The Benefits of Working with a Canadian Publisher
By Marina Reis
Word Alive Press is not shy about the fact that not only are we a nondenominational Christian publishing company, but also a Canadian one at that. Our Canadian identity shows up in the books that we publish and in the diversity of the authors that we have had the honour of working with over the years. There is a startling amount of talent right here in our backyard!
When it comes to publishing your manuscript, there are many options out there, but below I will outline the major benefits of publishing with a Canadian publisher, like yours truly.
No duty or exchange rates
On a practical level, publishing with a Canadian publishing company is a great way to save money. Between the costs of publishing, editing and printing, publishing is a major investment for most authors, so saving where you can absolutely makes a difference to your bottom line.
We work with several printers located in Canada and your print run will be printed and shipped from right here in Canada to your home. For you, as the author, this means that there is no duty for you to pay, and you can expect the shipping will be reasonable as well.
Also, as a Canadian company, the pricing that you discuss with your publishing consultant will always be as is. There is no need to worry about exchange rates or the fluctuating value of the Canadian dollar.
Keeping Canadian editors, designers, project managers, and publishing consultants employed
Back when I was at the University of Winnipeg, I had a professor of a class called Canadian Literature and Culture who was trying to dispel the alleged stereotype that all Canadians know each other. This attempted lesson resulted in the absurd, with a class of students providing ample examples of when they were abroad and indeed kept meeting folks (Canadian and otherwise) who knew a Canadian in common with them.
Whether this stereotype is accurate or not, by working with a Canadian company, you are helping to keep your neighbours, or your neighbour’s neighbour, employed and contributing to something greater in society. The editors, designers, project managers, and publishing consultants that you interact with from start to finish of the publishing process are employed right here at home. These are not services that Word Alive Press exports across the globe for a cheaper rate.
Keeping Canadians employed, keeps money right here in our community. Money that is reinvested back into the community to enrichen our everyday lives.
Canadian culture is unique
Canada is basically a large land mass that is sparsely populated, which makes us uniquely reliant on one another when times are tough, and when resources may be sparse.
I always encourage authors to tap into local and community support to get the word out about their book. Bloom where you are planted, to put it poetically. Global recognition is great for commercial success, but the best way to gain traction with your book is to hold a book launch at your church, a community centre, or some other such local place, populated by the people who have been there for you since you confessed your dream of literary acclaim. Many of our authors dwell in small towns, and it is the same pastors, teachers, police officers, etc. that populate these communities who show up to that first book launch, or who leave the most heartfelt online reviews.
Likewise, many Canadian bookstores have gained the reputation for being very supportive of local authors. Often, they will be glad to help you host a book-signing, even if you have not yet made it on a bestseller list—so don’t be shy about taking advantage of this amicable support.
Way to express your patriotism
Whether you are new to a Canadian community and are just learning how to drive during the season’s first snowstorm (Don’t. The trick is to actually stay home.), or whether your ancestors go even further back than modern-day meridian lines, publishing with a Canadian company is a good way to express your patriotism for the place where you work, play, and celebrate with your loved ones.
At Word Alive Press, we hope that our Canadian identity will continue to bring in so much of the talent that we already are so blessed to witness everyday. So, if you are looking for a publisher, there is no need to look further than where you already are. No passport needed.
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Did you enjoy this post? Read more by Marina Reis, here.
About this Contributor:
Marina Reis is a Senior Project Manager who joined Word Alive Press in 2017. She graduated from the University of Winnipeg in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in English.