Join us for the Muskoka Publishing Summit, with agents and publishers and me

The Muskoka Publishing Summit: From Manuscript to Market

Saturday, June 27
9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
(Doors open at 8:30 a.m.)
Bracebridge United Church Auditorium
46 Dominion Street, Bracebridge, Ontario (Map here)

Writers, is this the year you finally take your manuscript to the next level?

Whether you’re dreaming of landing an agent, securing a publishing deal, self-publishing successfully, or simply learning how the publishing industry really works, this event is for you. Join literary agents, publishers, writing professionals, and industry experts.

Learn:

How to attract literary agents

What publishers are looking for

How to craft a compelling query letter

The realities of traditional, hybrid, and indie publishing

The business side of being an author

Plus:

Professional headshot opportunities

Silent auction featuring manuscript critiques and more

Networking with fellow writers and publishing professionals

I’m on at 9:00 a.m., talking about openings – how to hook your reader and get them dancing with you. Also, throughout the day, I’ll be doing one-on-ones, helping you with your query letter or opening page(s) ~Brian

Fee: Members: $35; Non-Members: $80

Lunch Included

Your manuscript deserves more than a desk drawer. Take the next step toward publication. To register simply email your contact info and e-transfer payment to info@muskokaauthors.ca

For more information, go to the Muskoka Authors Association Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/MuskokaAuthorsAssociation

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

Join us for a Kid Lit workshop with Patrica Ocampo, Senior Editor at Scholastic

Writing for Children & for Young Adults

~ with Patricia Ocampo, Senior Editor at                  Scholastic Books

Sunday, August 23, 2026
 1:15 – 5:00 p.m.
Online via Zoom and accessible wherever there’s Internet

If you want to write the next best-selling children’s books or just want to create stories for your own kids, this workshop is for you. Learn how to write stories kids and young adults will love and find out what you need to know to sell your book.

This is your chance to speak with someone within a publishing company in a small group setting and to pull back the curtain and see how it all works. Be sure to bring your questions – we'll have lots of time for interaction.

Special option: Participants are invited to submit the opening couple pages (first 500 words) of your children’s book or young adult novel (or up to 800 words if that gets you to the end of your picture book or to the end of your first chapter). Email your pages to me prior to our workshop.

Patricia and I will publicly critique about half a dozen submissions so everyone can see what works, what doesn’t, and how to improve your story-telling. Get your pages in early if you want to be part of this. If you’re not currently working on a children’s story, don’t worry, we’ll get you started. And, yes, if you want to submit to Scholastic, Patricia will be accepting queries from everyone who attends the workshop! ~Brian

Guest speaker Patricia Ocampo is a Senior Editor at Scholastic Canada. Scholastic Canada’s priority is publishing “kid picks” – books that children would spend their own money to read. Stories featuring Canadian culture, settings, and history are also a priority.

Patricia acquires fiction for babies, children, and tweens. She has a particular interest in laugh-out-loud stories – she’s forever looking for the Canadian Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging. Her favourite recent books that she developed are Way Off Track by Carl Brundtland (illustrated by Claudia Dàvila), Worm on the Job by Maureen Fergus (illustrated by Paul George Hammond), and Cat Shapes by Aidan Cassie.

Patricia has worked at Kids Can Press, Simon and Schuster, Annick Press, and HarperCollins. She was also a literary agent at Transatlantic Agency. Patricia served five years on the International Board on Books for Young People, including two years as president of the Canadian chapter. She teaches a course on editing books for children at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Chang School of Continuing Education.

Workshop leader 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 called Toronto Metropolitan University). 

Brian’s led writing workshops everywhere from Boston to Buffalo and from Saskatoon to Toronto to Charlottetown, and is the author of a children’s version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Tribute Publishing Inc). But his proudest boast is that he has helped many of his students get their first book published and launch their careers as authors.  

Read reviews and reflections on Brian’s retreats, classes and workshops here.

Fee: $46.90 + 13% hst = $53 paid in advance by mail or Interac

To reserve a spot now, email: brianhenry@sympatico.ca

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

Tanaz has a new novel coming out: Witch Daughter

Great news: Tanaz has a new book coming out: Witch Daughter. And while her four previous books have all been for teens, this one’s for adults. I’m midway through reading my advance copy and loving it! 

Witch Daughter will be available September 22, but you can order an advance copy now here. And remember, the best thing you can do for a writer you love is to order an advance copy; selling lots of copies in advance gives a book a big marketing boost.

