Writer’s Guidelines
Searching out the publisher of choice is just as important as your careful writing.
You can talk with other writers about submissions, and whether you wish to approach a traditional publisher, magazine, or a newspaper.
Publishers provide guidelines that writers need to follow. Writers show themselves as professionals by doing so.
Writing for Adults or Children
Your type of writing will assist you in knowing where to submit. Many publishers are listed online. For example, Kids Can Press and Orca specialize in children’s books, whereas Wolsak and Wynn publishes more poetry and fiction. Coach House specializes in poetry, fiction and nonfiction for adults.
CBC Writing Contests
The CBC Literary Prize is an option. Openings for submissions of short fiction and poetry come at different times of year. In fact CBC offers information on how to submit your writing and why you need to follow guidelines.
Writing for Specific Publishers
After you choose a publisher, do a google search to learn what’s in their market. What is the publishing house best known for and what is needed for submissions?
Resources for your publisher search:
Canadian Writers’ Contest Calendar: Contests are an option for newer writers.
Writer’s Market Guide: USA and Canadian publishers and periodicals, updated each year. Your local library may have a copy; then you can search for up-to-date information online.
Canadian publications guidelines: Online links to Canadian publishers
Whatever way you decide to proceed, talking with published authors can open your mind to the possibilities. Whatever you submit, keep track of where and when you send a submission. It will help you when follow up is needed. A spreadsheet or a notebook works just fine for this purpose.
Best wishes, keep writing!
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