Member Review
The Union was begun because, in the early '70s, writers had no way of comparing experiences. But the results have been much greater than expected: Public Lending Right, benefits for the institutional copying of our work through Access Copyright, informed contract advice, a network to draw upon, and a collective voice. All writers in Canada have benefited — not only those who have joined the Union and pay their dues.
Getting Published
Getting your manuscript published is time-consuming and can often be a frustrating experience. Finding a publisher who will consider your book idea or look at your manuscript is the first step to becoming a published author.
- For more information, see Finding a Publisher.
If you are asked to submit a manuscript, it is courteous to inform the publisher of any multiple submissions you have made to other publishers.
- For more information on submitting work to more than one publisher, see Multiple Submissions.
- For information about Canadian publishers who accept unsolicited manuscripts, subscribe to the Writers' Guide to Canadian Publishers.
- For information on other publication opportunities, see Submitting to Literary Magazines and Journals.
Due to a shortage of literary agents in Canada in the past, many writers have chosen self-representation as a means to publishing, or found literary representation outside of Canada.
- For general information and a listing of Canadian literary agents, see Literary Agents.
- For more information, purchase the Writers' How-to publication Author & Literary Agent, which covers the author–agent relationship.
Should you be offered a contract from a publisher, be sure to observe cautions when approving each clause. For more information on contracts:
- For a general overview, see Contracts.
- For detailed information about contracts, purchase the Writers' How-to Contracts Self-Help Package, which includes a model trade book agreement
- For a guide to common industry terms, purchase the Writers' How-to Glossary of Publishing Terms, a user-friendly reference guide.
Remember that copyright should always remain with the creator. Do not assign copyright to your publisher.
- For more information, see Copyright.
Still have questions? Check our Frequently Asked Questions about getting published.
Looking for help with your work-in-progress or finished manuscript? Consider a professional evaluation of your work through our Manuscript Evaluation Service.
