Learn what journals and publishers want in their short stories and short-form collections, strengthen your submissions, and increase your chances for success.

In this workshop we'll look at ways to ensure your work not only gets read but seriously considered for publication. We'll look at the beginnings and endings of short stories, considering where and when risk or narrative surprise could be used for optimal reader engagement. We'll also discuss publisher realities and ways in which to target your collection to the right home for its structure, style, and content. Finally, we'll explore ways to ensure you and your work are taken seriously, unpacking story formatting, submission packages and professional protocols and practices within the literary industry.

Learning outcomes

In this workshop you'll learn more about how to:

Write compelling stories that know when and why to play against type
Differentiate between the needs and processes of literary journals versus the greater book publishing industry
Understand the different readerships and markets for various literary journals and publishing houses
Evaluate how to bring together a cohesive, compelling short story collection for consideration for publication

Format

This is an online workshop with a focus on craft and industry information; it will be hosted via Zoom. This workshop is designed for intermediate writers of short fiction, but is suitable for writers of all levels and backgrounds to attend.

About Laurie

Laurie Steed is an author, mentor and manuscript assessor from Boorloo (Perth), Western Australia. His debut novel, You Belong Here, was shortlisted for the 2018 WA Premier’s Book Awards. His memoir,  Love, Dad, was published in August 2023, and his third book, Greater City Shadows, will be published in February 2024.

For more information about Queensland Writers Centre’s Program of Events and answers to FAQs, please visit: www.queenslandwriters.org.au/program-info