Witch Daughter by Tanaz Bhathena

In her adult debut, award-winning author Tanaz Bhathena expertly weaves a tale of love and loss in ancient Persia with her take on the timeless tragedy of Tahmineh, a temptress, a witch, a victim, or, perhaps, a woman trying her hardest to protect her loved ones.

Rumors of witchcraft follow Princess Tahmineh like a storm cloud, making it impossible for her to secure herself a marriage or any kind of future. With her father, the king’s, health in question, it becomes shockingly clear how desperate her situation will soon become in his absence. If she doesn’t act now, she will quickly find herself destitute and desperate.

Tahmineh seeks out a prophecy, from which she learns she will fall in love with a warrior of great renown named Rostam and bear him a son. However, she is warned this match is a dangerous one for her. Heedless of the warnings, Tahmineh boldly orchestrates a meeting with Rostam and the two develop a close friendship and ultimately fall in love and marry. At the peak of her joy, Tahmineh gives birth to Sohrab, Rostam’s son.

All too soon, Tahmineh learns the tragic second part of the prophecy. Father and son will meet as enemies in battle and one will die at the hand of the other. What follows is a mother’s desperate attempt to undo the threads of fate and try to protect her son at all costs.

Available for pre-order from Indigo here.

Reviews:

“A beautifully rendered mixture of magic and the Middle East that explores the cost of knowing one’s fate―and the payment exacted when one tries to alter it.”―Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Sumptuous and surprising, Witch Daughter is a bold love story and a proper journey into a fascinating and exotic world. Bhathena’s writing held me in a trance.”―Lauren Kate, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Bhathena brings to life a story that is as beautifully tragic as it is bewitching. Witch Daughter is an aching, timeless, and lush tale that you will have to force yourself to look away from to blink back tears.”―Samantha Sotto Yambao, New York Times bestselling author of The Elsewhere Express

“An intimate portrayal of a sweeping epic that’s as gorgeous as it is heart-wrenching. Witch Daughter soars to new heights, reminding us all about the ingenuity and bravery of the women who often get lost within the pages of their own stories. Bhathena’s adult debut is nothing short of a masterpiece.”―Maddie Martinez, USA Today bestselling author of The Maiden and Her Monster

“With Witch Daughter, Bhathena offers readers an absolutely fascinating glimpse into Tahmineh, a princess trapped both by circumstance and by prophecy yet unwilling to be bound by either. Like the daevas lurking within its pages, this skillful reimagining of a classical Zoroastrian myth will sink its foreclaws into you.”―Shveta Thakrar, author of the Andre Norton Nebula Award finalist Star Daughter

“A brilliant retelling of an ancient Persian epic, Witch Daughter is a haunting portrait of a powerful seductress, mother, and daeva: Tahmineh is a heroine for our time.”―Mary McMyne, author of The Book of Gothel and A Rose by Any Other Name

“An enchanting tale about the immeasurable strength of motherhood and the tragic inevitability of fate. Bhathena has crafted a heartfelt testament to Persian mythology and history that will stick with readers long after the story ends.” ―O.O. Sangoyomi, author of Masquerade

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See more 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: brianhenry@sympatico.ca

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

Contests and markets for Kid Lit, Poetry, Nonfiction, Memoir, Short Stories, etc.

High Five magazine for kids
Open for submissions until June 30, 2026

Highlights magazine was first published in 1946, in a little two-room office above a car dealership. Husband and wife Garry Cleveland Myers and Caroline Clark Myers were nationally recognized leaders in education and child development. They filled their first magazines for children with stories, adventures, brainteasers and, of course, iconic Hidden Pictures puzzles. It’s been a staple of American culture ever since. (See here)

Highlights publishes three monthly magazines: Hello, for kids aged 0–2; High Five for Kids 2–6; and Highlights for kids 6–12.  They also publish books, learning resources, and more.

They are seldom open for submissions. But High Five will be open for submissions until June 3o.  

Authors may submit up to five pieces, all at the same time or separately. 

They want great stories, fresh voices, and nonfiction relevant to the lives and interests of children ages 2–6. They adore whimsical stories that will tickle readers' imaginations. They get excited by nonfiction that will teach kids (and parents!) something new. 

Stories should delight, engage, and inspire young children ages 2–6. If your story has a young child as the protagonist, that child should be the one to solve the dilemma. (Don't forget that all stories should have a dilemma or a little problem that needs a solution.) Stories should be paced so that they fit on four magazine pages, with a maximum of 160 words total. Nonfiction should reflect what's interesting and comprehensible to a preschooler and is also capped at 160 words. They’re more interested in insects than biographies.

