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A practical small-group workshop for writers, artists, editors, curators, and aspiring publishers who want a clearer understanding of how independent publishing actually works.
Designed for those interested in starting a press, shaping a magazine or editorial project, building a catalogue, or understanding the structures that bring books and publications into the world, this intensive offers a focused introduction to the real mechanics of independent publishing. Part workshop, part practical overview, and part resource-sharing session, it is built around the kinds of things I wish someone had shared with me a decade ago.
Built from within a Canadian publishing framework, the course touches on grants, production, metadata, distribution, and publishing realities specific to Canada. Participants from anywhere are welcome, with the understanding that many examples and practical references will emerge from that context.
Over three weeks, we’ll move through the core stages of independent publishing. We’ll begin with vision, editorial identity, and curation: how to define what you are building, what kind of work you are drawn to, and how a press, magazine, or publishing project begins to take shape. From there, we’ll move into the practical middle of publishing, including working with authors, editing, contracts, rights, compensation models, budgets, grants, and production logistics. In the final session, we’ll look at how a project enters the world through metadata, distribution, discoverability, and community-building, while also thinking about sustainability and what it takes to keep a publishing project alive over time.
We’ll explore:
vision, editorial identity, submissions, curation, contracts, rights, grants, budgets, production, metadata, distribution, and community-building.
Includes:
✧3 live sessions
✧shared resources
✧sample contracts and grant materials
✧group chat access
✧30-minute private consultation with Ashley
Format:
✧Hybrid workshop: Montréal (in-person option) + online
✧3 weeks
✧Held once per week
✧Maximum 12 participants
The final day and time will be set based on participant availability after registration closes.
Cost:
$650 CAD
Scholarship:
One scholarship spot is available for a low-income participant. To apply, please send a short cover letter to ashley@obscura-agency.net.
A practical small-group workshop for writers, artists, editors, curators, and aspiring publishers who want a clearer understanding of how independent publishing actually works.
Designed for those interested in starting a press, shaping a magazine or editorial project, building a catalogue, or understanding the structures that bring books and publications into the world, this intensive offers a focused introduction to the real mechanics of independent publishing. Part workshop, part practical overview, and part resource-sharing session, it is built around the kinds of things I wish someone had shared with me a decade ago.
Built from within a Canadian publishing framework, the course touches on grants, production, metadata, distribution, and publishing realities specific to Canada. Participants from anywhere are welcome, with the understanding that many examples and practical references will emerge from that context.
Over three weeks, we’ll move through the core stages of independent publishing. We’ll begin with vision, editorial identity, and curation: how to define what you are building, what kind of work you are drawn to, and how a press, magazine, or publishing project begins to take shape. From there, we’ll move into the practical middle of publishing, including working with authors, editing, contracts, rights, compensation models, budgets, grants, and production logistics. In the final session, we’ll look at how a project enters the world through metadata, distribution, discoverability, and community-building, while also thinking about sustainability and what it takes to keep a publishing project alive over time.
We’ll explore:
vision, editorial identity, submissions, curation, contracts, rights, grants, budgets, production, metadata, distribution, and community-building.
Includes:
✧3 live sessions
✧shared resources
✧sample contracts and grant materials
✧group chat access
✧30-minute private consultation with Ashley
Format:
✧Hybrid workshop: Montréal (in-person option) + online
✧3 weeks
✧Held once per week
✧Maximum 12 participants
The final day and time will be set based on participant availability after registration closes.
Cost:
$650 CAD
Scholarship:
One scholarship spot is available for a low-income participant. To apply, please send a short cover letter to ashley@obscura-agency.net.