THE OL' WRITE 'N' SEND: An 8-Week Submissions Workshop

This workshop is for writers who need help making the leap from writing to submitting. Maybe you've got a novel on the go, or a memoir, and it'll be a while before that's finished. But you want to start making inroads now in the world of literary magazines and writing contests — not only to begin filling out your bio, but to begin making real connections with the literary community. And maybe you're a little bit anxious about this step forward, and you'd like some pals to hang with.

Each week on Zoom, we'll do a little bit of everything: write together, share our work, and take one small, concrete step toward building a real submissions practice. We'll also write tiny pieces together — flash, micro, short — the kind of work that's ready to send. Even if your big project is the novel, poetry collection or memoir, submitting short work is one of the best ways to build both your author bio and your community.

Each 90-minute session includes:

A little lecture about an aspect of the traditional publishing landscape. A guided tour of a Canadian literary magazine — we'll explore a new one each week so you can start finding homes for your work. A writing session with time to share. And a live editing session between Jaclyn and a volunteer participant, so the whole room can learn from watching editorial feedback happen in real time. (Totally optional — no one's ever on the spot.)

Includes a one-on-one session with Jaclyn to talk about your work, your goals, and your next tiny step.

Who is this workshop for?

Writers who have an existing writing practice and are ready to start putting their work into the world — or want help doing it more consistently. You write literary fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, or hybrid forms. You might be working on something long-form, but you're curious about writing small, submittable pieces in the meantime. You want to learn how the traditional publishing world works, and you want to do it in good company. Oh! And you're mostly interested in publishing in Canada.

Who isn't this workshop for?

Folks who are looking for a craft-only workshop without a publishing focus.

What will you come away with?

A personalized list of literary magazines and contests that are right for your work. A submissions tracking spreadsheet. A polished bio. A submissions calendar. A package of tiny pieces of writing that are revised and ready to send. And a practical understanding of how traditional publishing works so the whole thing can feel less nerve-wracking.

Dates

Tuesdays, 6:00–7:30 PM ET

• May 26, 2026

• June 2, 2026

• June 16, 2026

• June 30, 2026

• July 7, 2026

• July 14, 2026

• July 21, 2026

• July 28, 2026

(No session June 9 or 23)

Details

Length: 8 weeks, 90 minutes per session on Zoom

Max size: 20 participants

Recordings: All sessions will be recorded and shared with participants, so if you miss a week, you won't fall behind.

Genres: Lit fic, poetry, creative nonfiction, and hybrid forms. Not sure if your writing is a good fit? Drop me a line at hello@jaclyn.ink.

1:1 session: Included! 30 minutes long. Scheduled on your own time via Zoom with Jaclyn.

Accessibility: I want this to be a space in which you can feel as comfy as possible in your body. Cameras are always optional. We take a break midway to stretch, get water, do whatever you need. Captions are on. The chat box is a totally valid way to participate — you never have to unmute or share aloud if that's not your thing. You'll never be put on the spot. Recordings go out after every session, and I share materials in advance when I can so you can preview at your own pace. If there's anything else we can do to support your access, please reach out.

Cost: $599 CAD. Afterpay available. If you're interested in seeking funding for this workshop through a grant, I'd be happy to write you a letter of acceptance for your application.