Because First Impressions Matter
March 11-14, 2026
Your query letter, synopsis, and first 10 pages carry enormous weight. Make them as good as they can be.
A craft-focused workshop to help you reconnect with your writing and build strong foundations.
Rather than focusing primarily on pitching strategy, this workshop approaches submission materials in craft.
The goal is to help writers understand how their story is being presented—and how to sharpen those opening materials so the work stands out.
Who The Submission Workshop is For
This workshop is ideal for writers who:
Are preparing to query agents or submit their work more widely
Want focused feedback on the first ten pages of a novel
Need help clarifying the core arc of their story through a synopsis
Want to strengthen the hook and narrative promise of their project
Are comfortable receiving thoughtful critique in a small-group environment
Participants should already have a completed draft or a strong opening section of their manuscript and be ready to engage seriously with revision.
What You’ll Work On
During the workshop, participants will receive feedback and guidance from faculty instructors and their small-group cohort on:
Query Letters
Clarifying the central hook of the story
Identifying the core conflict and stakes
Presenting the project clearly and concisely
Synopses
Articulating the full narrative arc of the novel
Highlighting character motivations and turning points
Distilling complex plots into a clear narrative overview
First 10 Pages
Strengthening the opening scene
Establishing voice and point of view
Introducing character, stakes, and setting effectively
Building narrative momentum that encourages readers to keep going
By the end of the workshop, writers will leave with a stronger submission package—and a clearer understanding of how their story begins.
Meet The Faculty
Faculty Announcement Coming Soon
We’re currently finalizing this year’s lineup of instructors. Check back soon for more information.
Faculty Announcement Coming Soon
We’re currently finalizing this year’s lineup of instructors. Check back soon for more information.
Faculty Announcement Coming Soon
We’re currently finalizing this year’s lineup of instructors. Check back soon for more information.
The Submission Package Workshop takes place over four days and combines focused critique sessions with opportunities to learn from faculty and connect with fellow writers.
Workshop critique sessions are offered in two time blocks — morning (9:30 AM ET) and evening (5:30 PM ET) — to make participation accessible across time zones. Each participant will be assigned to one time block and will attend all critique sessions with their group at that time.
Below is an example of how the workshop weekend is structured.
Sample Workshop Schedule
Day One — Opening Events
5:30 PM ET — Welcome Ceremony
6:15 PM ET — Faculty Q&A (1 hour)
Following the Q&A — Welcome Social
Day Two — Excerpt Workshop
Morning Group: 9:30 AM ET (4 hours)
Evening Group: 5:30 PM ET (4 hours)
Day Three — Synopsis & Query Workshop
Morning Group: 9:30 AM ET
Evening Group: 5:30 PM ET
Synopsis Workshop (2.5 hours)
Break (15 minutes)
Query Workshop (1 hour 45 minutes)
Day Four — Reflection & Craft
Morning Group: 9:30 AM ET
Evening Group: 5:30 PM ET
General Sessions - All
Session Recap & Lessons Learned (90 minutes)
Community Sessions (All Participants)
12:30 PM ET — Faculty Craft Class
1:30 PM ET — Faculty Keynote Address
3:00 PM ET — Closing Ceremony
Pricing
Super Early Bird
Apply by Oct 8
$224
$274
Regular
Apply by Jan 10
$324
$374
Late
Apply by Jan 15
$374
$424
Futurescapes Alumni
Regular Admit
$274
Early Bird
Apply by Oct 31
$324
Tuition payment plans are available
Ready to Apply?
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. You’ll select your preferred faculty mentor when you apply. Some faculty may fill before others.
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You’ll have the option to list alternate choices. We’ll work to place you with the best possible fit.
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Craft classes and the keynote will be recorded. Critique sessions will not be recorded to protect privacy (unless requested by entire cohort).
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Your registration allows us to compensate faculty fairly.
The registration fee & all other payments for this workshop are nonrefundable.