They’re less interested in holiday content, gardening, “a day in the life of,” and stories that don't have dialogue.  

They do not publish rebus stories, finger plays, works longer than 160 words, or previously published works.    

Full submission guidelines here.

Event Magazine

2026 Non-Fiction Contest

Deadline on my birthday – October 15, 2026 😉

Genre: Creative Nonfiction. Writers are encouraged to explore the form.

Prizes: $3,000 in total, plus publication in EVENT: $1,500 First Place; $1,000 Second Place; $500 Third Place.

Entry Fee: $34.95 per entry; includes a one-year subscription (or renewal) to EVENT and all applicable taxes and shipping

New Student Entry Fee: $19.95 per entry; includes a one-year subscription (or renewal) to EVENT and all applicable taxes and shipping

Full contest details here.

EVENT will open for regular submissions in July and August (and then again in December and January.

Fiction: They look for compelling characters and voice, fresh plots, and narratives that move us. Full details and eligibility requirements on Submittable.

Poetry: They look for arresting imagery, polished language, emotional impact, and lyricism without pretension.

Reviews: Read sample reviews on their website for an idea of their format and style, and before writing or submitting, please contact their Reviews Editor at: eventmagreviews@gmail.com 

Nonfiction: The creative nonfiction EVENT publishes mainly comes through their annual Non-Fiction Contest. The 2026 contest is now open for entries. They look for real-life experiences told as riveting narratives with distinct voices.

Submission guidelines here.

Anthology Short Story Competition

Deadline July 1, 2026

Anthology Magazine is a modern, inspirational and beautifully designed magazine that features luxury goods and services such as exciting travel destinations, fine interiors, the latest in fashion and beauty and the best in arts and culture… Because beautiful things belong in print.

With a combination of high-profile interviews, fabulous fashion spreads, exotic travel stories, and the latest from today’s most innovative practitioners across arts and culture, Anthology is at the forefront of current trends.

Anthology established its short story competitions to recognize and encourage creative writing and provide a platform for publication. Open to original and previously unpublished short stories in the English language by a writer of any nationality, living anywhere in the world. There is no restriction on theme or style. Stories submitted must not exceed the maximum of 1,500 words.

Genre: Short Story
Entry Fee: €18 per entry
Deadline: July 31, 2026
Prize: First prize of €1,000 and publication in a future issue of Anthology: second prize of €250; third prize of €150

Full contest details here.

Anthology also offers awards for poetry, photography, cover art, travel fiction, flash fiction, and personal memoir – so whatever you’re writing, you might check them out here. 

The International Amy MacRae Award for Memoir 

Deadline July 1, 2026

Memoir writing, or personal essay, is defined as a work of creative nonfiction that illustrates a personal experience using literary techniques and narrative devices such as dialogue, character, setting and scene.

Rather than simply recounting past events, successful memoir tends to offer a higher perspective on that past, use personal experience as an illustration of universal themes and/or endeavour to derive meaning, understanding or wisdom from the story it sketches. The quality of the writing is as important as the content of the story.

Note: Travel writing told from a personal perspective does qualify as memoir.

This is a prose competition, so poetic prose (or prose poetry) is eligible, but poetry that is not prose is better submitted to a poetry contest. (Still not sure if your work qualifies? If your work looks like poetry, then that is what it is.)

Submissions must be no longer than 2,000 words. There is no minimum word count requirement. An excerpt of a longer unpublished work is eligible, so long as it works as a stand-alone piece.

Entry Fee: $25 per submission, payable in the writer’s home currency (including AUD, NZD, GB£).

Proceeds from the contest are donated to Amy’s Living Legacy for ovarian cancer research.

Full contest details here.

The CBC Poetry Prize

Deadline: June 1 at 4:59 p.m. ET

ET. Make sure you read the complete rules and regulations before submitting. If you are ready to submit, you may do so here.

The winner receives $6,000 from the Canada Council for the Arts, a two-week writing residency at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and their work will be published on CBC Books.

Four finalists each receive $1,000 from the Canada Council for the Arts and their work is also published on CBC Books.

The prize is open to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory of residence, whether living in Canada or abroad.

You can submit an original, unpublished poem or collection of poems. The submission will be judged as a whole and must be a maximum of 600 words (including titles). There is no minimum word requirement.

