PUB 371: Structure of the Book Publishing Industry in Canada

After a brief history of book publishing in Canada (with a focus on shifting markets, technologies, and policies), we’ll move on to talk about cultural policy and why it matters, shifting ownership patterns in Canadian publishers (from indies to multinationals), bookselling and marketing, book prizes and mass reading events, and of course the contemporary state of the publishing industry. Particular attention will be paid to the relationship between the above practices of the industry and the ongoing struggles for inclusivity.

Coursework will include in-class responses, online mark-up of weekly readings, and blog posts and responses. In lieu of a final exam or essay, 50% of the course grade will be based on a book project to be hosted on SFU’s OJS system.