Kudos to Theresa, Margaret, Janice and Julie, plus Lorraine needs Beta readers

Dear Brian,

I’m so pleased to send you this update: my first book deal! Thank you so much for all your classes, some of which I took more than once as I was learning to write and learning about the publishing industry. The work you do is so valuable to writers!

I attached my Publisher’s Marketplace announcement below.

Many thanks!!

Theresa Therrien

Note: If you’re interested in getting published, join us for “How to Get Published” with guest Olga Filina, literary agent and partner with 5 Otter Literary, Sunday, February 8. Details here.   

Hi, Brian.

I am looking for Beta Readers to help me take my character-driven low-key crime novel Mid-Life Margaret to the next level. I have been workshopping components of this novel in classes since 2016 and I think it is finally time to cut her loose. 

The manuscript is 90,000 words, set in Hamilton and focuses on Margaret as she experiences neighbourhood challenges that she can’t seem to ignore. 

At this point I would be grateful for readers who will look at the whole story and let me know what’s working and what’s not. 

I would be happy to answer questions and provide more information and the manuscript to anyone interested in reading and providing feedback.

If you might like to be a Beta reader for me, please email me at: lorraineyoung@cogeco.ca

Thank you.

All the best,

Lorraine Young 

 

Hi, Brian.

I'm so excited to tell you that two pieces of mine have been accepted for publication. "I am a Stone" appears in the current issue of The Zodiac Review and "Hidden Places" will be published in the upcoming issue of The Summerset Review, out on the 14th of December – here.

I workshopped both of those pieces in your Friday Intensive Creative Writing Course. I received invaluable feedback received from you and the class participants, which helped me make them so much better. Thank you!

All the very best,

Margaret Ries

Note: Check out all the weekly classes starting in the new year here.

 

Hi, Brian:

I hope you are well. 

Just sharing the news that I had a second story picked up by the Globe and Mail First Person section.  

Thank you for all your support!!!

Janice Locke

You can read Janice’s essay, “My apple cores brought nature to my doorstep – then some bigger guests arrived” in the Globe and Mail here. Or read an earlier version of the same essay on Quick Brown Fox here.

For information on submitting a First Person essay to the Globe and Mail (and a few other great places to submit), see here.

Hi, Brian.

A few years ago, I participated in one of your Creative Writing groups. At the time, I shared parts of a feminist thriller I started writing in 2019. However, after several years of querying, I gave up, set it aside and began to work on other things. 

All that changed early this year when the American president and his billionaire friends decided to dismantle democracy, starting with women's rights. All of the news headlines could have been lifted from my six-year-old manuscript, Make No Mistake: The Novel.

I knew I needed to get that novel out to readers as quickly as possible (it is a story of resistance and hope) and so I released Make No Mistake initially on Substack as serial fiction. A bit of an unorthodox approach, but Substack offered the ideal platform, allowing me to share a few chapters at a time, and build readership.

I also turned it into a podcast (on Substack, Apple and Spotify). Within two months, I published it as a paperback and e-book (Indigo, Barnes & Noble, Amazon). 

The comments and feedback from readers (over 1,500 on Substack) and listeners (over 4,100 downloads) was both immediate and enthusiastic. 

The novel has been nominated for the Eric Hoffer Book Awards, and selected by a number of book clubs across several provinces as their next read. It's been fun joining the book clubs in person or online for their discussions.

None of this would have been possible without the feedback and encouragement from your Intensive Creative Writing group.

As a way of thanking you, I want to share with you the Acknowledgement page from the paperback. I hope my words convey my appreciation for your contribution to this writing journey.

Julie Wise

See where else your fellow writers are getting short pieces published here (and scroll down).

See new books by your fellow writers here (and scroll down).

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. Email me at: brain.henry123@gmail.com

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

Happy Hanukkah in a grim season

 

חנוכה שמח 

Hanukkah Sameach

Happy Hanukkah

It's a grim season we're in, with 15 Jews murdered and dozens injured at a public menorah lighting in Sydney, Australia. It could have happened just as easily at the public menorah lighting I went to, here in Toronto. 

We've had two years of continual hatred directed at the Jewish community. Even on Sunday at the menorah lighting, the usual group of terrorist supporters stood across the street screaming to "globalize the Intifada," to bring the Intifada to Canada. Just like they’ve brought it to Australia. This terrorism fan club is there every week and lately has taken to wandering the neighbourhood looking for Jews to harass.

Also in attendance were several dozen police cars, countless officers, and the mobile police headquarters which now seems permanently parked in the corner plaza, because – in addition to the weekly anti-Jewish protesters – we can be sure of antisemitic acts in the neighbourhood on a regular basis.

For two years, there has been a concentrated international effort to isolate Israel and to isolate Jews; to make Jews afraid to gather, to send the message that we don't belong here – not in Israel, not in the UK, not in Australia, not anywhere in the world – and to celebrate murder. Even here in Canada, people literally dance in the street at the news that Jews have been murdered. 

 We wait (still!) for our political leaders to take action to push back against the haters, and in the meantime, we look to ourselves and to all Canadians who stand with us for strength. 

After darkness, light. 

And after 4,000 years, the people of Israel still live. 

Am Yisrael Chai. עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל חַי

Orca Books will open for submissions in the new year, and now's the time to get ready

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 Quick Brown Fox on Substack here: https://brian999.substack.com/ 

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, 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.

Note: Sarah Howden is Orca’s fiction editor. She works on Board Books, Picture Books, Orca Echoes (early chapter books), and Middle Grade fiction. You can meet Sarah at our Saturday, January 17, online workshop: “Writing for Children and for Young Adults,” where Sarah will be the guest speaker. Details here.

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.

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

30,000 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.

New: Orca Shivers

High-interest contemporary horror novels aimed at readers aged 9–12 with a reading level approximately at age (grade 4-6)

Relatable protagonists between 11 and 14 years old in stories with fairly intense, high-stakes horror plots. Moderate violence, mild gore and death are okay.

Supernatural (vampires, ghosts etc.) or natural horror (crazed animals, serial killers) are both welcome.

10,000–20,000 words, short chapters, each with cliff-hanger endings (shorter novels  of 6000+ words will be considered).

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

Note: If you’re interested in writing for children or for young adults, sign up for our weekly online “Writing Kid Lit – Intensive” course. Classes will run Monday evenings, starting January 14, 2026 (bur first readings will be emailed a week earlier on Jan 7). Details here.

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.).

12,000 to 15,000 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 fsci-fi/antasy

12,000 to 15,000 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).

Note: If you’re interested in meeting an agent and in getting published, don’t miss our upcoming “How to Get Published” workshop with guest Olga Filina, literary agent and partner with 5 Otter Literary, Sunday, February 8. Olga has several clients she’s taken on after previous workshops we’ve done. Details here.   

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 Jenna Campbell.

New: Orca Biography

Nonfiction books that introduce young readers to inspiring individuals who have made positive impacts on the world.

The series aims to celebrate the legacies of lesser-known figures who have made a difference in their communities and beyond.

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

Please submit QUERY ONLY to Jenna Campbell.

New: Orca Take Action

Nonfiction books that explore big problems facing the world today.

The series helps young readers understand these important issues and shows them how they can make changes for a better future.

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

Please submit QUERY ONLY to the attention of Jenna Campbell.

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 Jenna Campbell.

Navigation tip: For more book publishers, see here {and scroll down}.

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 Jenna Campbell.

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 Jenna Campbell.

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 Jenna Campbell.

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.