Literary Journals in Canada

Canada has many diverse literary publications. Several major Canadian authors launched their careers in the pages of journals, and many still contribute their poetry, stories and essays to them.

Literary publications tend to not have a wide circulation. They are sold only in bookstores (and not every one, at that) or by subscription. As well, they can be very expensive, around ten dollars on average. Publication schedules vary, although most are published seasonally (four times per year). The low number of journals that are published would account for the almost book-like size of many of them.

And, unfortunately, due to the economic situation in our modern world, there are not as many literary publications in Canada as there once were. Canadian Author, which featured interviews with many of Canada's top writers as well as columns for working writers, ceased publication several years ago. Paragraph, a quarterly devoted to fiction in Canada, has been on hiatus for an undetermined length of time.

What does still exist, is a plethora of academically-oriented, high-brow publications such as Event, Prairie Fire, and Grain. The publications usually consist of some book reviews; as well as new fiction, poetry, and essays from established and emerging writers.

The pay is low but the prestige is high - literary journals tend to be very picky about submissions and what goes in is usually the cream of the crop. A publication credit in a literary journal is a proverbial notch on a writer's belt.

Not all literary journals are aimed at intellectuals. One of Canada's best literary publications aimed at the general public is Prairie Books Now, which is published three times a year and is distributed free of charge at many bookstores and libraries across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Every article is an interview with an author of a new book from a variety of genres.

Most public libraries have a selection of literary journals available for browsing (many libraries do not lend periodicals, but you can sit and read them on the premises for as long as you like).

So, if you would like to take a look at literature that is on the cutting edge of Canadian literature, check out some literary publications. You'll find out what our well-known writers are up to, as well as possibly check out the literary movers and shakers of the future.

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