UPEI and Humber College present The Insider’s Guide to Writing and Publishing for Young Readers, July 12-14

The University of Prince Edward Island is once again partnering with Humber College to present The Insider’s Guide to Writing and Publishing for Young Readers, a workshop for writers of children’s and young adult literature. No matter what stage of writing you’re at—from concept to first draft or beyond—this workshop offers the inside scoop on the world of publishing and self-publishing. Join us July 12 through 14 in beautiful Charlottetown, PEI, on the lovely UPEI campus, for a workshop full of practical suggestions and writing inspiration.

Created by eminent publishers and facilitators Cynthia Good and Rick Wilks, the workshop, now in its third year, is a collaboration between UPEI and Toronto's Humber College, home to the renowned Humber School for Writers and Creative Book Publishing program. This summer’s expanded workshop will have more time devoted to writing feedback, and Sarah Sawler, children’s author and publicist, will join the facilitators 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 dedicated to writing will provide the opportunity to get feedback on some of your writing, or to develop an outline for your book if you are in the development stage.

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

The workshop will open with a lecture and reception sponsored by Annick Press, legendary publisher of Robert Munsch, Ruth Ohi, Kathy Stinson, and Kevin Sylvester. Participants will leave the workshop with new directions for their manuscripts, 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 children’s/young adult 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 children’s/young adult books?
• How can I market my book and myself?
• How can I learn about the publishing process for children’s/young adult and adult books?

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 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.

Sarah Sawler is a publicist, author, and freelance writer living in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She is the author of the regional bestseller 100 Things You Don't Know About Nova Scotia and 100 Things You Don't Know About Atlantic Canada - For Kids. For the past nine months, she's also been working closely with Cape Breton YouTuber Frankie MacDonald on Be Prepared: The Frankie MacDonald Guide to Life, the Weather, and Everything. Occasionally, she writes about children's literature for Atlantic Books Today, and has had numerous reviews published in the Quill & Quire’s "Books for Young People" section.

In addition to writing (and promoting) her own books, Sarah markets other people's books as the publicist for Conundrum Press, a literary graphic novel publisher based in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Previously, she worked as a publicist at Fierce Ink Books, an independent publisher that specialized in young adult books. She's also a former bookseller; years of experience at Woozles Children's Bookstore provided her with valuable insight into everything from cover design to merchandising.

Sarah has also worked as an online technical writing instructor for Dalhousie University's Continuing Education Department, spoken to elementary school classes, facilitated professional development courses, spoken at conferences and festivals, signed piles of books, and once, created a fictional biography for a rooster.

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

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

Established in 1967, Humber College is a global leader in polytechnic education. Combining in-depth theoretical learning and hands-on experience with applied research and extensive industry connections, Humber provides career-focused education to 31,000 full-time and 23,000 part-time students across three campuses. The college offers a comprehensive range of credentials including honours undergraduate degrees, postgraduate certificates, diplomas, apprenticeships and certificates. More than four out of five Humber graduates are employed within six months of completing their studies. Visit humber.ca.