As Editor/Publisher of Saturnalia Books, an independent poetry press based in Philadelphia and New York City, I have read hundreds upon hundreds of manuscripts each year alongside my editorial staff from which we choose six manuscripts to publish for the upcoming year. This workshop will give you an inside view as to what goes on in our decision-making processes, how certain manuscripts end up passing through the gauntlet even while most others fall by the wayside. As you know, entrance/reading fees can rack up quickly! Why throw out good money? This workshop will take you through all the DOs and DONTs. Each participant will also be welcome to submit a “finished” manuscript for possible evaluation during our second afternoon together. The focus will not be on line edits per se but rather on the overall readiness of the thing and what else might need to be attended to to ensure a good thorough read by those waiting on the other side of the lottery of our elections.