Festival
2025 Read Quebec Book Fair
Casa d'Italia 505 Rue Jean-Talon Est, MontrealThe Read Quebec Book Fair turns 10! Celebrate this milestone year on December 6–7 at Casa d’Italia, with special events, author signings, and the latest releases from Canadian writers and publishers.
Produced by the Association of English-language Publishers of Quebec (AELAQ), the Fair celebrates the vibrancy of English-language writing, publishing, and translation in Quebec. In honour of the tenth anniversary, this year’s Fair will, for the first time, welcome publishers from across Canada.
New Knowledge: Nonfiction Lightning Round
Casa d'Italia 505 Rue Jean-Talon Est, MontrealOften, fiction gets the limelight, poetry gets the prestige. But nonfiction books are published every day that help illuminate, preserve and create the world around us. Join local authors as they share the passions that led them to investigate a single subject in depth and then write an entire book about it.
Valentine in December! with Heather O’Neill and Arizona O’Neill
Casa d'Italia 505 Rue Jean-Talon Est, MontrealThe duo will take to the stage to discuss their collaboration Valentine in Montreal. The novel, written by Heather with illustrations by Arizona, is a sweet Montreal adventure in which our famous metro plays a starring role. The O’Neills will sign copies after their onstage appearance.
NaMOOste Yoga for Kids
Casa d'Italia 505 Rue Jean-Talon Est, MontrealAuthor Marlee Kostiner never fails to get kids giggling as she reads all the ways animals say “Namaste” with their animal sounds (the cow says naMOOste, the chick says namaSQUEEK). After an engaging reading, Marlee guides the kids through yoga poses they learned in the book, ending with a relaxing moment of silence (yes, the kids are quiet!). NaMOOste features 13 beautiful watercolour animals practising authentic yoga poses, and shows young readers ways to care for their bodies and minds. For kids ages 3–9.
Guernica Editions Showcase
Casa d'Italia 505 Rue Jean-Talon Est, MontrealAn event celebrating Guernica Editions’ longstanding presence in Quebec, featuring readings by authors with new releases this year, including fiction, memoir, and poetry. With the purchase of a book, guests will be entered into a raffle to win a selection of Guernica titles.
Opening Cocktail
Casa d'Italia 505 Rue Jean-Talon Est, MontrealJoin us for a special 10th anniversary edition of the Read Quebec Book Fair’s 5 à 7 featuring a DJ set by journalist and author of Habs Nation Brendan Kelly, known for his popular High Fidelity in the Park events. New wave, old-school disco and you. Open to all!
QWF Annual Timeline
January
- QWF Mentorship pairs announced
- Shut Up & Write! with QWF sessions begin
February
- Writers in the Community Pyramid Campaign Fundraiser opens
- Call for applications for StoryScaping: Creative Word-Shops for Youth and Seniors
March
- Spring Workshops begin
- Call for Submissions for the QWF Literary Awards
- Call for applications for the Max Margles Writing Residency
April
- Deadline to apply to the Max Margles Writing Residency
- The QWF Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held
- Writers in the Community Pyramid Campaign closes
- Spring applications for StoryScaping program begin for organizations
May
- Call for proposals for QWF Workshops
June
- Deadline for submissions for the QWF Literary Awards
- Nominations open for the Judy Mappin Community Award
- Call for applications to the Writers in CEGEPs program
- QWF Mentorship Program reading
July
- Deadline for applications to Writers in CEGEPs program
August
- Deadline for submissions for the Judy Mappin Community Award
- The QWF Annual Membership Picnic
- Registration for Fall Workshops opens
September
- Call for applications for the QWF Mentorship Program
- Call for applications for the Mairuth Sarsfield Mentorship Program for Underrepresented Writers
October
- Fall Workshops begin
- Shortlist for QWF Literary Awards announced
- Shortlist for carte blanche Prize announced
November
- The QWF Awards Gala
- The AELAQ/QWF Holiday Book Fair
- Get Lit! at Salon du livre
- Deadline for QWF Mentorship applications
December
- Registration for Winter-Spring Workshops opens
- QWF Office closes for the last two weeks of December—happy holidays!