Work that has been published online or in print or recorded for broadcast is considered "previously published" and is not eligible.

While the competition is active, submit online by creating an account through Submittable. A fee of $25 (taxes included) for administration purposes is required for each entry.

Full contest rules here.

*** 

Note: Get new postings from Quick Brown Fox delivered to your In Box as they go up. Subscribe to my Substack here. ~Brian

 

CANSCAIP’s Writing for Children Competition 

Deadline May 31 2025.

Every entry receives a written evaluation from a traditionally published CANSCAIP member volunteer reader. Entries advancing to the second round receive another evaluation, and entries on the shortlist receive evaluations from each jury member.  

Four $500 cash prizes are awarded to the winning Middle Grade and Young Adult entries, and to the top two Picture Book entries. Two finalists in each category are also selected. The winners and finalists are given time to revise their entries before CANSCAIP submits them to Annick Press, Kids Can Press and Scholastic Canada for evaluations. 

Writers retain full copyright of their entries.

Entries must be in English and can be fiction or nonfiction.

Picture Book: submit complete story up to 1,000 words

Middle Grade or Young Adult: submit first 1,500 words

Text only; no illustrations for all entries

Previously submitted entries may be resubmitted

Eligibility:

Canadian citizens or permanent residents over the age of 18.

Unpublished or self-published writers with no traditionally published books for any age, and not currently under contract with a traditional publisher. 

Writers are eligible if prior publication is limited to articles or other content in collections or anthologies, textbooks, magazines or newspapers, legal or academic publications, etc.

Entry fee:

CANSCAIP Friends: $40 one entry, $70 two entries, $90 three entries. 

Non-members: $50 one entry, $85 two entries, $105 three entries. 

Want to become a Friend to get the lower entry fee? Join before you register.

Complete submission guidelines here.

***

Get new postings from Quick Brown Fox delivered to your In Box as they go up. Subscribe to my Substack here. ~Brian

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

Join us for our Fall Colours Writing Retreat in Muskoka

 

Fall Colours Writing Retreat in Muskoka

Sunday, Oct 18 – Thursday, Oct 22, 2026
Register early  to be sure of a spot!
Sherwood Inn on Lake Joseph
1090 Sherwood Road, Port Carling, Ontario, Canada (Map here)

This retreat is a day longer than all our previous retreats. Give yourself five days of writing time – five days of instruction, inspiration and creativity. Five days of being treated like royalty. No distractions, no dishes to do, delicious food at every meal, and with the leisure you need to sit with your feet up and write.

The retreat will feature both instruction and guided writing exercises, plus one-on-one critiquing and coaching from Brian.  You’ll also have lots of time to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with your creativity. All writing levels welcome. Whether you’re just beginning or have a novel in progress, please join us. 

The setting: Sherwood is an elegant resort started some eighty years ago by Harry Draper, a Toronto lawyer who fell in love with the Muskokas. He envisioned Sherwood as a charming estate rather than as a sprawling hotel and wanted guests to feel as if they were staying at a friend’s cottage.  Sherwood Inn, especially the Inn building itself, still maintains that warm, old-Muskoka charm.  

Thomas B. Costain, author of numerous best-selling historical novels, including The Chalice and The Black Rose, was a regular guest, so the Inn has a track record as a good spot for writing. Lawren Harris and George Thomson (brother of Tom Thomson) both painted here, though the century-old pines surrounding the Inn would have been a bit younger then.

Read about a visit to Sherwood Inn, in 1943 and then again in 2023 here.

Rates include accommodation. Rooms are located in the main Inn. Each room includes a queen bed, an en-suite three-piece bathroom, and a desk (for writing).

All meals – Sunday dinner, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday breakfast, lunch and dinner, Thursday breakfast and lunch – are provided, as are coffee & snack breaks on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Alcoholic beverages are extra, as are golf and Spa treatments.

Activities included: We’re between seasons – too late for swimming, too early for cross-country skiing – but if we have a warm fall so that the water is not yet too cold, canoes and kayaks will still be available. There are also hiking trails, fat bikes, tennis courts and shuffleboard, and a regular bonfire. Unlike our Algonquin retreats, there is also Internet (alas), so if you must know what’s going on in the world, you can keep up.  We recommend, though, that you relax in one of the many strategically placed Muskoka chairs throughout the property, enjoy the soothing wilderness sounds and let your creative juices flow.

