Job Opportunity: Communications & Projects Coordinator
About The Writers’ Union of Canada:
The Writers’ Union of Canada (TWUC) is the national organization of professionally published writers. TWUC was founded in 1973 to work with governments, publishers, booksellers, and readers to improve the conditions of Canadian writers. Now over 2,300 members strong, TWUC advocates on behalf of writers’ collective interests, and delivers value to members through advocacy, community, and information. TWUC believes in a thriving, diverse Canadian culture that values and supports writers. The Writers’ Union of Canada is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of Canada’s writers. Applications are encouraged from equity-seeking groups including Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQI2S individuals, and those from other marginalized and/or underrepresented groups. We encourage members of designated equity-seeking groups to self-identify on the confidential Application Form when submitting their application. The Writers’ Union of Canada is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Requests should be sent to soconnor@writersunion.ca.
Position summary:
The Communications & Projects Coordinator will work with the Union’s staff to: monitor, produce, and distribute TWUC communications; lead the upgrade and maintenance of the TWUC website; produce and coordinate publications including the Union’s monthly electronic newsletter TWUC Talk and quarterly magazine Write; monitor and administer electronic mailings; lead and/or work with other staff to develop and program the Union’s webinar series and other events; and lead other projects as required.
The ideal candidate will be a highly organized, process-oriented individual with strong computer and web skills, an interest in writing and publishing, and a commitment to equity work.
Location: During the COVID-19 pandemic, all Writers’ Union staff are working from home and have been provided with TWUC HP computers for home use. When public health guidelines indicate it is safe to return to work, staff will return to work at the Writers’ Union office in downtown Toronto.
Key responsibilities:
- monitor, produce, and distribute TWUC communications;
- lead upgrades to the TWUC website (working with a website developer);
- maintain the TWUC website (Drupal platform);
- assist with development and maintenance of member portal (CiviCRM);
- produce and coordinate publications including quarterly magazine Write (working with the Editor and Editorial Board) and other materials;
- monitor and manage electronic communications (using Mailchimp and CiviCRM);
- provide technical support for the Union’s webinars (Zoom);
- work with staff and programming task forces to develop, program, and manage registration for webinars and other events (using Zoom, Eventbrite, Zapier);
- apply the communications lens to all related TWUC activities;
- lead other projects as required;
- track and report on outcomes of initiatives; and
- as with all TWUC staff positions, sustain and consistently establish equitable practices across the portfolio.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Excellent organizational, time management, and prioritization skills;
- Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills;
- Ability to work independently;
- Clear, strong, and persuasive written and oral communication skills;
- Strong design, graphics, and production skills using InDesign (Photoshop experience would be an asset);
- Strong website skills with experience managing an organizational or business website (Drupal experience would be an asset);
- Excellent Microsoft Office skills, including comfort with spreadsheets;
- Excellent Zoom skills (experience with Zoom webinars would be an asset);
- Event planning experience;
- Experience in or familiarity with the publishing sector or larger arts community;
- Experience working with CRM software (CiviCRM would be an asset); and
- Professional social media experience would be an asset.
This is a full-time 14-month contract position. This position is not open to members of The Writers’ Union of Canada.
Salary Range: $45,000 – $50,000
Anticipated Start Date: June 14, 2021
How to Apply: Please submit your application through the Union’s website at writersunion.ca/application-form. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Interviews will take place via Zoom.
Deadline for Applications: April 30, 2021
BLF Press Call for Submissions: BIPOC Writers
DEADLINE: April 30, 2021
BLF Press is a small, independent, Black feminist publishing house that anticipates publishing one to two titles of extraordinary quality a year. Open to various types of literary work. While all submissions that meet the guidelines will be considered, BLF Press is especially interested in work that centers women, including Black women (cis and trans), same gender loving women, non-binary folks, and folks who identify as LGBTQ+. Preferred genres are literary fiction, speculative fiction, and short fiction. Please do not submit if you do not identify as BIPOC. Please do not submit if you do not identify as Black, Indigenous, or as a person of color. Not accepting children’s literature, YA or NA, horror, romance, erotica, or memoir at this time.
