{"product_id":"premise-to-publish-fiction-writing-seminar-online","title":"Premise to Publish: Short Fiction Bootcamp Zoom Seminar with Michael Costaris on Sunday, January 31st, 2027","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eBegins Sunday, January 31st, 2027\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass Times by Time Zone:\u003c\/strong\u003e Los Angeles (PST): 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM \/ Chicago (CST): 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM \/ New York (EST): 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM \/ London (GMT): 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM \/ Berlin (CET): 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA recording will be provided for those who cannot attend live.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstructor Bio\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eInstructor Michael Costaris is a writer and screenwriter based in Toronto, Canada. He is the fiction editor at \u003cem\u003eThe Adroit Journal\u003c\/em\u003e, where he also conducts in-depth author interviews on craft and process. His fiction has appeared in \u003cem\u003eThe Baffler, Maudlin House, X-R-A-Y, Toronto Journal, BULL, Does It Have Pockets\u003c\/em\u003e, and many more. He is a regular contributor to Becky Tuch's \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Lit Mag News on Substack\" href=\"https:\/\/litmagnews.substack.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLitMag News\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, where he publishes craft articles about short fiction, covering topics from opening lines to cover letters to submission strategy. A certified public and private school teacher with fifteen years of classroom experience, Michael has taught numerous creative writing courses and runs private editing workshops. He is currently at work on a short story collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Meet the Teaching Artist: Michael Costaris on First Impressions, the Slush Pile, and Getting Published\" href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/meet-the-teaching-artist-michael-costaris-premise-to-publish-fiction-seminar\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eMichael Costaris on First Impressions, the Slush Pile, and Getting Published\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eWho is this class for?\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis online writing class is for beginning and intermediate fiction writers who have made the leap into short fiction but feel overwhelmed by the craft and business of the form. Whether you're struggling to shape an idea into a workable story or unsure where and how to submit your work, this seminar will give you the tools and confidence to move forward. Open to introductory and intermediate levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to expect:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn this three-hour online fiction seminar, you'll receive a concentrated, comprehensive bootcamp on the short story — moving from initial concept to a structured outline ready for submission. This intensive writing workshop covers both the artistic and professional dimensions of contemporary short fiction in a single session.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe seminar begins at the level of concept, examining what distinguishes a viable short story premise from a novel-length idea. You'll learn how scope, compression, and thematic focus determine form, and how to shape an idea so it functions powerfully within the constraints of short fiction. Drawing on his experience as a fiction editor at The Adroit Journal, Michael will analyze the elements that allow a story to rise above the slush pile: precision in description, disciplined pacing, character construction, authentic dialogue, and thematic cohesion. The session will address openings and endings in detail, focusing on how to hook a reader from the first line and finish on a show-stopping note.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe final portion of the intensive focuses on the business of short fiction. Where should you submit your work? What defines a reputable or strategically valuable magazine? How should you think about tiers, goals, and long-term positioning? What makes an effective cover letter? You'll review practical tools and submission resources that allow you to research markets intelligently and place your work strategically. Interactive exercises will include the screenwriting technique of loglining to build a story outline and hands-on editing of opening lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are the writing goals?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn this course, students will produce a sharpened opening line for their story, a logline-style outline using screenwriting technique, a polished cover letter template, and a personalized list of magazines suited to their work and goals. Feedback will be delivered through interactive exercises during the live session, with group discussion and instructor-led editing of openings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReadings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eReadings may include excerpts from \"The Dinner Party\" by Joshua Ferris and \"Son of Friedman\" by Emma Cline. Pre-reading is optional but encouraged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSegment 1: Craft Foundations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e — From Premise to Form What makes a viable short story idea? Distinguishing short fiction from novel-length concepts. Scope, compression, and thematic focus. Shaping an idea to function within the constraints of the form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSegment 2: Slush Pile Strategies\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e — Writing to Get Published The anatomy of strong openings and the common mistakes that lead to early rejection. Precision in description, disciplined pacing, character construction, authentic dialogue, and thematic cohesion. Endings: how to finish on a show-stopper. Interactive exercise: editing your opening line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSegment 3: The Business of Short Fiction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e — Submission and Strategy Where to submit your work: identifying reputable and strategically valuable magazines. Thinking about tiers, goals, and long-term positioning. The effective cover letter. Practical tools and submission resources for researching markets. Interactive exercise: building a logline outline for your story using screenwriting technique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eA sharpened, publication-ready opening line for your short story\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eA logline-based story outline using screenwriting technique, giving your work clear structure and direction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eA polished cover letter template ready for submission\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eA personalized list of literary magazines suited to your genre, style, and career goals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eCraft techniques to avoid common rejection triggers, including strategies for powerful openings, disciplined pacing, and thematic cohesion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003ePractical knowledge of submission tools and resources for researching markets and placing your work strategically\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\"Michael Costaris' Premise to Publish workshop made it very clear what makes a short story good or great, compared to mediocre or worse.\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\"I'm so glad I took Michael Costaris' class, Premise to Publish. I came away inspired! Not just abstractly, but with practical steps to nail my story openings and pitch them to just the right journals. The course was very professional and practical.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eTuition is $99 USD. You can pay for the course in full or use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eInstructor: Michael Costaris\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eBegins Sunday, January 31st, 2027\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eClass will meet once via Zoom on Sunday, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eA recording will be provided for those who cannot attend live.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eTuition is $99 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48150594257144,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/PremisetoPublishShortFictionBootcampwithMichaelCostaris.png?v=1774711470","url":"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/products\/premise-to-publish-fiction-writing-seminar-online","provider":"Writing Workshops","version":"1.0","type":"link"}