Time is running out! Register today for the Insider’s Guide to Writing and Publishing for Young Readers, July 13-15

The Insider’s Guide to Writing and Publishing for Young Readers is just a month away! Join us July 13-15 on beautiful Prince Edward Island for a workshop filled with practical suggestions and writing inspiration. Presented by Humber College and the University of Prince Edward Island with support from the Access Copyright Foundation, this workshop offers the inside scoop on the world of publishing and self-publishing in Canada.

Created by facilitators Cynthia Good and Rick Wilks, the workshop first ran in Charlottetown in 2015 as a partnership between Holland College and Toronto’s Humber College, home to the renowned Humber School for Writers and Creative Book Publishing program. This summer, UPEI and Humber are joining forces to offer an expanded workshop, building on the strengths of the original. More time will be devoted to writing feedback, and a special session has been added with kids’ book marketing expert Tom Ryan to highlight what every writer needs to know about getting their books into the hands of readers.

Each workshop day is divided into writing and publishing segments. The hours devoted to writing will provide the opportunity to get feedback on a work in progress, or to develop an outline for your book if you are in the development stage.

The publishing segments will look at the current Canadian book industry, explore traditional and self-publishing models, provide business details, and help you to construct a query letter for publishers and literary agents.

Each participant will leave the workshop with new directions for their manuscript, enriched knowledge of publishing, and an effective query letter.

You should attend if you find yourself asking these questions:

• Where can I get feedback on my kids’ manuscript?
• What’s the best way to publish my book?
• Which Canadian publishers may be interested in my work?
• How does self-publishing work and is it for me?
• What literary agents represent kids’ books?
• How can I market myself and my book?
• Can I learn about the publishing process for kids’ and adult books?
• How can I get a job in publishing?
• Where can I find help for my writing process?
• How can I find time to write?

About the facilitators:

Cynthia Good has been a leader in the publishing industry for many years. She was appointed the first editorial director of Penguin Books Canada and went on to become president and publisher. Over her twenty years with Penguin, she established a publishing program which grew into one of the most successful in Canada. After Penguin she joined Humber College.

At Humber, Cynthia developed the Creative Book Publishing program and mentored over 300 students. In 2014, she stepped down from that position to take on the newly created role of Director of Student and Industry Initiatives, which allowed her to focus on program and community outreach until retiring in 2016. In recognition of her accomplishments at Humber, she was named director emeritus and was awarded the Humber Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Rick Wilks co-founded Annick Press in 1975 and has been its sole director since 2000. Annick has been recognized as one of the most innovative publishers of fiction, non-fiction and picture books for children and young adults, publishing, among others, Robert Munsch, Sharon McKay, Kathy Stinson, Allan Stratton and Kevin Sylvester. Rick oversees all aspects of the publishing process, with a special emphasis on acquisitions.

His publishing philosophy stresses projects that are dynamic and developed to the highest literary standards. A joy of reading experience is essential to capture the minds and hearts of youth. Annick titles encourage critical thinking and the development of children’s inner resources so that, in addition to becoming confident, contributing members of their communities, they are also engaged with society at large and their peers around the globe. Annick was recently nominated for International Publisher of the Year.

Rick also co-founded the National Reading Campaign, where he has served as co-chair and currently sits as a board member. The Campaign’s goal of advocating for reading as a national public good addresses one of Rick’s highest priorities.

For more information, including details on the workshop, accommodations, and how to register, visit creativearts.humber.ca/pei.