ online resources
  • Leave with a clear, actionable plan outlining your personal publishing goals and the steps you will take to achieve them 

This workshop might be for you if you are:

  • Ready to submit poems, stories, or essays to literary magazines but don’t know where to begin 
  • Submitting work regularly, but not getting the response you want 
  • Seeking direction on publishing your debut manuscript
  • Interested in exploring agent representation
  • Eager to expand your writing community

DateS

Upcoming Mapping the Maze sessions will be announced January 2024.

**All sessions are hosted via Zoom. Active participation is required and sessions will not be recorded.**

Workshop Pricing and Refunds

Poetry Workshop
Early Bird Fee: $175 (ends on Friday, September 22)
Regular Registration Fee: $225 (ends on Wednesday, November 1)
Discounted Fee: $150* (ends on Wednesday, November 1)
Register for the November poetry workshop today!

*As part of our ongoing United States of Writing initiative, writers who reside in the Detroit, Houston, and New Orleans metro areas are eligible for a discounted rate of $150. 

To ensure more equitable access, a limited number of fee waivers are available, with priority to writers who identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC). Recipients will be notified on a rolling basis. Accepted fee waiver applicants will be responsible for a nominal $25 fee. Apply for a fee waiver!**

**Note: As of September 12, all fee waiver applicants for the November poetry workshop will be added to a waitlist. Applicants will be notified if a spot becomes available.

The registration fee includes a one-year subscription to Poets & Writers Magazine (or an extension of your existing subscription).

Refund Policy

If you are unable to attend, please submit a refund request to publishing_workshops@pw.org. We will issue a full refund for cancellations submitted one week prior to the start of the workshop. Cancellations in the week leading to the start date of class will receive a 50 percent refund. No refunds will be issued once the workshop begins.

Workshop Schedule

Below is an overview of the workshop, which will span five days. To view and download a PDF copy of the November schedule and presenter bios, click here.

November Session (for poetry):
Friday, November 3
7:00-7:15 p.m. ET | Welcome
7:15-8:30 p.m. ET | Publishing 101

Tuesday, November 7
7:00-7:15 p.m. ET | Welcome
7:15-8:30 p.m. ET | How and Why to Publish a Chapbook

Thursday, November 9
7:00-7:15 p.m. ET | Welcome
7:15-8:30 p.m. ET | Submitting to Literary Magazines and Journals

Monday, November 13
7:00-7:15 p.m. ET | Welcome
7:15-8:30 p.m. ET | Working with a Book Editor

Wednesday, November15
7:00-7:15 p.m. ET | Welcome
7:15-8:30 p.m. ET | The Writer's Journey
8:30-8:45 p.m. ET | How to Keep it Going

REGISTER FOR THE POETRY WORKSHOP IN NOVEMBER

 

Presenters

November Session (for poetry):

  • Joshua Bohnsack, Founding Editor, Long Day Press
  • Jari Bradley, Poetry Editor, Gulf Coast and Root Work Journal
  • Lisa Fay Coutley, Chapbook Series Editor, Black Lawrence Press
  • Carlina Duan, Poetry Editor, Michigan Quarterly Review
  • Jessica Faust, Coeditor and Poetry Editor, The Southern Review
  • Roberto Carlos Garcia, Editor, Get Fresh Books
  • Rigoberto Gonzalez, Author, The Book of Ruin (Four Way Books)
  • John Hennessy, Poetry Editor, The Common
  • Cathy Linh Che, Author, Split (Alice James Books)
  • Rachel Mannheimer, Author, Earth Room (Changes Press) 
  • Silvina Lopez Medin, Editor, Ugly Duckling Presse
  • Alyssa Ogi, Editor, Tin House
  • heidi andrea restrepo rhodes, Author, The Inheritance of Haunting (University of Notre Dame Press)
  • Crystal Simone Smith, Managing Editor, Backbone Press
  • Jessica Q. Stark, Poetry Editor, Agni
  • Noah Stetzer, Associate Director, Bull City Press
  • Nikki Ummel, Editor, Bear Review
  • Jenny Xu, Senior Editor, Atria Books

REGISTER FOR THE POETRY WORKSHOP IN NOVEMBER

 

If you have questions about this opportunity, please contact tkehou@pw.org.

If you are not available for these dates and would like to be notified about future workshops, sign up here

Mapping the Maze is supported, in part, by generous gifts from Leonard & Louise Riggio and Macmillan Publishers.