You have until Feb 28 to submit to Orca Books: board books to middle grade, fiction and nonfiction, plus books for reluctant readers

Orca Books

1016 Balmoral Road
Victoria, BC

https://www.orcabook.com/

You can now get new postings on Quick Brown Fox delivered straight to your Inbox as I publish them. Subscribe to the new Quick Brown Fox page on Substack here:  https://brian999.substack.com/ ~Brian

Founded in 1984, Orca Book Publishers is an independently owned Canadian children’s book publisher. With over 1,000 titles in print and more than 80 new titles a year, Orca prides itself on publishing Canadian authors (only) and bringing them to a wider market.

Orca accepts submissions in February and August. Look for announcements on their social media: OrcaBook Publishers on Facebook or @orcabook on Twitter, and doubtless they’re on other platforms, too. To submit to Orca, create an account on CanSubmit.

In February and August (only), Orca will be looking for manuscripts in the following genres:

Board Books

Manuscripts should have minimal text and be aimed at ages 0–24 months.

No art should be included with board book submissions unless you are a professional illustrator. Original art should never be included.

Please send submissions to the attention of Sarah Howden and Vanessa McCumber.

***

Note: Patricia Ocampo, Senior Editor with Kids Can Press, will be a guest speaker for our “Writing for Children and for Young Adults” workshop on  Saturday, March 1, 2025. Details here.

Also, I'll be one of many speakers at the Prairie Horizons Conference for Kid Lit writers, May 16 – May 18, 2025, in Saskatoon. Details here.

Finally, I'll have a new weekly Kid Lit course starting this spring. Email me, if you want to get to the front of the line for joining the class: brianhenry@sympatico.ca 

***

Picture Books

Good stories, well told. Any lesson or moral should be secondary to credible characters, an engaging plot and strong writing. The point of view should invite the child reader into the story.

Even if you have written a series, please send only one submission. We rarely publish sequels to our picture books, and then only if the first book has been very successful.

Picture book manuscripts should typically be 1,500 words or less.

No art should be included with picture book submissions unless you are a professional illustrator. Original art should never be included.

Complete manuscripts (no queries, please) should be sent to the attention of Sarah Howden  and Vanessa McCumber.

Orca Echoes

Early chapter books aimed at ages six to eight

Contemporary stories or fantasy with a universal theme, a compelling, unified plot and a strong, sympathetic child protagonist who grows through the course of the story and solves the central problem him/herself

Currently seeking stories where humour, imagination and play are at the forefront. Any lesson or moral should be well-disguised, and secondary to an engaging plot, strong characters, and child-appeal. 

6,000 to 8,000 words (max.)

Submissions should be sent in their entirety to the attention of Sarah Howden.

Middle Grade fiction

Contemporary stories with a universal theme, a compelling, unified plot and a strong, sympathetic child protagonist who grows through the course of the story and solves the central problem themselves

35,000 to 50,000 words

Target audience: readers for this genre can range anywhere from 8 to 12 years old. Please be clear about the target age group for your work in your cover letter.

A cover letter and the complete manuscript should be sent to the attention of Sarah Howden.

Orca Currents

High-interest novels aimed at reluctant readers ages 9-12, with a reading level of grades 1.0-4.5

Protagonists are between 12 and 14 years old and should be appealing and believable.

These stories should have middle-school-appropriate story lines (family issues, humor, sports, adventure, mystery/suspense, sci-fi/fantasy, etc.).

14,000 to 16,000 words, 12 to 16 chapters.

Submit a cover letter, a short (100–200 words) synopsis, and a chapter-by-chapter outline, and a sample chapter to the attention of Gabrielle Prendergast.

Orca Soundings

High-interest novels aimed at reluctant readers aged 12 and up, with a reading level of grade 2.0-4.5, preferably closer to 3.0

Protagonists are between 14 and 17 years old and should be appealing and believable.

These stories should reflect the universal struggles that young people face. They need not be limited to "gritty" urban tales. Can include adventures, mystery/suspense, performing arts, romance, sport, and sci-fi/fantasy

14,000 to 16,000 words, 12 to 16 chapters

Submit a cover letter, a short (100–200 words) synopsis, a chapter-by-chapter outline, and a sample chapter to the attention of Gabrielle Prendergast..

