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.

The Line-Up of Speakers:

Sam Hiyate                 Literary Agent                          The Rights Factory

Helen Heller               Literary Agent                          Helen Heller Agency

Brian Henry                Book Editor/Writing Instructor       Quick Brown Fox

Jay Millar                   Publisher                                  Book Hug Press

Jenn Goulden            Publisher                                 Entourage Media

Jennifer Gordon        Printer/Publisher                   Marquis Publishing

Andrew Wagner-Chagazon        Magazine Editor   Dockside Magazine (and others)

Don Smith                  Magazine Editor/Founder    Unique Muskoka Magazine

Susan Salomonsson   CPA                             On the “business of writing”

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 free "Writing Kid Lit" workshop in St. Catharines

The St. Catharines Public Library presents: 

Writing Kid Lit – a free workshop

In person: Saturday, October 3
10 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Merritt Branch Library
221 Glendale Avenue, St. Catharines, Ontario
On the north side of the Niagara Pen Centre, next to the Dollarama (Map here)

This workshop is for adults (or teens) interested in writing Board Books, Picture Books, Chapter Books, Middle Grade books, or Young Adult novels, whether fiction or nonfiction, traditional text or a script for a graphic book. Whether 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.

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

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

Register through the library website here.

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

"Writing your query letter," a free workshop in St. Catharines

The St. Catharines Public Library presents:

Writing your query letter – a free workshop

In person: Saturday, March 28
10 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Merritt Branch Library
221 Glendale Avenue, St. Catharines, Ontario
On the north side of the Niagara Pen Centre, next to the Dollarama (Map here)

If you've ever dreamed of becoming a published author, this workshop is for you. We’ll focus on the process of submitting to an agent or publisher, and show you exactly how to write a query letter that will get a “yes.” Bring all your questions. Come and get ready to be published!

Special Option: Participants are invited (but don't have to) to prepare a draft of a query letter you might use to interest an agent or publisher in your book. Brian will publicly critique a few queries, so everyone can see what works, what doesn’t and how to make it better.

Send your query to Brian at: brain.henry123@gmail.com

In the subject line, put: Query for March 28 St Kits workshop

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, teaches creative writing at Ryerson University, and has led workshops everywhere from Boston to Buffalo and from Saskatoon to Toronto to Charlottetown. But his proudest boast is that he has helped many of his students get their first book published and launch their careers as authors.  

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

Register through the library website here.
Just 20 spots available!

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

Join us in Petit-Cap, New Brunswick for a Writers' Weekend

Our venue in Petit Cap

The Writers Federation of New Brunswick presents...
  A Writing Weekend
    in Petit-Cap, New Brunswick

83 chemin du Camp
Petit-Cap, New Brunswick (37 minutes from Moncton; 33 minutes from the Confederations Bridge to PEI. Map here.)

“Writing Kid Lit”

Saturday, September 27, 2025
10 am – 12:30 pm: session one
Lunch: either Brown bag it, or sign up for lunch, provided by Resto 577
1 pm – 3 pm: Session two, including editing/public critique

A full day dedicated to Children’s Literature! The day will include information sessions about the various forms of children's literature, writing exercises, public critiques, and Q & A. Coffee, tea, and refreshments provided.

“Art of the Query Letter”

Sunday, September 28, 2025
10 am – 12:30 pm

How to write query letters that get a yes, plus public critiques of submitted queries, and questions and answer.

Lunch: either Brown bag it, or sign up for lunch, provided by Resto 577

“Writing Memoir”

Sunday, September 28, 2025
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm 

This workshop will introduce you to the tricks and conventions of telling true stories and will show you how to use the techniques of the novel to recount actual events. Whether you want to write for your family or for a wider public, don't miss this workshop.

~ Registration details here, including a list of places to stay in the area.

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 Toronto Metropolitan University) and has led workshops everywhere from Boston to Buffalo and from Sarnia to Saint John. Brian is the author of a children's version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Tribute Publishing). But his proudest boast is that he has helped many of his students get published.

Read reviews and other pieces about or inspired by Brian's writing courses, workshops, and retreats here (and scroll down).

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

You're invited to an in-person workshop: “Writing your life and other true stories”

The Niagara on the Lake Writers’ Circle presents…

“Writing your life and other true stories”

Saturday, May 3, 2025
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Niagara on the Lake Public Library, 10 Anderson Lane, NOTL, Ontario (Map here.) 

Have you ever considered writing your memoirs or family history? This workshop will introduce you to the tricks and conventions of telling true stories and will show you how to use the techniques of the novel to recount actual events. Whether you want to write for your family or for a wider public, don't miss this workshop.

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 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: 

For members of the NOTL Writers’ Circle: $36.28 + hst = $41 paid in advance by mail or Interac

For the general public: $40.71 + 13% hst = $46 paid in advance by mail or Interac

or $44.25 + 13% hst = $50 if you wait to pay at the door (both members and general public)

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

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

Muskoka Authors Association presents: The Publishing Extravaganza Event

The Publishing Extravaganza Event

Saturday, June 22
9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Doors open at 8:30 am
Bracebridge United Church
46 Dominion Street, Bracebridge, Ontario (Map here)
Enter by door on the northside driveway. 

