Creative Saskatchewan funds seven industry associations, helping them achieve their mandates to support Saskatchewan’s creative small businesses and creative producers, and helping build extraordinary businesses. As their primary funding agency, we proudly provide operational and program funding for SaskBooks.
SaskBooks has championed Saskatchewan publishers since 1989, becoming the vibrant heart of the province’s book publishing scene.
Highlighting the economic impact of Creative Saskatchewan’s support, Jillian Bell, Executive Director of SaskBooks, commented, “We are extremely fortunate to have an agency like Creative Saskatchewan supporting creative industry, creative producers, creative small businesses, and of course, creative industry associations. Their support has helped SaskBooks market and promote Saskatchewan books for more than a decade, has helped publishers’ business development, and has opened doors for publishers to engage in international rights sales, and export marketing. They also make it possible for SaskBooks to undertake much-valued industry research and sector development. Without Creative Saskatchewan and its ongoing operational and project support for SaskBooks and its investment in the publishing sector, the province would lose out on more than $2 Million in economic activity.”
SaskBooks offers a wide range of services to support publishers. They help promote and market books published by Saskatchewan publishing businesses, and they provide professional development sessions for publishers at all levels of development. SaskBooks’ staff has more than 50 combined years of publishing industry experience; their knowledge, skills, and connections are invaluable. The board of directors and members, who are all publishers at various stages of their careers, offer a wealth of experience and guidance. Members of SaskBooks receive industry-specific newsletters, access to an online bookstore to sell their books, book reviews, numerous networking opportunities throughout the year, and an annual conference that attracts publishing professionals from around the world. SaskBooks connects publishers with opportunities they might not otherwise access, both within Saskatchewan and globally, and helps the world find and fall in love with Saskatchewan books.
SaskBooks was one of the founding partners of the Saskatchewan Book Awards, which celebrates excellence in Saskatchewan books. Creative Saskatchewan has been a proud sponsor of the Publishing Award since 2020. The award is presented annually to the Saskatchewan publisher of the best book, based on literary or artistic value, the quality of editing, book design, production, and content. Past winners have included publishers like Radiant Press and the University of Regina Press.
When it comes to funding publishers—that’s where we come in! Creative Saskatchewan’s role is to help clients navigate the application process from start to finish, review applications for eligibility, ensure applications are vetted by industry professionals, and invest in projects with economic potential. Creative Saskatchewan offers a few grants related to the book industry:
The Book Publishing production grant has two funding streams to support the production of books for commercial release: Author-Funded and Book Publishing.
The Author-Funded stream supports self-publishers, or hybrid publishers working with the Saskatchewan authors who invest in the cost of their book’s production.
The Book Publisher’s stream supports established literary, academic, and scholarly publishers’ book production activity.
Publishers and self-publishers are also eligible to apply for our Business Improvement grant, Research grant, Marketing grant and Showcase or Sell Travel grant.
For 35 years, SaskBooks has been dedicated to supporting Saskatchewan’s publishing community and helping book publishers succeed.Whether you’re a seasoned publisher looking to expand your network, a new publisher seeking guidance, or whether you’re someone looking for a Saskatchewan book, SaskBooks can help!
Visit their website to learn more: https://www.skbooks.com/
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