Orca Anchor: High-interest novels for reluctant teen readers ages 12 and up, with a reading level below grade 2.0, preferably closer to 1.0

Protagonists are between 14 and 17 years old and should be appealing and believable.

These stories should reflect the universal struggles that young people face. They need not be limited to "gritty" urban tales. Can include adventures, mystery/suspense, performing arts, romance, sport, and fsci-fi/antasy

6,000 to 8,000 words, 8 to 10 chapters

Submit a cover letter, a short (100–200 words) synopsis, a chapter-by-chapter outline, and a sample chapter to the attention of Gabrielle Prendergast.

Graphic Novels

Orca is looking for stories for all ages that can be told in graphic novel format, but no manga or anime.

Submissions should include a cover letter, synopsis and full text of the story. The more complete the submission, the better. If you are working with an illustrator, please include samples of their work and any finished art (copies only).

Orca Footprints

Nonfiction books about the complex environmental issues that kids face every day. 

Each 48-page book aims to inspire kids to take action.

Geared to readers ages 9 to 12 who are asking questions about the state of the natural world. 

Please submit query only to Kristie Hudson.

Orca Think

Nonfiction books that introduce readers to the issues making headlines today

Well-researched topics by authors with a connection to the subject matter

Please submit query only to Kristie Hudson.

Orca Timeline

Nonfiction books that explore how big ides have shaped humanity in the past, present, and into the future.

Well-researched topics by authors with a connection to the subject matter

Material should be appropriated for middle-grade readers, ages 9 to 12

Please submit query only to Kristie Hudson.

Navigation tip: For more children’s and young adult publishers, see here {and scroll down}. For book publishers in general, see here {and scroll down}.

Orca Wild

Nonfiction books that challenge us to think about our relationships, both good and bad, with vulnerable species and habitats.

Well-researched topics by authors with a connection to the subject matter

Material should be appropriate for middle grade readers, ages 9 to 12

Please submit query only to Kristie Hudson.

Other Nonfiction

Orca is looking for unique projects that will have broad appeal to young North American readers. These could be nonfiction picture books for elementary readers (ages 4 to 8) or books for middle grade readers (ages 9 to 12) outside the scope of the series above. Material should be age appropriate.

Please submit a query only to Kristie Hudson.

To submit to Orca, create an account on CanSubmit.

See full submission guidelines here. See guidelines for illustrators here. 

***

See all of Brian’s upcoming weekly writing classes, one-day workshops, and weekend writing retreats here.

Join us for “Writing Personal Stories and Other Nonfiction”

“Writing Personal Stories and Other Nonfiction” 

Online: Tuesday afternoons, 1 – 3 p.m.
April 1 – May 27 (or to June 3 if the class fills up. No class April 29) 

In-person: Thursday evenings, 7 – 9 p.m.
April 3 – May 22 (or to May 29 if the class fills up)
Burlington Anglican Lutheran Church, 3455 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington, Ontario (Map here)

If you want to write any kind of true story, this course is for you. Personal stories will be front and centre – we’ll look at memoirs, travel writing, personal essays, family history – but we’ll also look at writing feature articles, creative nonfiction and other more informational writing. Plus, of course, we’ll work on creativity and writing technique and have fun doing it. 

Whether you want to write a book or just get your thoughts down on paper, this weekly course will get you going. We'll reveal the tricks and conventions of telling true stories, and we’ll show you how to use the techniques of the novel to recount actual events. Weekly writing exercises and friendly feedback from the instructor will help you move forward on this writing adventure. Whether you want to write for your family and friends or for a wider public, don't miss this course.

Also, we’ll have a published author as a guest speaker.

Instructor Brian Henry has been a book editor and creative writing instructor for more than 25 years. He publishes Quick Brown Fox, Canada's most popular blog for writers, taught creative writing at Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University) and has led workshops everywhere from Boston to Buffalo and from Sarnia to Saint John.  But his proudest boast is that he has helped many of his students get published.  

See reviews of and works inspired by Brian's classes, workshops, and retreats here.

