1. Publish as much of your work in literary magazines and journals as possible. Some Canadian journals that regularly publish new work include Grain, Matrix, New Quarterly, Prairie Fire, The Fiddlehead, The Malahat Review, Ariel, Prism International, event, Arc, People’s Poetry Letter, Canadian Fiction Magazine, Wascana Review, and Descant. Publication history is one of the first things an editor with a publishing house will look for, as it shows the author is a committed professional, and has gained significant editorial experience and exposure for his/her work.

2. Take advantage of writing programs in your area, through writer-in-residence programs, writers groups, and retreats.

3. Submit your work for awards whenever possible.

4. Ensure that your manuscript is clean, presentable, and easy to read.

5. Target your submissions to publishers who have a history of producing titles similar to your manuscript. The Canadian Publishers Directory can be found at your local library, and it contains contact and submission information.

6. Be sure to send a query letter to a prospective publisher first. Do not send out multiple submissions, unsolicited electronic submissions, or full manuscripts that have not been requested. This will just delay the process, and turn off busy editors.

7. Have on hand a clear, concise curriculum vitae or resume, with full publishing history and relevant personal data.

8. Whenever possible practise reading your work in public.

9. Be aware of the target market/audience of your work.