Annick press seeks fiction and nonfiction for middle grade and teen readers

Annick Press Ltd.

15 Patricia Avenue
Toronto,ON  M2M 1H9

http://www.annickpress.com/

Annick publishes books by Canadian authors for children ages six months to twelve years and for young adults, though at the moment Annick is not accepting picture book manuscripts.

Teen Fiction: 

Annick Press invites writers to submit proposals for teen novels which possess a high degree of originality and capture strong and distinctive contemporary voices. 

There should be creativity in the use of language—language that is lively, dramatic and vivid. The story must involve and stimulate the reader. It is essential that it have authentic dialogue and richly visualized settings. The reader must see the real teen experience reflected through the story line. We encourage the use of appropriate and well-timed humor. 

Please mail a synopsis, together with a sample chapter. (No email submissions.)

Middle Reader Fiction: 

Annick Press seeks middle reader fiction (8 – 11) which captures the imagination of readers and readily engages their interest. The story must be memorable, well-written and notable for its originality. Humor, even if used occasionally, is an asset. 

The characters in the novel should come to life for the reader and the settings must be vivid and rich in detail. We look for gripping action, even though it may be delivered in a subtle form. Stories should involve the reader while simultaneously provoking thought and reflection. 

Please mail a synopsis, together with a sample chapter. (No email submissions.)

Nonfiction for mid-grade and teen readers: 
The degree of originality in an idea or in the approach to a subject is key to our non-fiction program. The subject matter must have inherent appeal to the readership. The key is to combine the skills of a fiction writer, including narrative techniques, to draw the reader into the text. 

At the same time, there must be a dedication to accuracy—fictionalization is not a stylistic option. The text should encourage the reader’s natural sense of wonder, and avoid any tendency to become didactic. Attention should be given to little-known details that serve to fascinate the reader and encourage further exploration. 

The work should have a distinctive voice that uses language in an engaging and lively manner. The topic must be thoroughly researched and a passion for the subject matter must be evident. The writing level must be age appropriate. 

Please mail a synopsis, together with a sample chapter. (No email submissions.) Annick Press also uses illustrators. Full submission guidelines here.

Brian Henry will be leading "Writing for Children and for Young Adults" workshops in Hamilton on February 9 (details here) and in Guelph on April 13 (details here). 

Also, Brian will lead "How to Get Published” workshops on March 16 in Peterborough (details here) and on March 17 in Kingston (details here).  

To register, email: brianhenry@sympatico.ca

But probably the best single step you can take toward creating a manuscript that’s ready for publication is to join one of the “Next Step” or “Intensive” creative writing courses. Spaces are still available in his Next Step course starting January 24 in Georgetown (details here). Email to inquire about Next Step and Intensive courses this spring in Mississauga, Georgetown and Burlington: brianhenry@sympatico.ca

Beginners should look into Brian’s “Welcome to Creative Writing” course starting January 21 in Georgetown (details here) or the “Writing Memoirs” course starting January 29 in Burlington (details here).

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