Event Magazine seeks fiction and poetry

Event Magazine
PO Box 2503
New Westminster, BC V3L 5B2

Event publishes fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction and literary reviews. In every issue we aim to present a compelling selection of work by established and newer writers, both from Canada and abroad. As editors, we look beyond competent craft to writing that inspires, delights and challenges.

In fiction, we're looking for readability, style, well-handled characters and a strong, effective point of view (although not necessarily all in the same story). Generally, we favour strong narrative, but are open to all literary styles and strive for a diversity of voices.

In poetry, we tend to appreciate the narrative and sometimes the confessional modes. In any case, we are eclectic and always open to content that invites involvement.


The four main editors make their selections collectively. Our intention is to cast a wide net, and in that regard, we read everything that comes to us and only make selections after editorial assistants and at least three editors have commented on the submissions. Rejected manuscripts often receive encouraging comments, where appropriate.

Almost all manuscripts are unsolicited. Only reviews are actively sought. Here we make an effort to match the book and the reviewer in order to produce a review that provides empathetic insight into the nature of Canadian writing today.

On the cover of each issue we present the work of a notable or up-and-coming Canadian visual artist.

It is our goal to support and encourage a thriving literary community in Canada while maintaining our international reputation for excellence.

We do not read manuscripts in January, July, August and December. Creative non-fiction can only be submitted through our annual non-fiction contest held every spring.

Always include a stamped, self-addressed return envelope. Send Canadian stamps, international reply coupons or US$1 if you are submitting from outside Canada. Tell us if you'd prefer your manuscript to be recycled rather than returned. We do not accept email submissions, nor do we respond electronically.

Submit three to eight poems but no more than two short stories (maximum 5000 words each). We rarely publish excerpts from novels, unless they stand well on their own. Do not mix genres when submitting.

Attach a brief covering letter with your contact information, the title(s) of your submission(s) and listing other publications credits, if any.

We reply as soon as possible, usually within one to six months.

We pay a minimum of $25 ($30 for a poet's first page) on publication (up to a maximum of $500), and publication is within a year of acceptance. We buy first North American serial print rights and limited, non-exclusive digital rights; copyright reverts to the author after publication.

Submissions page here. Home page here.

See Brian's full schedule here, including writing workshops and creative writing courses in Kingston, Peterborough, Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Georgetown, Oakville, Burlington, St. Catharines, Hamilton, Kitchener, Guelph, London, Woodstock, Orangeville, Barrie, Gravenhurst, Sudbury, Muskoka, Peel, Halton, the GTA, Ontario and beyond.