#CAAEvents
Preparing for Traditional Publishing: A Frank Conversation with Agents and Publishers
When: Thursday, September 28, 2023, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Centre for Social Innovation – Spadina,
192 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 2C2
Suite 501 and Office 502 (5th floor, access via stairs or elevator)
Cost: Free for CAA members, $10 for non-members at the door
Canadian Authors Association’s Toronto branch has invited agents and publishers to discuss traditional publishing in our first in-person event post the COVID pandemic!
During this panel, CAA Toronto branch President JF Garrard will facilitate a discussion involving topics such as:
- how authors typically land an agent and get a book deal with publishers
- some tips for success with agents and publishers
- what has changed for agents and publishers with the advent of new forms of publishing (self-publishing, hybrid, online)
- is it possible for an author to write for a living if they secure an agent or publisher?
- what are some trends on the market, and should authors write to the market?
- where is a good place to start on finding agents and publishers?
After the panel, there will be a short Q & A, so please bring your burning questions if we haven’t answered them by the end of the conversation!
About our panelists:
Léonicka Valcius – Literary Agent, Transatlantic Agency
Léonicka Valcius is a literary agent at Transatlantic Agency, representing commercial and genre fiction for adults and children. Léonicka previously worked on the Online and Digital Sales team at Penguin Random House Canada, as the French book buyer for Scholastic Book Fairs Canada, and as a Book Sales and Marketing instructor at Centennial College. She is currently a JD Candidate at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law.
Instagram: @leonicka_
Website: www.transatlanticagency.com
Crystal Sikma – Managing Editor at Coach House Books
Crystal Sikma is the managing editor at Coach House Books, where she wears many hats. Her job involves editorial, production, and the design of covers and interior layouts. Previously, she worked at Bellevue Literary Press and Writers House Literary Agency in New York. Alongside author Matthew James Weigel, she received first prize in the poetry category of the 2020/21 Alcuin Society Awards for Excellence in Book Design for Whitemud Walking. She was the acquiring editor for Lesser Known Monsters of the 21st Century by Kim Fu, which was shortlisted for the 2022 Scotiabank Giller Prize.
Website: chbooks.com
Kathryn Willms – Literary Agent, The Rights Factory
Kathryn Willms (she/her) is a literary agent at The Rights Factory, representing adult nonfiction, in particular, big-idea book projects that contribute new perspectives and push cultural conversations in surprising directions. She’s currently building her list in culture, social justice, psychology, history, nature/environmentalism, lifestyle, and food and beverage. She also runs Kwill Communications, an editorial company that works primarily with educational publishers, organizations, and companies. She holds an MA in English from the University of Calgary.
Website: https://www.therightsfactory.com/
Help us spread the word!
Share the event details on social media and/or tell your friends and family. Use hashtag #CAAEvents!
As well, remember to take a look at our 2023 Writing Contest that is ongoing until the end of October! Who knows, the next winner could be you!
Stay tuned to the Authors–Toronto “Events” web page for regular programming and event updates.
As always, we welcome your feedback on all of our activities. Email co-president Lee Parpart at TOpresident1@canadianauthors.org with comments, questions, or ideas about our programs and events.
We’re working to expand the number of writing circles that we can offer to members. We’re looking for branch members to launch and moderate new Authors–Toronto writing circles outside of the downtown core. Our Annex Writing Circle meets the second Thursday of every month at the CSI Annex and is at capacity, but we are open to working with new members to start another monthly group at the same location. Please email Lee at TOpresident1 at canadianauthors.org for more details about writing circles.
And if you know any writers who are not already members of Canadian Authors Association, please talk to them about the benefits of joining. To join Canadian Authors Association or renew your membership, click here.
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Thank you for your interest! We look forward to seeing you.
Archived information for past events held in 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018
