Description
Out of hundreds of stories in the slush pile, what makes an editor say “yes” to just a few?
Learn what elements you can control (and which you can’t) to maximize your chances of publication. Ideal for writers of horror, sci-fi and fantasy genres, this workshop offers insights on how to rise above the slush pile and grab an editor’s attention while staying true to your story.
You’ll learn what red flags can garner instant rejections from editors, practical techniques for honing your tales, and efficient strategies for submitting to markets.
We’ll cover:
- A behind-the-scenes, detailed look at the selection process from slush pile to publication from an editor’s point of view
- Common and not-so-common pitfalls in openings and endings, and how to fix them
- How to use—and subvert—familiar genre tropes to make your work stand out
- Efficient techniques for self-editing
- A deep dive into trending markets and industry best practices
You’ll walk away with practical tools to elevate your short fiction, as well as a roadmap for getting your work into magazines, anthologies, podcasts and more.
DATE: November 14, 2025 – Friday
TIME: 2PM ET | 1PM CT | 12PM MT | 11AM PT | 18:00 UTC
RUNTIME: Approximately 90 minutes
About Your Instructor
KC Grifant is an award-winning Southern Californian author who writes speculative stories in the horror, fantasy, sci-fi and weird west genres. She authored the award-winning supernatural western Monster Gunslinger series and Shrouded Horror: Tales of the Uncanny.
In addition, she is a published short story writer, with dozens of tales appearing in podcasts, magazines and Stoker-nominated anthologies, including: PseudoPod, Andromeda Spaceways Magazine, Unnerving Magazine, Cosmic Horror Monthly, Dark Matter Magazine, Sley House Presents, the British SF Association’s Fission Magazine, Tales to Terrify, the Lovecraft eZine; Musings of the Muse; Dancing in the Shadows—A Tribute to Anne Rice; the Stoker-nominated Chromophobia; the Stoker-nominated Fright Mare: Women Write Horror, and many others.
She teaches genre and short story workshops and has been a moderator, panelist or speaker at dozens of conferences and events. In 2016, she co-founded the Horror Writers Association San Diego Chapter, an organization that helps to promote the horror genre and co-chaired its flagship international event, StokerCon, in 2024. She is also a member of numerous writing organizations and a Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association mentor. Aside from constructing imaginary worlds, she works as an award-winning science communicator and tries to keep up with two small wildlings.
Learn more at www.KCGrifant.com