Fee: $220.35 plus 13% hst = $259

To reserve your spot, email: brianhenry@sympatico.ca

See all of Brian’s upcoming weekly writing classes, one-day workshops, and weekend retreats here. 

Kudos to Nadja, Norma, Emily and Bill!

Note: If you’ve had a story (or a book!) published, if you’ve won or placed in a writing contest, if you’ve gotten yourself an agent, or if you have any other news, send me an email so I can share your success. As writers, we’re all in this together, and your good news gives us all a boost. 

Also, be sure to let know if you're looking for a writers' group or beta readers; a notice in Quick Brown Fox, will help you find them. 

Email me at: brianhenry@sympatico.ca

 

Dear Brian,

I hope 2025 has been kind to you so far.

I published a new essay in Psychology Today, “What is Most Important to Me” (here). 

I hope you will find it worthwhile. And as always, feel free to share.

My warmest wishes and gratitude,

Nadja Halilbegovich

https://www.nadjapeace.com/

 

Hi, Brian.

I’m thrilled to tell you that one of my stories was published in White Wall Review. “The Beads Didn’t Speak English Either” is about my first day in kindergarten and my challenges as a five-year-old who didn’t speak English. You can read it here. 

I have more exciting news! My author website is up and ready for viewing. Please check it out at normagardner.ca. It’s free to view and subscribe to. I am launching with two stories that honour each of my late parents and will add a new story every two weeks. I’d love for everyone to check it out and let me know what they think. 

Thank you, Brian, for supporting me and inspiring me to continue writing.

Forever grateful,

Norma Gardner

normagardner.ca

For information about submitting to White Wall Review (and a few other interesting journals), see here.

 

Hi, Brian.

My article about your writing courses has been published on Local News. I hope you like it: “Pen to Paper: Brian Henry’s Writing Workshops Bring Stories to Life” here.

Regards,

Emily R. Zarevich. 

 

Hi, Brian.

Happy to announce that Declan Tucker’s Grand Debut has been published and is available on Amazon (and at the link below). It’s the story of a young artist who has convinced himself his paintings have supernatural powers. He travels to Paris to realize his dreams, armed with nothing but an outsized ego, unwarranted confidence and a brand new credit card. 

The first chapter of the book was written in one of your classes. Many thanks to you and everyone in the group for all the feedback that helped shape a hazy concept into an actual story. 

William (Bill) Wodhams

 Available from Amazon here.

***

See all my upcoming weekly writing classes, one-day workshops, and four-day  retreats here. ~Brian

See where else you fellow writers are getting published here (and scroll down).

Note: You can get new postings on Quick Brown Fox delivered straight to your Inbox as I publish them. Subscribe to Quick Brown Fox on Substack here: https://brian999.substack.com

 

 

The 2025 Prairie Horizons Conference for writers of Kid Lit

 

CANSCAIP Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Writers Guild present:

    The 2025 Prairie Horizons Conference

       “Don’t Drop Out: Speak Out, Stand Out!”

            ~ for writers of Kid Lit

Friday May 16 – Sunday, May 18, 2025
Park Town Hotel, 924 Spadina Crescent E, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (Map here)

If you want to write for young people, Saskatoon is the place to be this spring. The line-up of speakers includes Picture Book author Lana Button who will be giving the keynote address, Emma Sakamoto managing editor of Groundwood Books, middle grade author and Governor General Awards finalist Kristy Jackson, and me, Brian Henry of Quick Brown Fox. Plus, many other children’s publishers, authors and an illustrator.

Talks and panels include everything from “How do I stand out?” to “How to craft a hook that stands out.” and “From boring to bling!” Plus, many others topics.

Emma Sakomoto, managing editor
Groundwood Books

Participants will also have an opportunity for a One-on-One Manuscript Evaluation. Brian Henry, Ed Willet of Shadow Paw Press, Deana Driver, publisher of DriverWorks Ink, and Emma Sakamoto of Groundwood Books will evaluate manuscript. Brian can also help you out with your query letter. (And I’m also okay with looking at your synopsis, the start of your nonfiction proposal or whatever else you want feedback on.)

Register for the conference and (optional) your manuscript evaluation here.

