08/16/2024
ONE YEAR LATER...
It has been 12 months since I launched Canadian Independent Publishers, and I can say it has been an interesting journey!
I’ve had the opportunity to speak with some great writers and illustrators, read some fantastic books, and learn about several of Canada’s unique indie bookstores and publishers.
While I had past experience with magazine layout and managing content for websites and newsletters, there was still a learning curve to running the needs of this publication. There’s still areas where I want to improve, such as producing more unique content and a stronger social media presence, but I think these will come in time. As the magazine’s reach grows, and it continues to build relationships with authors, indie bookstores, writing and publishing groups across Canada, I only expect the publication to grow.
To everyone that has purchased a print subscription or signed up for our free monthly newsletter, I want to offer my thanks for your support of the publication. It’s very important to me to showcase hard-working indie authors, bookstores and publishers, and you are helping me do that. Please continue to share our stories on social media and let your fellow bookworms know about the publication.
In an effort to showcase more writers this coming year, I’ve decided to add a new component to the magazine: writing contests!
Canadian Independent Publishers will be hosting a variety of writing contests throughout the next year focusing on short fiction and poetry. The winners of each competition will be interviewed in an upcoming issue and their stories and/or poetry will be published in the magazine.
Each writing contest will also feature a published collection of short stories and/or poetry, showcasing the written works of all finalists. I’m very excited to be launching this initiative and creating one more space where Canadian writers will have an opportunity to showcase their written works.
The first contest is all about flash fiction!
In 1,000 words or less, send us a short story in your genre of choice. I look forward to reading your entries along with our panel of judges.
For all the rules for the upcoming CIP Flash Fiction writing competition, visit: https://canadianindependentpublishers.ca/the-cip-flash-fiction-contest-is-open-for-submissions/.
Good luck to all the entrants, and thanks again for your support.
Happy reading and writing!