Please send your very best unpublished work (this includes work published on blogs). Prose (fiction and non-fiction) manuscripts should be from 40,000 – 80,000 words. Poetry manuscripts should be at least 50 pages. If your work is under serious consideration by another publisher, please wait until you have received a decision before submitting it to BLF Press.
Microsoft Word files accepted only. Please use the following formatting guidelines:
- Double-spaced Times New Roman or similar font
- Three-space paragraph indents
- One inch margins
- Name, title, genre, page number in the upper right hand corner of the header
https://blfpress.submittable.com/submit
Woodhall Press Call for Submissions: Nonwhite and Woman – 153 Micro Essays on Being in the World
DEADLINE: April 30, 2021
Woodhall Press is seeking well-crafted, true narratives from BIPOC writers who self-identify as women (cis/trans) for their upcoming anthology, Nonwhite and Woman: 153 Micro Essays on Being in the World (edited by Darien Hsu Gee and Carla Crujido, and published April 8, 2022).
Nonwhite and Woman celebrates how women of color live and thrive in the world, and how they make their lives their own. The anthology’s title is from Lucille Clifton’s luminous poem, won’t you celebrate with me, which serves as the anthology’s epigraph. Read the full poem here. The poem’s inclusion in the anthology is granted from Copper Canyon Press.
How has the color of your skin influenced your life? What did you do to claim yourself and your identity, or how was it challenged? Show a single moment, a string of vignettes, or literary snapshots of your life. Looking for micro essays, micro memoirs or prose poems of 300 words or less; please be sure to title your work. You may submit up to 3 pieces. Previously published work accepted—please indicate when and where the work has appeared and confirm that you hold the rights to reprint the work in our anthology. Emerging and established authors welcome.
In addition to the essays, the anthology will include discussion questions, a classroom teaching guide, and an extensive resources list. If you would like to be a part of that process in pulling these materials together, please reach out as well.
https://www.woodhallpress.com/nonwhite-and-woman
Call for Submissions to The Moderate Review
Newly established online journal The Moderate Review, showcasing both established and emerging literary talents, invites your words and voices to the ongoing creative discussion.
The Moderate Review accepts creative text (fiction, poetry, screenplays), zeitgeisty essays, reviews, and interviews, as well as visual art such as painting, sculpture, and photography. Especially seeking work that interfaces with the current moment.
Currently accepting submissions for the second issue, with a tentative deadline of July 1, 2021.
Submissions should be sent as a word attachment to moderatereview@gmail.com with “Issue 2” in the subject line. There are no word limits, guidelines, or restrictions. However, all submissions must be original work and not previously published.
Call for Creative Professionals at book development company Creative Connex
Creative Connex is a new book development company that assists aspiring and experienced authors to bring their story to life by delivering a print ready book. Experienced creative professionals are needed to join and complement an exceptional team, specifically freelance writers, editors, illustrators, translators, layout designers and cover designers. Experience in the publishing industry would be a huge bonus! If you or someone you know are interested, please either email Steve at info@creativeconnex.ca or call 888-470-4873.
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6780528022454980609/
Creative Connex was founded on a simple vision: Provide the opportunity for an individual who has a story or an idea of a story to connect with a team of publishing professionals. Working together, they create a published book. There are a million stories out there. Let Creative Connex help you tell yours.
Grants as Additional Investment for the Arts
As announced in the Economic Statement released in fall 2020, the federal government is investing $181.5 million in the Supporting Arts and Live Events Workers in Response to COVID-19 Initiative to stimulate employment in the arts and culture sector, support ongoing operations during the pandemic, and prepare for the sustainable recovery of the sector.
Canadian Heritage will be distributing $65 million, and the Canada Council for the Arts will invest the remaining $116.5 million.
Explore and Create: Additional Funding
The Council is investing a portion of the additional one-time funding in the Research and Creation and Concept to Realization components of its Explore and Create program. Program guidelines and eligibility remain unchanged.