Conference Schedule at a glance:

Friday, May 16

4:00 – 5:00 pm Early Arrival Walking Tour Option “Discover the History and Arts of Downtown Saskatoon” (meet in lobby at 4pm for those joining us)

6:00 – 6:45 pm Registration – Cedar Room

6:45 – 7:00 pm Opening Remarks

7:00 – 8:15 pm “How Do I Stand Out?” – Publishing Panel: DEANA DRIVER, EMMA SAKAMOTO, EDWARD, WILLETT, BRIAN HENRY (MODERATOR)

8:15 – 8:30 pm Break (**Cash bar, Hot Appetizers provided**)

8:30 – 9:30 pm “Speak Out! in Spoken Word” - KHODI DILL (author/performer)

Saturday, May 17

 **Coffee and snacks provided throughout the day; Lunch provided**

8:30 am – 5:15 pm One-on-One Evaluations of Manuscripts (pre-register and pre-scheduled throughout the day) 

8:30 – 9:30 am “Why Should I Speak Out?” The Moral Imperative of Speaking Out on Injustice and Racism – CORT DOGNIEZ (author/storyteller)

9:30 – 10:00 am Break (coffee and snacks provided throughout the day)

10:00 – 11:00 am “Make Your Work Stand Out!” Marketing Panel – authors: LANA BUTTON, VICTORIA KOOPS, DIANNE YOUNG, ALICE KUIPERS, MAUREEN ULRICH (MODERATOR)

11:00 am – 12 pm “How to Craft a Hook that Stands Out!” – ALICE KUIPERS (author)

12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch (provided)

1:00 – 2:00 pm “Comic Relief: How to Create Compelling Narratives Through an Illustrative Medium” – RHAEL MCGREGOR (illustrator)

Dana Church signing her latest book,
The Monarch Effect

2:00 – 3:00 pm “I Want to Speak Out, but I Don’t Know How!” Tips and Tricks for Writing Nonfiction – DANA CHURCH (nonfiction author)

3:00 – 3:15 pm Group Photo

3:15 – 4:00 pm Break

4:00 – 5:15 pm “Characters That Speak Out and Stand Out” – Creating Outstanding Diverse Characters Panel – authors VICTORIA KOOPS, CORT DOGNIEZ, KRISTY JACKSON, ADAM POTTLE, MARY BISHOP (MODERATOR)

5:15 – 7:00 pm Supper (not provided, *limited space reserved for attendees in Park Town dining*)

7:00 – 8:15 pm KEYNOTE: LANA BUTTON (author)  “There Are Seven Audiences for Your Story—Let’s Captivate Them All!”

8:15 – 8:30 pm Break (Cash bar, Snacks provided)

8:30 – 9:30 pm “It’s Your Turn to Stand Up and Speak Out” - Open Mic – DIANNE YOUNG (MODERATOR)

Sunday, May 18

**coffee and muffins provided**

9:00 – 10:15 am “Stand Out – Take Your Text from Boring to Bling” – Brian Henry

10:15 – 10:45 Conference Wrap-Up

11:00 – 11:30 am CANSCAIP PRAIRIE HORIZONS AGM (CANSCAIP members)

More about the conference and the speakers at the CANSCAIP Saskatchewan website here.

Register for the conference and (optional) your manuscript evaluation here.

Author Kristy Jackson & Brian

Brian Henry has been a book editor, writer and creative writing instructor for more than 25 years. A former instructor at Ryerson University (now known as TMU), he now teaches weekly writing courses and one-day workshops online and in-person in the Toronto area and leads weekend writing retreats. He’s also the author of a children’s version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Tribute Publishing). 

But Brian’s proudest boast is that he has helped many of his students get published and launch their careers as authors, including Kelley Armstrong, Erin Silver, Jennifer Mook-Sang, and Saskatoon’s GG finalist, Kristy Jackson. Lana Button, the keynote speaker for the Prairie Horizons Conference still comes to Brian’s workshops, but now as a presenter, rather than as an attendee.

To see pieces about, or inspired by,  Brian’s writing retreats, weekly courses and Saturday workshops, see here (and scroll down).

See all of Brian’s upcoming weekly writing classes, one-day workshops, and four-day  retreats here.