New Canadian Literary Agency Ballpoint Literary seeks fiction and nonfiction

Ballpoint Literary Agency

Toronto, Canada

https://www.ballpoint.agency/

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The Ballpoint Agency is a new, “artist-centred literary agency with many enthusiasms, but mostly books.” They currently serve a small roster of just 8 writers – so they certainly need authors .

The agency has made three sales so far: a memoir, Things I Came Here With by Chris MacDonald to ECW Press in Toronto, a middle grade novel to Orca n Victoria (which has been optioned by Banger Films), and a memoir to Random House Canada. They are also shopping around three novels (one of which is fantasy) and have two nonfiction projects in the works.

The three founders have 75 years of professional experience between them, but note that none of it is in the book-publishing side of the industry:

Dave Bidini is the only person to have been nominated for a Gemini, Genie, and Juno as well as CBC's "Canada Reads." A founding member of Rheostatics, he has written thirteen nonfiction books, including On a Cold Road, Tropic of Hockey, Around the World in 57 1/2 Gigs, and Home and Away. 

He is a three-time National magazine award-winner, and his play, The Five Hole Stories, was staged by One Yellow Rabbit Performance Company, touring the country in 2008. He last book was Keon and Me and he is the publisher of the West End Phoenix community newspaper in Toronto. He’s spent 25 years writing books, earning valuable insight into the industry from an artist’s perspective. 

Query Dave at: dave@ballpoint.agency

Put “Query” in the subject line of your email and include a 2-page maximum excerpt of your project in the body of your email.

Warren Sheffer has 20 years as a lawyer, representing authors and performers and specializing in intellectual property law. He’s the Secretary of the Board of Toronto’s West End Phoenix.

Query Warren at: warren@ballpoint.agency

Put “Query” in the subject line of your email and include a 2-page maximum excerpt of your project in the body of your email.

Janet (on right) with The Billie Hollies

Janet Morassutti has been both rhythm guitarist for Randwiches and occasional co-writer with Rheostatics – she narrated the band’s 2000 album, “The Story of Harmelodia.” She has copy-edited a wide range of editorial titles, including the National Post and Maclean’s.

Altogether, she has 30 years of publishing industry experience, most recently as a founder and managing editor of Toronto’s West End Phoenix community newspaper.

Query Janet at: janet@ballpoint.agency

Put “Query” in the subject line of your email and include a 2-page maximum excerpt of your project in the body of your email.

Full submissions guidelines here.

Kids Can Press senior editor
Patricia Ocampo

Brian Henry’s schedule continues to take shape...

Online: How to Write Great Dialogue, Sunday, June 26. Details here.

In-Person: Writing for Children and for Young Adults, with Kids Can Press senior editor Patricia Ocampo, Saturday, July 16 Details here.

Online: Writing and Revising, Sunday, August 14. Details here.

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Weekly classes: {See all writing classes offered this summer here.}

Online: Exploring Creative Writing, Wednesday mornings, 10 a.m. – 12 noon; July 6 – August 24. Details here.

Online: Writing Personal Stories, Thursday afternoons, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m., July 7 – Aug 25. Details here. 

Online: Intensive Creative Writing, Wednesday afternoons, 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. First reading sent June 27; classes July 6 – August 17  (or to Aug 24 if the class is full). Details here.

Online: Intensive Creative Writing, Thursday mornings, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. First readings sent June 28; classes July 7 – Aug 18  (or to Aug 25 if the class is full). Details here.

For more information or to register for any class, email: brianhenry@sympatico.ca 

Writing Retreats:

Summer in Algonquin: Writing Retreat at Arowhon Pines Resort, July 8 – July 11, 2022. Join us for a weekend of creativity and fine dining in the midst of the Algonquin wilderness. Details here. Waiting list only.

The Briars

Lake Simcoe Writing Retreat at The Briars resort, Friday, Sept 16 – Monday Sept 19, 2022. Enjoy a weekend of writing at an elegant southern Ontario resort. Details here.

Muskoka Writing Retreat at Sherwood Inn, Friday, Oct 14 – Monday Oct 17, 2022. Details here. Reserve early before it fills up! 

To reserve a spot or for more details about any course, workshop or retreat, email brianhenry@sympatico.ca

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