Christine McCrea Shirley Lew Rana Shaskin Richmond Public Library

Getting published on-line

The Writer's Market claims that 80 per cent of the best writing never leaves the desk (or computer) of the creator; now is a good time to reveal literary treasures just waiting to find an audience.

Valuable tips to improve writing skills, prepare manuscripts, contact publishers, enter contests and find encouragement are the basics of many of the following writing sites.

The Canadian Writer's Association (www.islandnet.com/~caa/national.html) also offers copyright updates, contract guidelines, and markets for various genres. Canadian Bound (www.canadianbound.com) is an excellent site with its cultural links, literary awards, and directory of exceptional online resources.

Writer's Digest (www.writersdigest.com) lists the 101 Best Sites for Writers and includes publisher calls looking for new writers. Have a look at The Canadian Writers' Contest Calendar (www.meklerdeahl.com) for a directory of more than 350 Canadian and international writing contests.

Writing can be a lonely endeavour. Contact associations for encouragement and important connections at conferences, festivals and workshops. Their sites also offer details about grants and awards, contests, online chats, and online resources.

Start with the Federation of B.C. Writers (www.bcwriters.com) or the Writer's Union of Canada (www.writersunion.ca). The Writer's Union also offers a competition, a manuscript reading service, and on-line advice.

At the local level, take advantage of the 15th Annual Vancouver International Writers Festival running Oct. 22-27. Check out www.writersfest.bc.ca for the schedule and more links.

When the time comes to contact publishers, Publisher's Canada (www.lights.com/publisher) offers a list of publishers and their submission requirements. The Association of Canadian Publishers (www.publishers.ca) is a snappy web site with its invitation to "get published, get distributed, get publicity and get on-line."

Future magazine writers can look to the Periodical Writers Association of Canada (www.web.net/~pwac) for important pre-publishing tips and directories.

Those pursuing on-line publishing can look to www.nlc-bnc.ca/9/13/index-e.html, site of Electronic Publishing: Guide to Best Practices for Canadian Publishers produced by The National Library of Canada. It lists the pros and cons of electronic publishing, with links to creative, efficient examples and further online resources.

Every published B.C. writer should also look to the Canada Council (www.canadacouncil.ca) and the B.C. Arts Council (www.bcartscouncil.ca) for supportive awards and grants for writing, publishing, travel, and arts projects.

Canada has room for all kinds of successful writers. Best wishes in finding appreciative audiences.

This column and its links can be accessed from the Internet version of the Richmond Review, found on the Richmond Public Library's website at www.yourlibrary.ca. Please email comments/suggestions to column@yourlibrary.ca.