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 for emerging writers who are ready to make a plan for getting their work published. Over two days, writers will receive guidance from trusted professionals to help them navigate the literary marketplace and take their next steps with confidence. This edition of Mapping the Maze is designed for fiction writers.

In this workshop, writers will:

Learn to identify the right publications for their work
Discover tools to research literary magazines, contests, and agents
Receive guidance on preparing and submitting work
Learn what agents do and what they’re looking for in a query letter
Interact with industry professionals during Q&A
Gain exposure to diverse publishing paths and experiences
Leave with a clearer understanding of the publishing industry to support their personal goals

This class is for writers who are:

Ready to begin submitting work for publication
Seeking foundational knowledge of the publishing process
Curious about building and sustaining a literary life
Interested in learning from industry professionals
Looking to grow their literary network

To ensure equitable access to classes for writers who might not otherwise be able to cover registration fees, a limited number of fee waivers are available. We encourage applications from writers traditionally underrepresented in publishing, including, but not limited to, writers who identify as Black, Indigenous, persons of color, immigrants, writers with disabilities, LGBTQ+ writers, writers residing outside of major cities, and writers who do not have an MFA or equivalent degree. Please submit fee waiver applications no later than two weeks before the first session of the workshop. If granted a fee waiver, you will be responsible for a nominal $25 fee. Apply for a fee waiver!

Below is an overview of the workshop, which will span two days:

Monday, September 29, 2025

6:00-7:00 p.m. EDT | Welcome & Publishing 101 Q&A w/Kevin Larimer (editor in chief, Poets & Writers)
A Poets & Writers editor will introduce essential P&W resources and answer questions related to our Publishing 101 video, which participants will be asked to watch prior to the workshop.

7:00-8:00 p.m. EDT | Submitting to Literary Magazines & Journals w/Walker Caplan (coeditor in chief, Joyland Magazine)
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, October 1, 2025

6:00-7:00 p.m. EDT | Working with an Agent w/Duvall Osteen (agent, UTA)
A literary agent will offer tips on how to identify agents best suited for the writer and their project, share what makes for an effective query letter, describe what they do and don’t do for their clients, and touch upon much more.

7:00-8:00 p.m. EDT | The Writer’s Journey w/Mateo Askaripour (author, Black Buck and This Great Hemisphere)
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.

Each session will include a Q&A period with the featured presenters. Writers will also be given a planning sheet with resources, reflective questions, and activities to aid progress well beyond the workshop.

Mapping the Maze for Fiction Writers: Chart Your Path to Publication