Additional activities: The Inn also features a comfortable licensed lounge and a spa. “True North MVMNT is dedicated to getting you moving towards your happiest and healthiest self! We provide professional Massage Therapy and Esthetic services for all ages and backgrounds.” Spa treatments are not included in the package, but if you're interested, you should certainly book an appointment (here).  

There are various attractions in the area, including the Muskoka Lakes (Cranberry) Farm and Winery, just 8 minutes down the road, cruises out of Port Carling, weather permitting, plus an outstanding golf course that will still be open, depending on the weather. (Something of a theme here.)  

Check-in on Sunday is 4 p.m. Our first writing get-together will be at 5 p.m. Check-out on Thursday is at 11:30 a.m. Followed by lunch. Feel free to arrive early – your room may well be ready – and in any case, before 4 p.m. on Sunday and after lunch on Thursday, you're welcome to use the resort's facilities. 

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 known as Toronto Metropolitan University) and has led workshops everywhere from Boston to Buffalo and from Saskatoon to Toronto to Saint John. But his proudest boast is that he has helped many of his students get their first book published and launch their careers as authors.

Read more about previous retreats (and pieces inspired by retreats) at Sherwood, Arowhon, The Briars, and Elm Hurst here {and scroll down}.

Fees: 

Including both the writing retreat and accommodation, meals, coffee & snack service, and all resort amenities: $2061.06, plus 13% hst, for all four nights.

All fees include tips.

Not included in any quoted prices: alcoholic drinks, spa services, golf, or other extras (tipping for these is also extra).

Bring a (non-participating) significant other along for the weekend to share your Inn room for an additional $176.11 plus hst per night ($199 per night). Includes accommodation, meals and all resort amenities, but not the writing part of the retreat or our coffee breaks. 

Book early – space is limited! 

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

Note: Bookings for accommodations for this retreat must be done through Brian (unlike our retreats in Algonquin, where you book your accommodations through the resort). Participants may be able to tack on additional nights at the resort before or after the retreat; these are offered at a special discounted rate. Additional nights need to be booked directly with the resort, after booking your space in the workshop.

Who can attend the retreat?

Everyone interested in developing their writing skills is welcome to attend, whether you're aspiring writer or an accomplished author or simply enjoy writing as a hobby. There is no requirement for you to have been previously published or even to have an intention to publish.

Should I bring my work in progress?

Yes! If you have an on-going writing project, bring it with you. Bring more than you expect to get to; you'll have lots of time for writing. Besides, you may want to switch projects or share a project that’s just started or one that’s all done, except for reading it to a small, appreciative audience. If you’re not currently working on anything, don’t worry, we’ll get you writing.

Should I bring my laptop?

Yes! Unless you only work on paper. Even better, bring both – your laptop and your writing pad. No sense being short of essential supplies.

I'm a poet / playwright / other writer. Is this retreat for me?

The retreat is open to anyone who enjoys writing. Instruction will focus on narrative writing; i.e., stories, whether fiction or memoir. But if you’re an essayist or poet or whatever, you’re entirely welcome.

Can you cater to specific dietary requirements?

Yes! But please let me know ASAP. The resort would like those sorts of details at least a month in advance. 

I want to stay longer or arrive early. Is that possible?

If you want to arrive early or stay longer, that’s fine. You’ll book Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights with Brian, and arrange any additional nights with the resort; just make sure they know you’re with Brian Henry’s writing group – they’ve got a good rate for you.

Is there cell phone reception and WIFI?

Yes.

How about alcohol?

The resort serves alcohol with meals and has a licensed lounge. Guests are also welcome to bring their own wine, beer or whatever for consumption in their room. (Though do note that Hemingway’s advice to write drunk, mostly produces drivel.)

Can I use the spa at the resort or play a round of golf?

Yes, you can certainly book a spa treatment, though that’s extra, and you book these directly with the resort {not through Brian}. See here. And just before you go up, you can check with the resort whether golf courses in the area are open. Muskoka Highlands Golf Links and The Fairways at Kirrie Glen, both in Bracebridge, typically stay open late into October, weather allowing.  

Can I bring my spouse (or partner or friend)?

If you want to share your room with a partner, they’re very welcome. Just let your partner know you’ll be spending most of your time writing, (though you will have some free time every day). Inn rooms each have one queen bed. If you want a king bed, upgrade to a room in the Maplewood, a separate building a short walk from the inn. If you’re interested in this upgrade, email me.

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

***

See all of Brian’s upcoming weekly writing classes, afternoon workshops, and writing retreats here.