Poets & Writers

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, this workshop 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. 

We recognize that a poet's publishing journey is different in many ways from that of a prose writer. This edition of Mapping the Maze is designed with poets in mind, and is presented in partnership with Callaloo literary journal.

In this workshop you will:

• Learn to prepare submissions to literary journals and presses
• Gain insight into the business side of publishing
• Network with an established author as they share stories from their own paths to publication
• Be introduced to Poets & Writers’ online resources
• Learn about our presenting partner Callaloo literary journal
• 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 to literary magazines but don’t know where to begin 
• Submitting work regularly, but not getting the response you want 
• Seeking direction on publishing a chapbook or your debut manuscript
• Eager to expand your writing community

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

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. Accepted fee waiver applicants will be responsible for a nominal $25 fee. Apply for a fee waiver!

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

Below is an overview of the workshop, which will span two days. In addition, prior to the workshop, participants will be asked to watch Publishing 101, a video about publishing narrated by Kevin Larimer, editor in chief of Poets & Writers. Participants will be emailed a link to watch the video prior to the workshop.

Monday, June 24
6:15-6:45 p.m. ET | Publishing 101 Q&A w/ Kevin Larimer (editor in chief, Poets & Writers)

6:45-8:00 p.m. ET | Submitting to Literary Magazines & Journals w/ Kyla Kupferstein Torres (executive editor, Callaloo)
A literary magazine editor will share their publication's submissions processes, what they are looking for in new work, and other opportunities. They will also discuss the editorial process, what happens once a work is accepted, and share tips for making sure your submission has the best chance of getting published.

Wednesday, June 26
6:15-7:30 p.m. ET | How and Why to Publish a Chapbook w/ Noah Stetzer (associate director, Bull City Press)
A publisher will explore what makes a chapbook and its value for poets, and share information about their press, including the submission process, contests, and prizes; and what advice they have for a writer who is still finding their way along the publishing journey.

7:30-7:45 p.m. ET | Break

7:45-9:00 p.m. ET | The Writer’s Journey w/ Lynne Thompson (author of Blue on a Blue Palette, BOA Editions 2024)
An acclaimed author will share stories about their literary careers—how they got started and their experience in the publishing world—and offer advice for aspiring and early-career writers.

A special thank you to our partner:



Dr. Charles H. Rowell founded Callaloo in 1976 at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. With its emphasis on critical studies of the arts and humanities, as well as creative writing, Callaloo emerged as the most essential and continuously published journal in matters pertinent to African American and African Diaspora Studies worldwide. The journal publishes original work by and about writers and visual artists of African descent worldwide. Callaloo offers an engaging mixture of fiction, poetry, critical articles, interviews, drama, and visual art.