This list was compiled with the help of CWILL BC members and updated December 2019.
ONLINE RESOURCES
Awards
Canadian Authors – Contests & Competitions
canadianauthors.org has compiled a list of writing contests open to Canadians that include fiction and non-fiction contests, short story contests, and poetry contests. Its listing of writing competitions appears in order of deadline dates and, because there are hundreds upon hundreds of contests, are separated by month.
CANSCAIP (Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators, and Performers) Links
Scroll down for a list of Canadian awards, including those specific to Canadian children’s and YA literature.
Winning Writers – The Best Free Literary Contests
Via newsletter subscription, this site offers a comprehensive list with monthly reminders of upcoming contests.
Marketing
Canadian Children’s Book Centre – YouTube Channel
For more information, see New YouTube Channel All About Canadian Children’s Books to Launch in 2019
For enquiries or to submit videos, contact janis@bookcentre.ca
How to create a website
A helpful article offering step-by-step advice on options and available platforms for creating websites.
Making a simple book trailer, by Pam Withers
A “how-to” for cheapskates & dummies: 17 fully-outlined steps!
Presentation advice
School Presentation Hints from CWILLers for CWILLers!
Tips from CWILL members on how to book a school presentation, plan it, and keep your audience mesmerized.
Publisher information
Association of Book Publishers of British Columbia
Plenty of good information and resources to do with getting published.
Canadian Children’s Book Centre
The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) is a national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to encouraging, promoting and supporting the reading, writing, illustrating and publishing of Canadian books for young readers. The CCBC’s programs, publications, and resources help teachers, librarians, booksellers and parents select the very best for young readers.
CCBC Get Published: The Writing for Children Kit and Publishers List
This resource contains advice on submitting manuscripts and portfolios, a list of Canadian publishers accepting unsolicited manuscripts, and more. Prices as listed.
The Children’s Literature Web Guide
Internet resources related to books for children and young adults.
JacketFlap
Publisher search resource.
Publishing and self-publishing
Publishing a Book: A Guide to Becoming an Author, from Bulk Books
This guide provides background tips on getting to know your audience and the many variables authors should consider before trying to get something published. It then describes the various publishing options available for authors today, and some of the hoops they might have to jump through to get published.
https://www.createspace.com
An Amazon.com company offering self-publishing and print-on-demand services.
Writing advice
CWILL BC Manuscript Consultants list
A list of CWILL BC authors who offer manuscript consulting services (all genres).
Highlights Foundation
Lists of articles from the Highlights Foundation Writers Workshop at Chautauqua by writers, editors and others involved in the children’s writing business.
Hope Vestergaard
Articles about writing for children, getting published.
The Purple Crayon
Industry information and articles.
Writing advice – picture books
Picture Books – Plan, Polish, and Publish: One Writer’s Method
by Dori Chaconas.
Writing advice – poetry
Icing the Cake: Writing Stories in Rhythm and Rhyme
Articles about writing in rhyme by Dori Chaconas.
Poetry Lessons
By Lill Pluta.
EDITING RESOURCES
www.editors.ca
The Editors’ Association of Canada has a searchable database of editors.
www.editors.ca/branches/bc/hotline.html
This is a direct link to the Editors’ Association of Canada BC job hotline for new writers looking for editors.
Sarah N. Harvey – Verbatim Edits
Previously the senior editor at Orca Books, Sarah N. Harvey provides manuscript assessment, macro editing, and stylistic or line editing.
Colin Thomas
Substantive editing from an experienced editor and award-winning
children’s writer. “My job is to help you to unlock the full potential of
your story.”
RESOURCE BOOKS
Writing for Kids and Teens, Marion Crook, Self-Counsel Press
A great ‘how to write and get published’ resource
Children’s Writers and Illustrators Market
An excellent industry reference book with articles and listings of publishers and their submission requirements.
Picture Writing by Anastasia Suen, Writer’s Digest Books
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Publishing Children’s Books (2nd Ed), by Harold Underdown
CHILDREN’S LIT ORGANIZATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, UNIONS & SOCIETIES
CWILL BC Society
Children’s Writers and Illustrators of British Columbia Society – an association of published British Columbian authors and illustrators.
Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC)
A national not-for-profit organization and registered charity founded to promote, support and encourage the reading, writing and illustrating of Canadian books for children and teens. Join and receive their magazine, plus support materials for authors, including Canadian publisher info.
CANSCAIP (Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators, and Performers)
Based in Toronto. Join as Friend (associate member) or Member. Click on ‘Links and Resources’ and ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ for more information.
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
An American professional organization similar to CANSCAIP based in Los Angeles with a membership of over 19,000. Full membership benefits extend to unpublished writers. They now have an active Western Canada branch based here in Vancouver.
Vancouver Children’s Literature Roundtable
A well-organized and fun organization with a membership of approximately 450 people who love children’s books. Typical members including teacher librarians, publishers, authors and illustrators. Receive discounts to speaker breakfasts, the Serendipity conference and other events. There are chapters across Canada.
CONFERENCES, EVENTS, FESTIVALS, AND PROGRAMS
Inkwell
Ink Well Vancouver is creating a supportive community of published and aspiring children’s writers through a unique workshop approach. Their master classes and weekly sessions include writing lessons, individual feedback, peer workshopping, and a welcoming environment for discussion and networking.
The Creative Academy
A group of professional and established authors, coaches and mentors who offer resources and programs.
SCBWI (Society of Book Writers and Illustrators) conferences:
Conferences are offered by different chapters. Check out:
– SCBWI Canada West
– SCBWI Canada East
– SCBWI Western Washington
Surrey International Writing Conference
Where: Surrey, BC
October, annually
Vancouver Children’s Literary Roundtable events
Annual events, open to the public, featuring various representatives of the literary profession from writers to illustrators to editorial directors.
Where: Vancouver, BC
Fall: Author/Illustrator fall breakfast
Spring: Author/Illustrator Breakfast
Spring: Serendipity
The Vancouver International Writers & Readers Festival
Where: Vancouver, BC
When: mid October, annually
The Word on the Street – National Book & Magazine Festival
Where: Lethbridge, Saskatoon, Kitchener, Toronto, Halifax
When: September
Word Vancouver – Western Canada’s celebration of literacy and reading
Where: Vancouver, BC
When: September
Write On Vancouver
The Vancouver Public Library’s Write On Vancouver is a day-long celebration of local writers and publishers. All levels of writers are welcome to attend free workshops, hear authors share their work, and browse the author and publisher trade fair.
WRITING & ILLUSTRATION WORKSHOPS & PRESENTATIONS for KIDS (and adults)
Many CWILL BC members do speaking engagements and workshops at schools and libraries and the CWILL BC website offers a comprehensive list of the authors and illustrators who offer these services. Search the entire speaker’s list here to find the right speaker for your class.
The CWILL BC Society blog 