Book Publishing Production Grant - Book Publishers' Stream - Assessment Criteria

The Book Publishers’ Production Grant assists in the production and marketing of titles intended for commercial release. All criteria are assessed internally by Creative Saskatchewan.

The Assessment Criteria was approved on April 1, 2026 for the 2026-27 Fiscal Year. Any amendments made after the fact will be posted here:

• No changes to date.

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Phase One: Application Completeness

Applications must meet all Phase One criteria to be deemed complete and move on to the assessment panel for review. These criteria are assessed internally by Creative Saskatchewan staff.

The Budget (yes/no)

A complete budget (using the Creative Saskatchewan budget template) has been uploaded to the application. Budget templates are updated annually, and applicants are encouraged to double check that they are using the most up to date template.

Project Financing (yes/no)

A completed project financing structure listing pending or confirmed funding sources for the remaining 50%+ of the project budget that Creative Saskatchewan does not support has been included in the application.

Expense Eligibility (yes/no)

The majority of project expenses are eligible according to program guidelines. If ineligible expenses exceed 50% of the total project budget, the whole application will be deemed ineligible.

The Travel Itinerary (yes, no, or not applicable)

If travel is part of the project budget, a complete travel itinerary (using the Creative Saskatchewan travel itinerary template) has been uploaded to the application.

Budget Line Support Documentation (yes/no)

Budget line support documentation should be provided for all line items $500 and over. If support documentation has not been provided for more than 50% of line items $500 or more, the application will be deemed ineligible.

Examples of budget line support documentation include:

• Estimates or invoices from vendors and service providers
• A calculated breakdown of applicant or staff labour (#of hours x $rate = total)
• An email, text message, price list, or website screenshot from the vendor or service provider confirming their rate.

Phase Two: Application Material Assessment

Demonstrated net sales of own titles in the previous 24 months (from application submission date) /10

Evidence of book sales (audited financial statements or review engagements) must be included to receive points. It must be clear which sales in the provided financial reporting are specifically book sales. 

This criterion is assessed by Creative Saskatchewan based upon the rubric below: 

Demonstrated Market Reach /3

Distribution agreements (fully executed and unexpired) or distribution lists must be provided to receive these points:

This criterion is assessed by Creative Saskatchewan based on the rubric below: 

Number of titles produced over the previous 24 months (from application submission date) /3

This criterion is assessed by Creative Saskatchewan based on the rubric below: 

Intellectual Property Development /2

Demonstration that properties have been exploited in other platforms within 12 months of application submission date (eBooks do not qualify). 1 point per platform, to a maximum of 2 points. Evidence of IP Development (option agreements with the publisher, links to platforms, etc.) must be provided to receive these points.

1 point per platform, to a maximum of 2 points.

• Audiobooks
• Film/TV or Digital Game options
• Educational guides

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility /4

Up to four will be awarded based upon the percentage of authors of the titles being applied for that identify as part of the following equity-seeking groups:

• Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Métis);
• Person from a racialized group;
• a Newcomer to Canada;
• Someone who lives in a northern (North of Prince Albert), rural, or small urban community (outside of Regina and Saskatoon);
• Person with a disability or disabled; and/or
• LGBTQIA2S+

By completing this table, you are declaring confidentially that you identify accurately as part of the communities and identities specified. This information is not shared with external assessors. Total/22

Funding Allocations based on awarded points:

• 15 to 22: Maximum Creative Saskatchewan grant participation: $40,000 or 50% of the approved budget, whichever amount is less.
• 11 to 14: Maximum Creative Saskatchewan grant participation: $40,000 or 35% of the approved budget, whichever amount is less.
• Fewer than 11 points: Maximum Creative Saskatchewan grant participation: $40,000 or 25% of the approved budget, whichever amount is less.