Getting a book published in Canada can be a little challenging for a U.S. writer. It often requires a little more work than U.S. publication. However, perseverance, detailed research and an excellent book proposal can make all the difference. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Instructions
Get a Book Published in Canada
1. Complete your book. Proofread the book and make certain there are no errors. You only contact publishers after you have a finished book ready for consideration.
2. Determine the market for your book and research it. Develop a compelling argument for why your book will sell in this market.
3. Obtain a list of Canadian publishers from the Writer's Market or on the internet. Research Canadian publishing houses and make a list of potential publishers. Request submission guidelines and catalogs. Learn everything possible about them. The Canadian publishing industry has many publishers who focus only on Canadian issues. There are also regional publishing houses that publish region-specific material. Some Canadian publishers do not accept foreign submissions. Make certain the publisher will accept your submission.
4. Find out about Canadian copyright law and contract law to protect your rights.
5. Create a book proposal to send to the publishers on your list. Remember to tailor each book proposal to a publisher's specific submission guidelines. The book proposal should include a query letter, book outline, sample chapters and a brief biography. Sometimes it is appropriate to include a resume. The quality of the query letter often determines if the publisher reads the entire book proposal. Use the query letter to get the publisher excited about your book and its potential to sell. Introduce the book and why you wrote it. Describe the target market and why this market will buy the book. Tell the publisher why you are qualified to write the book. The letter should be no longer than one or two pages.Create a brief, chapter-by-chapter outline of the book. The outline provides the story as well as the tone of the book. Include one or two sample chapters to give the publisher an idea of your writing style and the story's tone.
6. Always include a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) with International Reply Coupons as postage to receive a response. You can obtain International Reply Coupons at the U.S. Post Office. U.S. stamps do not work as postage when the mail originates from Canada.
7. Mail your book proposal according to the publisher's guidelines.
8. Call the publisher within two weeks of mailing the book proposal to confirm the receipt of your proposal. Follow up periodically to check the status of your proposal until you hear an answer.
