B.C. Book Publishers Will Reach New Global Markets Through the Market Expansion Fund

A MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA, MARCH 2020

VANCOUVER, B.C. (October 17, 2019) — Creative BC is proud to announce the twelve book publishers that will receive travel support through the Market Expansion Fund to attend select book fairs, conferences and events to promote their publishing lists in foreign and domestic markets.

The publishing companies include Anvil Press, Arsenal Pulp Press, Caitlin Press, Engage Books, Greystone Books, Medicine Wheel Education, Orca Book Publishers, Rocky Mountain Books, Ronsdale Press, Talonbooks, TouchWood Edition and UBC Press.

They will cover the globe at markets such as the London Book Fair, Bologna Children’s Book Fair and domestic conferences such as Toronto Comic Arts Festival and Alberta Book Fair. Publishers will receive up to $8,000 in matching funds per fiscal year to attend book fairs, conferences and events.

“The market expansion fund supports BC publishers in their efforts to reach new markets, increase book sales, and license rights around the world,” said Jen Gauthier, President of the Association of Book Publishers of British Columbia. “Thanks to this fund, BC publishers are able to strategically take advantage of opportunities to promote BC Books at domestic and international market events that they may not otherwise be able to attend.”

“We have a wealth of literary talent here in B.C. and it’s so important to share our writers and publications with the world,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “The publishing sector is a key part of B.C.’s creative economy. As Canada’s second largest English-language publishing market, we’re proud to support publishers’ ability to reach new markets through Creative BC’s targeted funding stream.”

“It is crucial that British Columbian owned, and controlled book publishing companies gain access to strategic marketing and business opportunities in global and domestic markets,” said Prem Gill, CEO of Creative BC. “The Market Expansion Fund supports our book publishers by ensuring they meet their counterparts and industry experts at global markets and events.”

Seven of the recipient companies will also be attending the Frankfurt Book Fair on October 16-20, where Canada will be the Guest of Honour in 2020. The Frankfurt Book Fair boasts over 7,000 exhibitors from 100-plus countries. With 286,000 visitors, it is the largest and most important marketplace for book rights and licensing worldwide. This five-day event provides connections and insights for book publishers on how to grow their business, expand their network and enhance their professional skills.

—30—

ABOUT CREATIVE BC 

Creative BC is an independent society created and supported by the Province of BC to sustain and help grow BC’s creative sector (film and television, digital and interactive media, music, and magazine and book publishing industries). The society delivers a wide range of programs and services to expand BC’s creative economy. These include the administration of the provincial government’s tax credit programs for film and television; development funding and export marketing support; and motion picture production services to attract inward investment and market BC as a destination for domestic and international production. The society acts as an industry catalyst and ambassador to help BC’s creative sector reach its economic and creative potential both at home and globally.

Media Contact

Rumnique Nannar
Content & Communications Specialist
Creative BC
604 730-2240
rnannar@creativebc.com