Program for: Individuals
Purpose: To assist professional writers in the creation of new work. This program is administered by third-party recommenders from the literary community.
Eligibility: This program is open to published Ontario-based professional writers working on projects in fiction, poetry, literary criticism, commentary on the arts, graphic novels, history, biography, political or social issues, science or travel.
These categories also apply to writing for children, multimedia, CD-ROM or edited electronic media (other than radio or film documentary or drama).
You are a professional writer by the OAC's definition if you have:
- at least one professionally published book for which you have a publishing contract and receive royalties or
- at least three separately published essays, short stories, poems or other work for which you have received payment.
If you are an active professional documentary or drama writer for non-print media (radio, stage, screen, theatre, etc.) you must have at least two recent production credits for which you have received payment.
We do not accept student or academic publications or work that you did as part of your employment (unless you are a professional journalist) as part of a professional publishing history. If you are employed full time and receive a grant, you should be prepared to take a full or partial leave of absence so you can devote time to writing.
Third-party recommenders are Ontario-based, Canadian-owned book and literary magazine publishers chosen by the OAC to make recommendations to us for writing grants in this program.
If you wish to receive an application package that includes the program guidelines, application forms and a list of recommenders, please call 416-961-1660 or 1-800-387-0058, or email info@arts.on.ca. Or, you can download the material below. The application form can be filled in on your screen, then printed out. You will have to make copies of the completed, signed application form. For detailed information, please see the Writers' Reserve program guidelines.
Deadline: This program runs from September 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012.
For more information
- Helen Floros, Program Assistant, 416-969-7440, toll-free 1-800-387-0058 extension 7440, hfloros@arts.on.ca.
Program Guidelines, List of Recommenders, Application Form and FAQs
Final Report
YOU MAY APPLY TO ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDERS:
List of Recommenders 2011/2012
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GENRE CODES
CH - Children/Young Adult (fiction and nonfiction) F - Fiction
GR - Graphic fiction/nonfiction (the writing only) NF - Nonfiction P - Poetry REGIONAL - located outside Toronto
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ANNICK PRESS LTD.
www.annickpress.com
CH
We assign priority to writers who demonstrate a high level of literary talent, address issues of substance that resonate with youth, and recognize that we live in a pluralistic society. In particular we would like to see fiction and nonfiction for young adults. |
15 Patricia Avenue
Toronto ON
M2M 1H9 |
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ARC POETRY - (magazine)
www.arcpoetry.ca
P, REGIONAL
The Arc editorial board seeks the best of contemporary Canadian poetry being written in English. |
P.O. Box 81060
Ottawa ON
K1P 1B1
arc@arcpoetry.ca |
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BETWEEN THE LINES
www.btlbooks.com
GR, NF
Between the Lines publishes non-fiction books on politics, public policy, social issues, history, critical race issues, environment, gender and sexuality, labour, media and culture, and activism. Many BTL authors represent marginalized and minority voices. We notice works that support or reflect these areas. |
