Resources for Writers
Resources for Writers
The below list of resources are Canadian-based. We cannot speak to the accuracy of information on each website. AWCS does not support one organization over another. This is an unbiased list based on our knowledge of the current industry. If you think of some we have missed, please feel free to let us know.
It is up to the author to do their due diligence when researching publishers and other market-related information.
If you find any errors in information, let us know. If you can think of others that we have missed, also let us know. Come back frequently as information will be updated as we receive it.
It is up to the author to do their due diligence when researching publishers and other market-related information.
If you find any errors in information, let us know. If you can think of others that we have missed, also let us know. Come back frequently as information will be updated as we receive it.
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Author/Writer
Support Organizations |
Canadian
Literary Magazines |
Canadian Small Presses
(accepting unsolicited manuscripts) |
TIPS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT
- Don't be in a rush to publish. Learn to write well and understand how to convey a good story.
- Practice. Practice. Practice. Take classes. Write lots. Be a part of a critique group to get peer support on your writing.
- Sorry, but there is no secret formula to writing a story or novel or memoir except to sit down and write it.
- Writing is hard. Be prepared for bumps along the way.
- Focus only on what you can control. The writing. The words. The story.
- Have fun!
- If your goal is to be published, get used to rejection. Rejection does not mean that you are a terrible writer or that you should quit. It simply means you might have to practice a little more, or, it's just not right for that particular publisher/magazine or agent at this time.
- Read the submission guidelines carefully and make sure what you want to submit fits what is being asked for. For example, don't submit your romance novel to horror publisher or agent.
- Follow submission guidelines exactly. They are there for a reason. If a magazine or contest asks for a maximum 2500 words, do not submit 3000 words. Do not go one word over.
- No traditional publisher or agent will ask for money up front.
- If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- If you are unsure, feel free to contact us at any time. We will do our best to guide you in the right direction.
Types of publishing
- There are three types of publishing - Traditional, Hybrid and Self-Publishing - it's important that you understand the difference.
- Traditional Publishing - you submit your manuscript and an editor decides whether they want to publish your manuscript or not.
- Big Five (you will get an advance) - You NEED an agent to access these publishers and their imprints - Penguin/Random House, Simon & Schuster, Harper Collins, Hachette Book Group, Macmillan
- Small - Mid-sized Press (you might get an advance, but it will be smaller) - you DO NOT NEED an agent. These publishers will accept unsolicited manuscripts.
- Hybrid Publishing - You submit a manuscript for consideration, it is still vetted and selected before being considered for publication, however, you will still pay a fee for printing and editing and cover design. You should not have to pay for distribution or marketing.
- Self-Publishing or *Indie Publishing - You do everything yourself: layout, cover design, editing, printing, book promotion and distribution. This can be done through Amazon, print on demand, or a printer for physical copies.
- Indie Publishing is being used interchangeably these days to include small press published. Either is acceptable. However, small press or indie press published can still mean traditional publishing if your manuscript goes through a vetting process and you don't have to pay anything up front.
- Traditional Publishing - you submit your manuscript and an editor decides whether they want to publish your manuscript or not.
THINGS TO WATCH FOR OR AVOID
- An agent or publisher that promises you a huge book deal. This is not real. No one can guarantee you a book deal.
- High fees for self-publishing services. Fees should be expected if you're self-publishing. Research the company. Find out who others have worked with. Word of mouth goes a long way.
- Vanity presses pretending they are traditional publishers.
- High fees for contests or calls for submissions. Contests nearly always charge a fee. These fees are usually used to fill the prize pool and to pay contest judges. Some magazines will include a subscription to their publication with the submission fee. This is not necessarily bad. It's how magazines build their subscription base. Just be sure you're comfortable with paying it before you submit.
