Vancouver, B.C. (March 17, 2026) – Today, Creative BC is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025/26 Book Publishing Market Fund program (the Program). The Program provides financial support for B.C. publishers to attend select fairs, conferences, and events where they can promote their titles and pursue new business opportunities, as well as develop marketing materials and/or campaigns. By enabling publishers to participate in strategic events, the Program strengthens their ability to showcase their catalogues, build global partnerships, and access the export opportunities vital to business sustainability and long-term growth.
Applicants to the Program can receive financial assistance to attend qualifying markets in person. This year’s recipients participated in 21 domestic fairs across Canada, including the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Fall Trade Show, Reading For the Love of It Toronto, and Salon du livre de Montréal, as well as 9 international events such as the London Book Fair, the Frankfurt Book Fair, and the Guadalajara International Book Fair. These market opportunities help publishers expand their business through foreign and subsidiary rights sales, while also supporting the development of digital marketing materials and campaigns.
This year, the Program also expanded its support to include marketing initiatives. This enhancement helps publishers strengthen their overall market presence through strategic brand-building initiatives, audience development, and promotional campaigns designed to increase their reach in both domestic and international markets. Eligible activities include but are not limited to: book/imprint launches, digital rights management, social media marketing, enhanced advertising and co-op programs, research and development of a digital transformation plan, purchase of advertising in international publications, and more.
The following 19 companies have been granted market expansion support:
- Anvil Press Publishers Inc., Vancouver, $10,000
- Arsenal Pulp Press Ltd., Vancouver, $10,000
- Caitlin Press Inc., Halfmoon Bay, $10,000
- Cloudscape Comics, Vancouver, $6,779.56
- Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network, Invermere, $4,500
- Douglas and McIntyre Ltd., Madeira Park, $10,000
- Greystone Books Ltd., Vancouver, $10,000
- Harbour Publishing Co. Ltd., Madeira Park, $10,000
- Medicine Wheel Education, Victoria, $10,000
- New Society Publishers, Gabriola Island, $5,250
- Now Or Never Publishing Company, Surrey, $10,000
- Orca Books Ltd., Victoria, $10,000
- Ronsdale Press Ltd., Vancouver, $10,000
- Stonehewer Books Inc, Victoria, $6,825
- Talon Books Ltd., Vancouver, $7,670.72
- Thornapple Press, Victoria, $10,000
- Tidewater Press Ltd, New Westminster, $4,500
- Tradewind Books, Vancouver, $3,223.40
- WaveMaker Press Ltd, Nanaimo, $3,407.25
View a list of the recipients by program online here.
To learn more about the Book Publishers Market Fund program, visit Creative BC’s website: www.creativebc.com/book-publishers-market-fund
Quotes:
Honourable Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
“Books capture our unique stories and histories, promote literacy and education, and celebrate diverse cultural perspectives. B.C. publishers play a vital role in bringing these stories forward, and we are committed to supporting their success at home and in global markets. Through this program, publishers can broaden their reach, build new partnerships, and create more opportunities for local authors. I’m proud to see B.C.’s publishing sector continue to grow and showcase our talent to readers in Canada and around the world.”
Prem Gill, CEO, Creative BC
“Creative BC is proud to support the work of B.C. publishers as they bring local stories to national and international audiences. By providing the resources needed to attend key markets and develop strategic marketing initiatives, this Program helps publishers forge new relationships, spark creative collaborations, and share the diversity of voices that define our province. These investments strengthen both the competitiveness and the future of B.C.’s book publishing industry.”
Matea Kulić, Executive Director, Books BC
“Books BC welcomes the announcement of 2025/26 funding for B.C.’s independent publishers through the Book Publishers Market Fund. At a time of ongoing trade and cross-border volatility, publishers are tasked with diversifying sales and creating visibility in new markets. This essential support allows publishers to attend key events and tradeshows, build on new and existing relationships, and expand the visibility of B.C.-published books through targeted marketing outreach. Thank you to Creative BC and the Province of BC–your ongoing investment ultimately strengthens our publishing ecosystem right here in B.C.”
Michael Katz, Publisher, Tradewind Books, Program Recipient
“The strategic support from Creative BC was pivotal for our author tour to Martha’s Vineyard. Their partnership enabled Carrie Anne Vanderhoop to bring Wampanoag Seasons home, creating a profound bridge between her Haida and Wampanoag heritage. This cultural connection resulted in a meaningful engagement with local bookstores, libraries, and schools, generated significant media coverage, and drove a direct increase in book sales—laying a foundation for ongoing school and community interest.”
Media Contact
Creative BC
Lisa Escudero
media@creativebc.com
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About Creative BC
Creative BC is an independent non-profit society created and supported by the Province to sustain and help grow British Columbia’s creative industries: motion picture, interactive and digital media, music and sound recording, and magazine and book publishing. The society delivers a wide range of programs and services with a mandate to expand B.C.’s creative economy. These activities include: administration of the provincial government’s motion picture tax credit programs; delivery of program funding and export marketing support for the sector; and provincial film commission services. Combined, these activities serve to attract inward investment and market B.C. as a partner and destination of choice for domestic and international content creation. The society acts as an industry catalyst and ambassador to help B.C.’s creative sector reach its economic, social, environmental, and creative potential both at home, and globally. Website: www.creativebc.com