401 Richmond Street W.
Studio 277
Toronto ON
M5V 3A8
info@btlbooks.com |
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BIBLIOASIS
www.biblioasis.com
CH, F, NF, P, REGIONAL
Biblioasis will be looking to recommend short fiction, novels, poetry, non-fiction or children’s/YA titles. We actively encourage more non-fiction submission, as this is the part of the press program we are most actively building. As always, however, our primary concern will be the quality of the writing. |
P.O. Box 92
Emeryville ON
N0R 1C0
bddwells@biblioasis.com |
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BLACK MOSS PRESS
www.blackmosspress.com
NF, P, REGIONAL
We are open to narrative poetry and non-fiction (including creative non-fiction) with an emphasis – but not exclusively – upon Southwestern Ontario. |
2450 Byng Road
Windsor ON
N8W 3E8
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BOOK THUG
www.bookthug.ca
F, NF, P
We are looking for experimental poetry, prose or critical thought. Familiarize yourself with our current list for an idea of the work we publish. |
53 Ardagh Street
Toronto ON
M6S 1Y4 |
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BRICK BOOKS
www.brickbooks.ca
P, REGIONAL
Brick Books publishes poetry of high literary quality, emotionally evocative and finely crafted. We value work whose art engages the sense and music of language. |
Box 20081
431 Boler Road
London ON
N6K 4G6
brick.books@sympatico.ca
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BRICK: A LITERARY JOURNAL (magazine) www.brickmag.com
NF
We are looking for nonfiction essays of a literary nature, loosely based around the writing life and the arts in general. This may include (but is not confined to) memoir, travel writing or personal essays. |
50 Baldwin Street
Toronto ON
M5T 1L4 |
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BROKEN PENCIL (magazine)
www.brokenpencil.com
F, GR, NF
Broken Pencil publishes both fiction and non-fiction. We are looking for articles that creatively cover topics relating to independent arts and culture in Canada. |
P.O. Box 203
Station P
Toronto ON
M5S 2S7
editor@brokenpencil.com
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COACH HOUSE BOOKS
www.chbooks.com
F, NF, P
Coach House Books is interested in innovative or experimental poetry and fiction – work that questions traditional poetics or conventions of narrative, whether in form or content. We will also look at non-fiction on urban issues. |
80 bpNichol Lane
Toronto ON
M5S 3J4
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CORMORANT BOOKS
www.cormorantbooks.com
CH, F, GR, NF, P
Applications reflecting the diversity of the Canadian experience and which demonstrate an authentic point of view, distinction of voice, and literary use of the language will be given priority. |
215 Spadina Avenue
Studio 230
Toronto ON
M5T 2C7
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DESCANT (magazine)
www.descant.ca
F, P
Descant publishes original literary writing: short fiction, poetry (traditional and experimental), and essays in many subjects and styles. We are interested in intersections of culture and the arts. |
50 Baldwin Street
3rd floor
Toronto ON
M5T 1L4
info@descant.ca
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DIASPORA DIALOGUES www.diasporadialogues.com
F, NF, P
Diaspora Dialogues accepts submissions of poetry, fiction and non-fiction. We especially encourage submissions from culturally diverse and First Nations backgrounds. While there is no limitation on theme, we love to read work that explores a strong sense of ‘place’. |
170 Bloor Street West
Suite 804
Toronto ON
M5S 1T9
natalie@diasporadialogues.com |
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DUNDURN PRESS
www.dundurn.com
CH, F, NF
Dundurn Press publishes distinguished adult literary fiction and mysteries, award-winning and award-nominated children’s fiction and non-fiction, serious adult non-fiction in the areas of Canadian history, politics, regional issues, biography/autobiography, travel, and Aboriginal and black studies, plus selected titles dealing with Canadian cultural institutions, artists, composers, and musicians. |
3 Church Street
Suite 500
Toronto ON
M5E 1M2
mcarroll@dundurn.com |
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ECW PRESS www.ecwpress.com
CH, F, NF, P
ECW is always looking for fresh, original, often unusual writing in all genres. We’ve published fiction by Tony Burgess and Derek McCormack, poetry by Jacob Scheier, and non-fiction by Don Pyle and Mark Coakley. |
2120 Queen Street East
Suite 200
Toronto ON
M4E 1E2
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ELQ/EXILE: THE LITERARY QUARTERLY (magazine)
www.theexilewriters.com
F, GR, P, REGIONAL
Exile looks for a rich and varied selection of new, emerging, and established writers working in fiction (novels and stories) and poetry, with a preference for contemporary and cutting edge material representative of Ontario’s mix of cultural and individual backgrounds, and the literary insights borne of that diversity. |
170 Wellington Street West
PO Box 308
Mount Forest ON
N0G 2L0 |
GUERNICA EDITIONS
www.guernicaeditions.com
F, NF, P
We are looking for high quality literary material that speaks to a less mainstream audience in the hope of giving opportunities to voices that are often marginalized. Fresh, original poetry and fiction; non-fiction that pushes the boundaries of what is usually considered acceptable. |
