This project is the next step in a long-term initiative to create an indie publishing press that is connected to York's Professional Writing and Creative Writing programs. In a previous project, I laid down the funding and budgetary framework for this company and made some early promotional decisions, while this new research effort will tackle the creative solutions, social connections, and market interventions that will bring that initial research to life.

This project involves research into two major areas of contemporary Canadian science fiction and fantasy. The first area is focused on authors. What do Canadian sci-fi and fantasy authors need so that they can reach their readers? How and where do they collaborate? What barriers—systemic, historical, personal or otherwise—have prevented marginalized communities from publishing in traditionally “niche” genres like sci-fi and fantasy?

As we conduct this research (which will include, among other activities, meeting a dozen Canadian authors, editors, and publishing executives), we’ll consider the second area of the project: how a new indie publishing press in Toronto, focused on sci-fi and fantasy, could best support such an author community. This press aims to bring science fiction and fantasy to the forefront as one of the major trends in Canada’s literary future. It is, therefore, essential to understand the current obstacles in how sci-fi and fantasy books are written, who gets to write these books, and how these authors and their books are promoted to and perceived by the reading public.

Month: May   Year: 2025

Month: Aug   Year: 2025

This project involves researching and putting into practice the early stages of founding an independent book publishing press, with a special focus on upmarket genre fiction (sci-fi, fantasy, thrillers). This is part of a long-term initiative to create a boutique publishing space that will be connected to York University's book stream.

The project explores and seeks to answer questions about funding, collaboration, creative design, and the current state of the independent book market in Canada. What are the risks and challenges that come with starting a small book business, and are there any best practices that will help us to mitigate those risks and challenges? Where are the opportunities to share ideas and network with other independent publishers in both Ontario and the wider Canadian publishing community?

The ultimate question is: what are the best practices for laying down the groundwork for a successful new publishing business in Canada, and how can we begin to put those best practices into motion?

The project is especially interested in how these questions relate to not only publishing as a whole, but to specifically producing science-fiction and fantasy books with a literary twist.

Month: May   Year: 2024

Month: Aug   Year: 2024