Book Publishing Grant Helps Marc Rousseau Launch New Career

Marc Rousseau was successful in applying for a Book Publishing Production Grant (author-funded stream) for his book A Miserable Guide to Saskatoon 2: It’s Just More of the Same.

After leaving his life in California for a new one in Saskatoon, independent comic author Marc Rousseau noticed some quirky things about the Bridge City. Documenting these observations through a collection of comics, anecdotes, and stories, he self-published his first book, A Miserable Guide to Saskatoon to poke fun at his new home.

The book became a big hit and continues to sell well years after its initial publication. A Miserable Guide was so popular that Rousseau decided it needed a sequel. With a plan in place for a second book, Rousseau submitted a successful application for a Creative Saskatchewan Book Publishing Grant through the author-funded stream.

A Miserable Guide to Saskatoon 2: It’s Just More of the Same was published in October of 2023. Like its predecessor, it is printed locally and sold in stores and shops throughout Saskatoon. Less than a year after publication, the book is already over 50% sold out of its initial print run of 1,500 copies.

The timing of the grant approval couldn’t have been better for Rousseau. After getting laid off from his part-time office job, Rousseau used the Creative Saskatchewan grant as an opportunity to pursue comic creation full-time. “It wouldn’t be possible to be where I am, at this scale, without the Creative Saskatchewan grant,” he states.

As sales for his Miserable Guide books continue to roll in, Rousseau is hard at work on his first graphic novel. The successful launch of A Miserable Guide to Saskatoon 2 has allowed him to take on this much bigger project. With regular income coming in and a strong foundation underneath him, Rousseau is able to work on the next big thing.

“It’s been a fun journey,” Rousseau reflects, “but it feels more solid now than ever.”