489 Strathmore Blvd.
Toronto ON
M4C 1N8
michaelmirolla@guernicaeditions.com |
HAMILTON ARTS & LETTERS (online magazine)
www.samizdatpress.net
NF, P, REGIONAL
It is our privilege to read what you have crafted. Writing that acknowledges the canon of world literature resonates with us, as does work that catapults us forward. We are not looking for The Next Big Thing. |
92 Stanley Avenue
Hamilton ON
L8P 2L3
HALmagazine@gmail.com |
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HOUSE OF ANANSI PRESS
www.anansi.ca
F, NF, P
We are looking for high-quality literary fiction that will appeal to a broad audience; nonfiction works of biography, memoir, current events, science, health, history and humour; and poetry of the highest literary merit from a broad range of voices. |
110 Spadina Avenue
Suite 801
Toronto ON
M5V 2K4
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INSOMNIAC PRESS
www.insomniacpress.com
F, GR, NF, P, REGIONAL
Insomniac Press is a small trade book publisher which specializes in literary fiction, poetry and the more interesting bits of non-fiction. |
520 Princess Avenue
London ON
N6B 2B8
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JAMES LORIMER & CO.
www.lorimer.ca
CH, NF
For our adult list, we are looking for manuscripts that explore topics in the following subject areas: politics, business, media, culture, education, history, social justice, and native issues. We are impressed by authors who can offer fresh perspectives and are progressive and inclusive in the points of view.
For our children’s and young adult list, we are looking for realistic fiction that is well written and original. In 2011/12, we will give priority to manuscripts that focus on issues that appeal to boys, reluctant readers, and young adult readers. We are looking for writers who can explore real and timely issues in ways that are sensitive and inclusive without being moralistic or didactic. We are also looking for biographies that will appeal to young readers. |
317 Adelaide Street West
Suite 1002
Toronto ON
M5V 1P9
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KEGEDONCE PRESS
www.kegedonce.com
ABORIGINAL WRITERS ONLY
CH, F, GR, NF, P, REGIONAL
We would recommend work that is a true and respectful reflection of our Aboriginal communities, work that represents the strength, diversity and creativity of our Peoples. |
872 16th Street West
RR #7
Owen Sound ON
N4K 6V5
info@kegedonce.com |
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KIDS CAN PRESS
www.kidscanpress.com
CH
We are always interested in interesting and innovative picture books. While many of the picture books we publish contain profound and thought-provoking insights, we are not interested in purely didactic or moralizing stories for young children. In fiction, we are most interested in chapter books for readers aged 7-10 years old. We do not generally publish older YA or fantasy. In non-fiction, we look for manuscripts that provide factual information in refreshing ways. We are especially interested in manuscripts that make complex global issues accessible for readers aged 8-12 and that do so without overly simplifying the truth about the world children grow up in. |
Corus Quay
25 Dockside Drive
Toronto ON
M5A 0B5
sswenson@kidscan.com
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MANSFIELD PRESS
www.mansfieldpress.net
F, NF, P
We seek adventurous poetry and literary fiction that is accomplished and accessible; work that breaks new ground and challenges the reader while offering pleasure. We also seek creative nonfiction about Toronto and its neighbourhoods for our City Building Books series. |
25 Mansfield Avenue
Toronto ON
M6J 2A9
info@mansfieldpress.net
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THE NEW QUARTERLY (magazine)
www.tnq.ca F, P, REGIONAL
We respond favorably to work in a variety of styles, with a preference for literary fiction over genre fiction. In our own publishing program, we are looking for freshness of voice, style, subject matter, poetic or narrative structure. |
c/o St. Jerome’s University
290 Westmount Road North
Waterloo ON
N2L 3G3 |
OWLKIDS
www.owlkids.com
CH, GR
We are looking for proposals that support an active approach to learning. For school-age readers, non-fiction with an emphasis on synthesis of information versus presentation of facts is preferred. Also, we’re interested in creative non-fiction for pre-schoolers, innovative fiction series and engaging picture books and graphic novels. |
10 Lower Spadina Avenue
Suite 400
Toronto ON
M5V 2Z2 |
PALIMPSEST
www.palimpsestpress.ca
CH, NF, P, REGIONAL
It is our belief that small presses build literary communities and create audiences. Palimpsest is committed to discovering new talent and supporting established writers. We are looking for poetry that is well-crafted and uses language in fresh ways, juvenile and YA work that contain interesting story lines and compelling characters, and non-fiction that is relevant, presents a perspective, and is thought-provoking.
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5 King St.
