Publishing Workshop
In this semester-based program, Publishing Workshop participants take the lead in youth publishing, learning about the book publishing industry through hands-on work. Over the course of the year, we work together to create and publish an anthology of young writers’ work. Students learn writing, publishing, communication, and leadership skills through the real-time editorial and production processes.
Fall Focus: Annual Writing Contest
Work together to create standards and processes for selecting pieces
Select writing for publication from past Telling Room programs and from our Statewide Writing Contest
Work with a cohort of writers to edit the submitted pieces for publication
Spring Focus: Annual Anthology
Order pieces and assemble the annual anthology in its entirety
Select a title and/or theme that connects the pieces together
Collaborate with professional book designers to design the interior and cover
Market and launch the book to gain traction and visibility
Collaborate and connect with literary agents, book designers, editors, and other experts in the field
Youth publishing is as it should be in this program: together we make gorgeous publications of youth writing for real audiences. Offered as a two-semester program during the school year, Publishing Workshop concentrates on one to two publishing projects each year.
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED! Registration for the Fall semester will open on September 1st, 2026.
Led by Teaching Artists:
WHO: Students in 6th - 12th grade. This program is also open to alumni of any Telling Room program, and to working professionals in the book publishing industry. Current students, past students, and working adults collaborate to make Telling Room publishing the best it can be!
WHERE: At The Telling Room, located at our new location, 55 Washington Avenue, Suite 1E, in Portland, ME.
WHEN: Fall semester of Publishing Workshop will meet Tuesdays from 3:30pm - 5:30pm, September 29th - December 8th, 2026.
COST: Free! Please consider donating to help make this unique afterschool literary arts program free for all students.
CONTACT: Please contact Andy at andy@tellingroom.org with any questions.
COVID-19
As we welcome students back into our space for in-person programs, we will be implementing social distancing protocols to ensure that our space remains a safe and hygienic environment for students to participate in our programs.