The Professional Development for Artists component of Explore and Create supports the career growth of Canadian artists and artistic groups by encouraging participation in a wide range of development opportunities. Grants fund activities that contribute to the professional advancement of Canadian artists working in all artistic disciplines. Support for professional development activities and career advancement, including but not limited to mentorships, internships, apprenticeships, specialized training, and workshops.
The Research and Creation component of Explore and Create supports the initial stages of the creative process. Canadian artists, artistic groups and arts organizations can apply to develop and make creative works. Grants of up to $25,000 provide support for creative research, creation and project development.
Projects involving production and/or post-production of a final work must apply to Concept to Realization.
See https://canadacouncil.ca/funding/grants/deadlines for the cut-off dates and notification times.
Call for Submissions James Lorimer & Company
James Lorimer & Company, an independent book publisher located in Toronto, is looking for writers to contribute to their children’s and teens publishing program.
James Lorimer & Company is seeking fiction, non-fiction and graphic novel manuscripts by Canadian creators for its children’s and teens’ imprint. The goal of this publishing program is to provide engaging, accessible books for young people that address social-justice and human-rights issues as they uniquely affect Canadian society or individual Canadians. The aim is to reflect a diverse range of cultural, regional, and socio-economic experiences and issues in the books they publish. Recent publishing success include their collection of LGBTQ+ romances for teens (Real Love series), a non-fiction series on young people who have been wrongfully convicted (Real Justice series), and Indigenous titles, such as the graphic novel If I Go Missing and the young adult novel The Missing. Submissions can be emailed to submissions@lorimer.ca and should include a cover letter, a short biography outlining your past writing experience and qualifications, a plot summary or outline, a chapter-by-chapter outline and 3–4 sample chapters or a complete manuscript.
Call for Submissions to Canadian Writers Abroad Website
Canadian Writers Abroad is looking for book reviews, interviews, or pieces from writers who have lived at least six months abroad, or who have travelled to research their book. The website was founded and is still run by Canadian Authors Association member Debra Martens, and began as a volunteer project to promote the work of Canadian authors who live, or lived, outside of Canada. Debra Martens writes much of the content and openly invites others to contribute. Submitting to the site provides self-promotion opportunities but does not provide monetary payment at this time. Canadian Writers Abroad will be celebrating it’s tenth anniversary in 2021.
F(r)iction: Call for Submissions
Submission Guidelines
- Short fiction: 1,001 – 7,500 words
- Creative nonfiction: up to 6,500 words
- Poetry: three pages or less per poem, up to five poems per submission
- Flash fiction: 1,000 words or less
- All genres are welcome, but especially those that celebrate the weird, take risks with form and content, and are driven by a strong, unique voice.
- All work must be previously unpublished. This means if your work has appeared in any print or online source (this includes personal blogs, websites, and social media pages), we cannot accept it.
- Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but please notify us immediately by choosing “withdraw” in Submittable if your work is selected for publication elsewhere.
- Submit as many pieces as you’d like.
The Association of Book Publishers of British Columbia Establishes Greg Younging Undergraduate Award in Publishing Studies
The Association of Book Publishers of British Columbia (ABPBC), in partnership with the Publishing Program at Simon Fraser University, is pleased to announce the launch of the Greg Younging Undergraduate Award in Publishing Studies, which will help support the training of emerging Indigenous publishers in Canada.
The award was established in memory of Dr. Gregory Younging (1961–2019), publisher at Theytus Books and a member of the ABPBC board of directors at the time of his death. Greg graduated from the SFU Master of Publishing Program in 2000 and later taught as adjunct faculty. A member of Opaskwayak Cree Nation in northern Manitoba, Greg was Assistant Director of Research for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and led the Canadian publishing industry in responding to their calls to action, advocating for Indigenous editorial agency and serving as a trusted resource for publishers of Indigenous texts. He was the author of The Elements of Indigenous Style: A Guide for Writing by and about Indigenous Peoples (2018), now considered an indispensable resource for North American publishers. The ABPBC honoured him in 2018 with the Gray Campbell Award Distinguished Service Award, in recognition of his work as an advocate for Indigenizing Canadian publishing.