Kingsville ON
N9Y 1H9
info@palimpsestpress.ca |
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THE PORCUPINE’S QUILL
www.porcupinesquill.ca
F, GR, NF, P, REGIONAL
The porcupine’s Quill is primarily interested in adult fiction – novels, or short stories, secondarily in poetry. From time to time we also publish smallish artbooks, typically featuring the work of engravers or etchers. Of late we have also expanded the list to include memoirs. |
68 Main Street
Box 160
Erin ON
N0B 1T0
pql@sentex.net
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QUATTRO BOOKS
www.quattrobooks.ca
F, P
We seek well-crafted, distinctive novellas that effectively represent the genre and exploit its potential. We look for fiction with a strong narrative drive, where memorable characters reveal human frailty and the darker side of society. In poetry, we are looking for new and established voices that are willing to take literary risks. |
89 Pinewood Ave.
Toronto ON
M6C 2V2
info@quattrobooks.ca |
RED DEER PRESS
www.reddeerpress.com
CH, GR, NF REGIONAL
Red Deer Press is looking for fresh, contemporary and unexpected literature and illustration for children and young adults from all backgrounds that will challenge and respect the intelligence of young readers. We are also looking for adult non-fiction that is topical, engaging, and speaks to a wide audience. |
195 Allstate Parkway
Markham ON
L3R 4T8 |
SCRIVENER PRESS
www.scrivenerpress.com
CH, F, NF, P, REGIONAL
Established and emerging authors we recommend will be largely (though not necessarily exclusively) from Northern Ontario. We are interested in poetry, short stories, novels, memoirs, creative non-fiction, travel writing, and local history that Northern Ontario readers will recognize as having a regional appeal, broadly defined. |
465 Loach’s Road
Sudbury ON
P3E 2R2
info@yourscrivenerpress.com |
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SECOND STORY PRESS
www.secondstorypress.ca CH, F, GR, NF
Second Story looks for quality adult fiction and non-fiction on social and health issues (especially those of concern to women), children’s picture books (no alphabet books or animal tales, please) and juvenile and teen novels and non-fiction. We emphasize cultural diversity, a feminist perspective and excellence in writing. |
20 Maud Street
Suite 401
Toronto ON
M5V 2M5
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TADDLE CREEK (magazine)
www.taddlecreekmag.com F, GR, P
Taddle creek is looking for modern, relatable, urban fiction and poetry; work that tells a story, usually with a strong narrative. |
P.O. Box 611
Station P
Toronto ON
M5S 2Y4
editor@taddlecreekmag.com |
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THOMAS ALLEN PUBLISHERS
www.thomas-allen.com
F, NF, REGIONAL
We publish a select list of 10 to 12 titles a year. We look for original voice, fine writing and uncommon and interesting ideas. |
390 Steelcase Road East
Markham ON
L3R 1G2
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TIGHTROPE BOOKS
www.tightropebooks.com
CH, F, GR, NF
Tightrope Books is looking for writers and writing that are subversive in their outlook, whether established or emerging. The writers and work challenge the traditional notions of genre and what constitutes contemporary CanLit. We are particularly interested in writers of diverse backgrounds, LGBT and those who are emerging or experimenting with pieces outside their usual literary form. |
17 Greyton Cres
Toronto ON
M6E 2G1
submissions@tightropebooks.com
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TSAR
www.tsarbooks.com
F, NF, P
We will consider works that reflect the growing diversity of Canadian culture; we will consider younger writers who demonstrate originality in form and content. |
39 Woburn Ave (B)
Toronto ON
M5M 1K5 |
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WOLSAK AND WYNN
www.wolsakandwynn.ca
CH, NF, P, REGIONAL
We are interested in works that have a strong voice, are well-crafted and are written with passion. The content and style of the writing are the author’s choice. We publish primarily poetry and non-fiction, but will be adding a Young Adult line in the future. |
69 Hughson Street North
Suite 102
Hamilton ON
L8R 1G5 |
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WORN FASHION JOURNAL
www.wornjournal.com
NF
We are looking for writers with an interest in fashion and fashion history, culture and philosophy, and in the broader meaning of clothing in both the past and present. |
3 MacDonnell Ave.
Toronto ON
M6R 2A3 | |