The Canadian Guide to Creative Writing and Publishing

by Patricia Westerhof

The essential guide for Canadian writers seeking to have their work published today.

How do you get published in Canada? What are the standards for publishable work, and how do you reach them? This lively, practical guide includes strategies for thinking creatively, improving writing voice, and editing work at the sentence level. It also provides up-to-date information about the publishing industry, including how to find an agent, how to submit work to literary journals, how to query independent presses, and how to apply for writing grants. It will lead writers through the process of polishing their manuscripts and finding an audience for those manuscripts.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Canada

336 pages, Paperback

Published February 14, 2023

About the author

Patricia Westerhof is an author, speaker, and writing coach. Her broad and eclectic tastes in reading have led to a similarly broad range of genre of her published works. Along with her most recent book, The Canadian Guide to Creative Writing and Publishing, she has written novels, short stories, a textbook, and writing curriculum.

Patricia, who holds an MA in Education from the University of Toronto, is a sought-after writing coach, working with writers of all ages, from teens to seniors. She is currently working on a new novel inspired by her recent experience of having been forced to write an index.

Please visit patriciawesterhof.com.

Reviews

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is so awesome having a resource like this that is tailored for Canadians. I borrowed this book from my local library and ended up ordering a personal copy so I can keep referring back to it and make my own notes. My only complaint is that the order of the chapters feels a little disjointed, with having the editing and writing prompt sections after the section on querying/publishing, but its a minor thing.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

|| THE CANADIAN GUIDE TO CREATIVE WRITING & PUBLISHING ||
#gifted /@dundurnpress
✍🏻
An invaluable guide to writing and publishing in Canada.

I loved that this was Canadian focused! I didn't know much about publishing but really enjoyed the knowledge Westerhof shares. The layout is great as well. From writers tips, prompts, projects, to writing essays, fiction, editorial, podcast scripts and more plus submitting to publishing, finding an agent, large press and self publishing, applying for grants and much more! This is a great guide for anyone starting out in their writing journey.

For more of my book content check out instagram.com/bookalong

[Sunni | vanreads]

I enjoyed this one a lot! It super easy to read and very accessible for anyone who has little to no knowledge of the publishing industry. The author walks you through from beginning to end, and she includes Canadian specific resources at the end. I love the Canadian focus, because from what I’ve heard, publishing in Canada can be quite different from the US. It’s not as globally renowned, but it can feel like a tight knit community. I’m still not convinced that Canada isn’t just a small town masquerading as a big country.

Don’t let the differences fool you though! It still about submitting, submitting, and more submitting of your work.

I do think this is targeted towards new writers, as more experienced writers might already know much of this info. If you’re curious about publishing in Canada, check this out!

Thank you Dundurn Press for the review copy!

Visit my Instagram @vanreads for more of my reviews.

[Carolyn Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful to read a Canadian perspective on pursuing a career in creative writing. Westerhof provides a comprehensive guide to Canadian publishers, agents and literary magazines and an introduction to different genres to encourage writers to explore different forms of writing. There are a series of chapters that provide tips for improving writing in any genre as well as discussion what publishers are looking for in the 21st century. There were a couple of points that I disagreed with - a proposal for a non-fiction book that is accepted by a publisher may still undergo changes while the manuscript in being written - but overall this is an excellent book for Canadian authors.

[Emily Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This comprehensive book has become a prized writing tool, nestled appropriately beside my dictionary and thesaurus. As an emerging writer, you don’t know what you don’t know. In clear and accessible language, this book helped me to improve my writing skills and demystified the business of publishing in Canada. I especially appreciate the chapters on how to effectively revise your own work, and how to identify a bona fide writing contest from a possible scam. I found it immensely helpful - like a trusted mentor has my back.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise four-part book (with appendices) on how to publish your creative writing project in Canada.
Part One: Creative Thinking
Part Two: Sending Your Writing Out into the World: Publishing, Contests, and Grants in Canada
Part Three: Making Your Writing as Good as It Can Be
Part Four: Writing Prompts and Projects

Part Two is the section that truly interested me. It has useful information on the pros and cons of publishing with a small independent press vs a large press vs self-publishing. The information in the other three parts is perhaps better gleaned from more in-depth sources.

[Colin · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are better guides to creative writing out there - Westerhof's style of instruction is so full of simile and metaphor that it's distracting - but the sections on publication are invaluable, and certainly something I'll use for myself going forward. Likely to become dated relatively quickly, and probably better for use as reference material than anything else.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent and comprehensive book for anyone who wants to be a creative writer in Canada. There's a lot for beginners, including exercises to try, and there's a lot for more experienced writers who are looking for agents or publishers. Westerhof is very helpful, but she does not sugarcoat how difficult it is to be a writer, which I really appreciated.

[Risa Sheriff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must have if you’re interested in exploring your creative side. The book motivated me to jump into writing. The practical tips and exercises help me to stick with it.

[Luke Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of high level valuable advice on navigating the literary landscape both stylistically and as a business

[What Angie Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm hoping this is the year I get published!

[Deborah Sowery-Quinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of useful stuff in this book for writers, not all useful for all. But the bottom line is if you can't find the time to write none of it's going to be helpful....

[Emily Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was happy with the pointers and information provided.
Writing prompts were a bonus.

[Cynthia Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patricia offers a wealth of information for authors and the craft of writing. Great suggestions throughout and a specific focus on the Canadian market. Loved this resource.