At least one award, valued at a minimum of $1,000, will be granted annually in any term to an undergraduate student who meets the following criteria:
- is enrolled full-time during the term of eligibility;
- has declared a minor in Print and Digital Publishing;
- is in good academic standing;
- is Indigenous; and
- has been actively involved in community service.
“We appreciate the support of Greg’s family for this initiative, in particular his parents, George Ing and his mother, the late Dr. Rosalyn Ing,” said Heidi Waechtler, executive director of the Association of Book Publishers of British Columbia. “We are proud to be able to recognize Greg’s life and legacy in this way, and to help carry on the work he did to support emerging publishing professionals.” Suzanne Norman, lecturer and industry liaison for the Publishing Program at SFU, commented, “Greg’s contribution to publishing education and his work around Indigenous editorial protocols, have been pivotal in establishing a larger space for Indigenous writers, designers, publishers, and editors in Canada. He would be so proud of this new scholarship. His work with SFU may have begun in 1997, but his contributions continue and his work will always play a large role in the future of the SFU Publishing Program.”
Additional donations to the Greg Younging Undergraduate Award in Publishing at SFU can be made through Simon Fraser University’s Advancement Department.
Submissions to Voyage Magazine
Always free. Always open. Always paid. Please read the submission guidelines carefully. Voyage has no restrictions on the kind of fiction they’re looking for. They simply aim to publish good work and provide a space for new and established voices. To get an idea of what they publish, please read the archives. General submissions are open year-round and there is no fee to submit to the general categories. New work is published weekly. Submissions are only accepted via online submission managing system, Submittable. Submissions are not accepted via email and will automatically be discarded without a response. Simultaneous submissions are accepted but please withdraw your work via Submittable if it is accepted elsewhere.
Young Adult Fiction Guidelines
Fiction: Please send stories of up to 6,000 words or less. They are looking for stories that surprise, inspire, entertain, or enlighten.
Manuscript Preparation: Please make sure your manuscript is double-spaced with 12 point font (Times New Roman). Submissions should be no more than 6,000 words. Please include the author’s name and page number in the top right-hand corner of every page.
Young Adult Creative Non-Fiction Guidelines
CNF: On the hunt for personal essays and other creative nonfiction that specifically relates to the teen experience. Submit your creative nonfiction via their submission manager.
Manuscript Preparation: Please make sure your manuscript is double-spaced with 12 point font (Times New Roman). Submissions should be no more than 6,000 words. Please include the author name and page number in the top right-hand corner of every page.
Covid-19 Freelance Artist Resource
This list is specifically designed to serve freelance artists, and those interested in supporting the independent artist community. This includes, but is not limited to, actors, designers, producers, technicians, stage managers, musicians, composers, choreographers, visual artists, filmmakers, craft artists, teaching artists, dancers, writers & playwrights, photographers, etc.
What this list IS: an aggregated list of FREE resources, opportunities, and financial relief options available to artists of all disciplines.
What this list IS NOT: a place to promote individual artist practices, a place to promote fee for service work, or a place to seek direct emergency funding.
See full details and resources here: https://www.freelanceartistresource.com/
CRAFT Magazine Editorial Feedback
Are you looking for feedback on a piece of short fiction? Whether you’re applying to workshops, residencies, or MFA programs, or polishing a piece to submit to lit mags or writing contests, or seeking notes for any reason, CRAFT magazine is pleased to offer editorial feedback on flash fiction and short stories up to 6,000 words.
A small team of qualified editors has been carefully chosen to provide critique. For each piece sent through the editorial feedback category, the writer will receive line-level editorial notes, as well as a global letter discussing the strengths of the writing and the recommended focus for revision. While editorial feedback is inherently subjective, the criticism will always be actionable and encouraging.
The response time is expected to be under six weeks. The critique category may be closed in a given month once the editors’ capacity to complete feedback that month has been reached. If feedback is closed temporarily, it will reopen the first of the next month.
All work sent through the editorial feedback platform will also be considered for publication in CRAFT. Should your story be accepted, the feedback fee will be refunded.
Guidelines:
CRAFT Editorial Feedback is open to all fiction writers.
Please send work in English only.
6,000 word count maximum—short fiction only.
