Publishers Assistance Fund

The Publishers Assistance Fund invests in Nova Scotia publishers to increase capacity and support growth in the provincial publishing industry. Funding allocated through this program supports publishing activities that make a significant cultural contribution to the province.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must:

  • be a legally registered company or society with a head office and general operations based in Nova Scotia that has operated for at least two years
  • get more than 50% of total sales revenue from book sales, with the publication of original titles as the focus of the business
  • publish books under the publisher’s own imprint, in printed or other form, and distribute those titles through regular bookselling channels
  • maintain full control over editorial process, and have editorial independence from any other company
  • have at least 75% of titles produced by authors other than principals in the company or related companies
  • enter into contractual agreements with authors or copyright holders, issue clear royalty statements on a regular basis and fulfill all contractual obligations and agreed terms to writers, illustrators, translators, artists and other services and licensors
  • be managed and financially controlled by Nova Scotia residents (who own at least 75% of the company)
  • demonstrate fiscal viability through provision of audited financial statements
  • have annual net book sales revenue of at least $20,000 (based on most recent fiscal year)
  • have at least 4 eligible titles in print
  • have published a minimum of two first edition titles per year for the past 2 years
  • show ongoing commitment to publishing original titles

Eligible costs

The Publishers Assistance Fund provides financial support for publishing activities that directly impact an individual publisher’s growth or capacity and make a significant cultural contribution to the province. Expense categories include:

  • editorial
  • printing and design
  • author development
  • author royalties
  • marketing, promotion and advertising
  • capacity building
  • packaging and shipping

Funding structure

Funding is allocated based on:

  • an applicant’s sales revenue (from book, audiobook or e-book sales made during the last fiscal year)
  • an evaluation of the applicant’s publishing program

Deadline

Applications must be submitted by 15 June, 2022 at 4:30 pm. Late applications will not be considered.

How to apply

Email complete application forms and supporting documents to publishersassistance@novascotia.ca

You can also send applications by mail to:

Nova Scotia Publishers Assistance Fund
Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
1741 Brunswick St., 3rd Floor
P.O. Box 456, STN Central
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canada B3J 2R5

Contact information

Mickey Quase
Senior Creative Industries Advisor

Phone: 902-456-8983

Jamie MacLellan
Manager, Creative Industries

Phone: 902-222-3069

1741 Brunswick St., 3rd Floor
P.O. Box 456, STN Central
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canada B3J 2R5

Downloads

Publishers Assistance Fund Guidelines
Publishers Assistance Fund Application Form