Resources

External Resources

These links are a concise overview of resources for writers at all levels, aspiring and established, including where to look for publishers, agents, editors, publicists, etc.

QWF is not responsible for any external content.

Looking for more information about English-language literature in Quebec?
The QWF Literary Database of Quebec English-language authors is a online directory of over 2000 books by Quebecois writers in English. Browse poetry, fiction, nonfiction, children’s and YA literature, plays, and more:

Publishers

There are a number of organizations in Quebec and in Canada who are a source of excellent advice on how to approach publishers, and information on how the publishing industry works.

  • AELAQ – The Association of English-language Publishers of Quebec (Association des editeurs de langue anglaise du Quebec) exists to advance the publication, distribution, and promotion of English-language books from Quebec. It represents approximately 20 English-language publishers in Quebec
  • TWUC – The Writers’ Union of Canada is the national organization of professionally published book authors. Now over 2,000 members strong, the Union was founded in 1973 to work with governments, publishers, booksellers, and readers to improve the conditions of Canadian writers.
  • ACP – The Association of Canadian Publishers represents approximately 115 Canadian-owned and controlled book publishers from across the country.

Self-publishing

Self-publishing is an increasingly popular option, particularly as e-books, the internet, and social media change the terrain of digital publishing, distribution models, ordering, and how a writer may interact with an audience or readership. There are a number of companies who support self-publishing, although it is worth shopping around to compare costs: some are genuinely in support of independent publishing, while others charge large amounts of money to publish your book, then leave you with little support for distribution, and limited or
non-existent marketing.

While self-publishing may offer a greater degree of independence, it may mean that a book is not eligible for certain prizes or book fairs. It’s also worth considering the numerous advantages that an experienced publisher can bring to the editing and distribution process, and to the credibility of your book.

Some interesting further reading here:

Editors

Professional editors offer experience, expertise, and objectivity when reading and advising you on revisions for your writing. Publishers may have editors in-house, or there are freelance options.

  • Editors Canada
  • Hire a Writer – the curated directory from the Quebec Writers’ Federation of members who offer professional writing and editing services

Agents

Literary agents represent authors to publishers, negotiate contract details, and may provide representation if any part of the book is illegally reproduced. It’s not always necessary to have an agent in order to be published.

Publicists

Publicists deal with journalists, and try to persuade them to cover the author/book they are promoting. They may be employed by the house that is publishing the book or by a firm of publicity specialists, or they may work freelance.

  • Quebec: Freelance publicist Janis Kirshner – jkirshner@sympatico.ca

Legal advice, copyright, & advocacy

The following organizations may help if you have a legal query about copyright, intellectual property, or other matters relating to your writing, or if you are in need of advocacy support. If you need to engage a private lawyer specializing in literary matters, contact the QWF Office for more details.

  • CJAM (La Clinique Juridique des artistes de Montreal/Montreal Artists Legal Clinic)
  • Access Copyright
  • Copibec
  • DAM (Diversité Artistique de Montreal)
  • CWILA (Canadian Women in the Literary Arts)
  • TCFG (The Canadian Freelance Guild)

Funding and financial support

Quebec-based English literary and arts organizations

Quebec literary festivals & book fairs

English-language bookstores in Quebec

National literature & writing organizations

Writers’ guilds & federations in the rest of Canada