Muskoka Authors Association, is hosting an all-day one-of-a-kind Publishing Extravaganza Event. This event will be one of the largest gatherings of professionals related to the publishing industry ever held in Muskoka.

No matter the stage of your writing project, this is a must-attend event where you will hear from industry specialists covering all aspects of the publishing journey.

Publishers will walk you through the publication process (whether you’re looking to publish with a traditional publisher or self-publish) and Literary agents will share the secrets on how to attract an agent and the benefits of being represented by an agency.

Also included are special presentations on everything from writing that critical query letter (presented by Brian Henry), to the ins and outs of accounting for writers, to marketing your book for maximum impact and more.

There will also be an opportunity for a limited number of participants to have a one-on-one evaluation of 5 pages of their manuscript by a literary agent or publisher. This is a priceless opportunity to avoid the slush pile and get in front of a literary agent or publisher to pitch your work and get vital industry feedback.

These spots are offered on a first come first serve basis at a nominal additional charge. You will be advised if your submission will be evaluated and how to submit the fee.

Your registration includes lunch (although we can’t guarantee that special dietary needs can be met.  

You won’t want to miss this event if you’re serious about having your work published and out in the world.

Speakers and Topics

Literary Agents:

Marilyn Biderman (Transatlantic): “Marilyn’s Twelve Rules for Writing Great Sentences”

Kathryn Williams (The Rights Factory): “Just the Facts, Ma’am: On Writing and Selling Nonfiction”

Leonicka Valcius (Transatlantic): “The Agent/Author Relationship: Role of your agent and reasonable expectations”           

Editor & Creative Writing Instructor Brian Henry: “Writing your query letter”

Publishers:

Blue Denim Press: “Publishing in a Fragmented World”

Crooked Lane Books: “Getting Your Mystery or Thriller Published”

Entourage Media & Marketing (hybrid publisher): “Marketing to Maximize Your Book Sales”

Accountant Dave Stevenson: “The Business of Writing”

Fees: MAA Members: $35, Non-Members: $80

Manuscript Evaluation Fee: $40

Register through eventbrite here.

Note: If you’re looking to get your manuscript published – or you’re just curious about how it all works – you may also be interested in “How to Get Published,” with guest speaker Gordon Warnock, founding partner and literary agent with Fuse Literary, Sunday, July 21, online. Details here. 

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

You're invited to a “How to Get Published” workshop in Niagara-on-the-Lake

“How to Get Published”

~ Everything you need to know

Note: We have a revised time and place:

Saturday, May 11. 2024
12:00 – 2:30 /4:00 p.m.
Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library, 10 Anderson Lane, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. (Map here.)

If you've ever dreamed of becoming a published author, this workshop is for you. We’ll focus on the process of submitting to an agent or publisher, and show you exactly how to write a query letter that will get a “yes.” Bring all your questions. Come and get ready to be published!

Special Option: Participants are invited to bring a draft of a query letter you might use to interest an agent or publisher in your book. You don't need to prepare anything, but if you like, email me a draft of your query prior to our workshop (and bring 2 hard copies to the workshop).

I’ll critique several queries, perhaps half a dozen during the workshop so that we can all see what works, what doesn’t, and how to make it better. Also, after the formal workshop ends at about 2:30, I’ll stay afterwards to help one-on-one with more queries. ~Brian

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, teaches creative writing at Ryerson University, and has led workshops everywhere from Boston to Buffalo and from Windsor to Charlottetown. But his proudest boast is that he has helped many of his students get their first book published and launch their careers as authors. 

See reviews & reflections on Brian's classes, workshops, and retreats here.

Fee: $31.86 + 13% hst = $36 if you pay in advance by mail or Interac
or $35.40 + 13% hst = $40 cash on the day of the workshop

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

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

Free: Writers’ Room, Thursday afternoons, Nov 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, Burlington Central Library

The Writers’ Room

A free program from the Burlington Library, weekly for 5 Thursdays

Burlington Central Library
2331 New Street
Burlington, Ontario (Map here)
November 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Note that you do not have to have a Burlington library card to attend; this program is open to everyone. Just show up!

Join editor Brian Henry and aspiring writers in this unique participatory workshop series during November. November happens to be National Novel Writing Month, but you don't need to be writing a novel. All writers and would-be writers are welcome. 

Over the five weeks, work with Brian and fellow attendees to stretch your creative writing muscles, get expert advice on your writing process, and incorporate feedback into your work. 

The Writers’ Room

For any or all of the five weeks, you can come and spend time writing in the company of your fellow writers. There’s a special high-energy buzz you get in a room full of writers all working on their own creations.

The Discussion Room

On November 9, 16, and 30, Brian will be available for one-on-one discussions, brainstorming, and feedback on your writing project. If you like, bring 2 copies of something short (under 1,000 words) to share.

The Seminars

On November 2 and 23, everyone is invited to join Brian for wide-open question-and-answer sessions. Bring all your thoughts and questions to do with writing and the creative process. It might help to email Brian ahead of time about areas you’d like him to address. In the subject line, put: Burlington Library Writers’ Room. Send your email to: brain.henry123@gmail.com (yes, the peculiar spelling is correct: b-r-a …

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, teaches creative writing online and in-person in Burlington, 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 their first book published and launch their careers as authors.

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