Useful Links

Associations

CANSCAIP: Canadian Society for Children’s Authors Illustrators and Performers
Consider becoming a Member or a Friend in order to receive invaluable updates. Look into attending one of their annual conferences like Packaging Your Imagination in Toronto. You may also wish to attend their regular meetings which are held at several locations across Canada and which are also open to the public.
The Canadian Children’s Book Centre 
Consider becoming a Member in order to receive their publications – like Canadian Children’s Book News, Best Books for Kids and Teens – and to receive their regular updates. 
Also, check out the information on their website, particularly their Resources for Authors and Illustrators.
SCBWI: Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
Consider becoming a member or attending their conferences.
TWUC: The Writers Union of Canada 
A useful starting point for information is on their Getting Published page. 
ACP: Association of Canadian Publishers 
Resources for getting published or finding a publisher. Make sure to check the websites of individual publsihers to get their most up-to-date information about submissions.
WFNB: Writers’ Federation of New Brunswick
Okay, I’m not from New Brunswick but, if you are, this is a group of the most supportive, friendly writers I know who have been wonderfully encouraging on my way. Many provinces have similar associations.  It’s worth seeing yours does.
 

My Wonderful Publishers

Breakwater Books
Crabtree Publishing Company
Fitzhenry & Whiteside Limited
Orca Books
Scholastic Canada
 

Additional Resources

Writing, Illustrating and Publishing Children’s Books: The Purple Crayon
Places for Writers
 
The most useful advice I can offer anyone trying to get a start as a writer is to find a network of other writers. In particular, try to get involved with a critique group. Even if your writing is AWESOME, it can always benefit from a fresh eye, different perspective or further understanding of how to tailor it to the current market.