Work that has received editorial feedback is not eligible for submission to CRAFT contests.
Cost:
Flash Fiction up to 1,000 Words (one flash piece or up to three microfiction pieces totaling fewer than 1,000 words) = $59
Short Story 1,000 to 3,500 Words (one short story) = $79
Short Story 3,500 to 6,000 Words (one short story) = $99
See full details here: https://craft.submittable.com/submit/6e6e1fdd-2540-44ac-8a9f-d59ddd299bbe/craft-editorial-feedback
Submissions to Tidewater Press
Tidewater Press publishes true and imagined stories of identity and belonging. Their books explore the relationship between individuals and the communities in which they live – the ways in which people’s behaviour, values and perceptions are influenced by their circumstances, as well as each person’s ability to affect social change.
Established in 2017, Tidewater is a small press committed to enhancing the viability of new Canadian literature. A particular focus is working with self-published authors with the talent, commitment and potential to transition to professional trade publishing.
The submission process offers valuable feedback and constructive guidance to authors whose work is not yet ready for publication.
Tidewater Press has been established to nurture emerging Canadian authors. They accept submissions of both literary fiction and non-fiction that meet the following criteria:
- The story (whether fiction or non-fiction) is fresh, topical and will resonate with at least one defined, special interest constituency.
- The story (whether fiction or non-fiction) is compelling and is intended to give readers new insight into at least one aspect of contemporary life or Canadian history. Stories falling within a standard genre will be considered only if they transcend the normally recognized conventions of their genre.
- The author is committed to producing a quality book and is genuinely willing to engage in a rigorous editing process.
- The author has the ability and intention to actively support and promote the title after publication.
If you feel your manuscript meets the criteria, submit a brief (up to 500 words) synopsis and your manuscript using the submission form HERE.
The Globe and Mail Looking for Opinion Columns
The Globe and Mail Staff Editor, Sarah Efron, is looking for sharp 750-word columns for The Globe and Mail’s Opinion page, ideally news-hooked and from authoritative authors.sefron@globeandmail.com @Sarah_Efron
Submissions to The Sun Magazine
Fee: $0; Award: $100 – $2,000; Deadline: Rolling
The Sun is a reader-supported ad-free magazine. They have been described in many ways: celebratory, fierce, unflinching, thoughtful, truthful, dark, darkly funny, tender. They publish personal essays, fiction, and poetry. Personal stories that touch on political and cultural issues are welcome. They encourage submissions from writers of color. View more submission guidelines here.
Submissions to The Walrus Magazine
The Walrus invites writers and artists to submit pitches and work to be considered for publication.
Journalism pitches should be written in the body of your email. A successful pitch will provide a description of your subject, evidence of original research and intended approach and intended format, and your credentials. Samples of previous work should be provided as attachments (.doc, .docx, or .rtf for text and .jpg for photos and illustrations) or web links.
Fiction, poetry, and art submissions should be included as attachments. Please do not pitch short story or poem ideas; we will consider only completed drafts.
Please note:
- Do not follow up on your pitch by phone; we will respond by email.
- Unsolicited materials sent by mail will not be returned without proper self-addressed and stamped envelopes.
- Do not submit more than one short story or six poems every three months.
- The Walrus does not accept simultaneous submissions.
- Before sending a pitch, make sure you are familiar with the breadth and style of content at The Walrus, and confirm that your story idea isn’t one that has already been examined by The Walrus and that it concerns a topic relevant to a Canadian audience.
- The Walrus receives submissions daily. Please allow us a few weeks to respond to your query before following up.
Short Essays
The Walrus publishes timely short essays (maximum 1,200 words) reported from Canada and around the world. These take the form of reported narratives, memoirs, or small features focusing on a specific topic or issue. They demand a singular, focused argument and a strong writing voice—the author should have something original and significant to say. Their essays differ from newspaper op-eds in their breadth, depth of research, and quality of prose.
Writers new to The Walrus or without long-form journalism experience are encouraged to pitch to this section before seeking longer assignments.
