Member Review
The Writers' Union of Canada provided me with invaluable support at a difficult point in my career when it seemed that all the decision-making power over my work was in the hands of the publishing industry. I will always be grateful for that, as well as for the work that the Union continues to do every day to promote and protect the rights of writers.
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.