Long Reads
Long-form narrative journalism at The Walrus focuses on issues relevant to Canadians, in the fields of politics, international affairs, the arts, the environment, health, science, sports, and so forth. Good articles are distinguished by thorough research, access to sources (when relevant), interesting characters, and the ability to tell compelling stories through narrative. Journalists pitching feature stories should have experience writing for magazines. Please note that memoirs or autobiographical works will be considered only on spec.
Arts & Culture
The review section of The Walrus covers architecture, art, books, dance, fashion, film, media, music, poetry, television, and theatre, with a special focus on literature. These pieces take the form of thematic reviews exploring new works in the context of other works; timely profiles of important figures in the arts; and narrative essays on new or ongoing phenomena in the cultural world. Writers in this section should have some authority in their area of interest.
Digital Features
The Walrus publishes online features and essays covering a range of timely, relevant subjects at thewalrus.ca. A general familiarity with our website is the best guide to what we’re looking for. Topics of particular interest include politics, business, society, international affairs, and arts and culture. Digital pieces are differentiated from print pieces by their timeliness—they maintain the same quality of originality, reportage, and language.
Fiction
The Walrus publishes original work of Canadian literary fiction by new or established writers. Short stories range from 2,000 to 5,000 words. We welcome stories on any subject, but please note that we do not publish mystery, historical romance, thrillers or genre fiction.
Poetry
The Walrus publishes work by new and established Canadian poets. Poems should fit in a single half-page column. Please send no more than six per submission and note that The Walrus does not consider work that has already appeared elsewhere, including on personal blogs.
Visual Features
Photographers who have produced a range of images on a particular theme are invited to submit their work for inclusion in The Walrus as a photo essay.
How To Submit:
- Fiction: fiction@thewalrus.ca
- Poetry: poetry@thewalrus.ca
- Illustration and photography: art@thewalrus.ca
- Essays, features, and other articles: pitches@thewalrus.ca
https://thewalrus.ca/about/submissions/
Submissions to The New Quarterly Magazine
The New Quarterly is a Canadian magazine currently accepting submissions in Creative Nonfiction.
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we are only accepting regular submissions online. Please do not mail in submissions at this time.
University of Calgary Continuing Education Online Writing Certificate Programs
Do you have a passion for creative writing? Do you need to strengthen your business and technical writing skills? Whatever your reasons for wanting to be a better writer, University of Calgary Continuing Education can help. Our writing certificates, including Creative Writing and Professional Writing with specializations in Business and Technical Writing and in Marketing and Public Relations, are taught by published authors and cover all aspects of the writing process. Each program requires 200 hours of instruction time, and in some cases, courses can be applied to more than one certificate. One or more of these writing certificate programs may be exactly what you need.
All of the courses in the programs are delivered completely online. When you enroll in a course, you will be required to work within scheduled start- and end-dates. During the duration of the course, you will work whenever-and from wherever-you choose, as long as you have a computer and a reliable internet connection.
Upcoming courses are open for registration. For more information, visit https://conted.ucalgary.ca/writing.
White Wall Review Call for Submissions
Ryerson University’s literary magazine, White Wall Review, is currently working on expanding the opportunities for a more diverse pool of writers to submit their work to the magazine. The magazine, established in 1975, has gained recognition among Canadian poets and writers of both fiction and nonfiction, with a great majority of submissions coming from Ontario every year.
For more information, please visit http://whitewallreview.com/submit/.
King’s MFA in Creative Nonfiction
This unique, two-year, limited-residency graduate program enables writers to continue to live and work in their home communities while working with writer-mentors to develop their book proposals and manuscripts. Faculty and mentors for the MFA include award-winning writers published by the top book imprints in Canada and around the world. Program includes two two-week summer residencies in Halifax, and one-week winter residencies in Toronto and New York, featuring guest publishers, editors, agents and writers.
For further course details and online registration information, go to ukings.ca/area-of-study/master-of-fine-arts-in-creative-nonfiction.
For specific questions about the program, please contact: Kim Pittway (kim.pittaway@ukings.ca), Stephen Kimber (stephen.kimber@ukings.ca) or Dean Jobb (dean.jobb@ukings.ca).
Applications accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.