🇨🇦 Getting Started

Library and Archives Canada: ISBN Canada 🟢 🇨🇦

Eligible Canadian publishers and self-publishers can obtain ISBNs free of charge. I use ISBN Canada for my own books. Each format and edition needs its own ISBN, so keeping the ISBN logbook current is important.

Public Lending Right (PLR) Program 🟢 🇨🇦

The Public Lending Right Program sends annual payments to eligible Canadian authors and other book creators whose registered titles are found in the Canadian public library systems sampled that year. Payments are based on a title’s presence in sampled library catalogues—not the number of copies borrowed—and the total calculated payment must reach at least $50.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can register eligible print books, ebooks, and audiobooks published within the previous five years with a new 13-digit ISBN. For most books, the minimum length is 48 pages. Registration normally runs from February 15 to May 1 each year, and authors should have their ISBNs plus the title page, copyright page, and table of contents ready. Self-published books can qualify.

Canadian copyright and business information 🟡 🇨🇦

I will expand this section as I learn more about copyright registration, sole proprietorships, taxes, and the business side of publishing in Canada.

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📚 Publishing Platforms

• Amazon KDP 🟢 — My primary platform for Kindle ebooks and print editions.
• Kobo Writing Life 🟢 — A particularly useful storefront for Canadian authors and readers.
• Apple Books 🟢 — I have been pleasantly surprised by the organic discovery my books receive here.
• Draft2Digital 🟢 — A convenient way to distribute books to multiple retailers through one dashboard.
• Google Play Books 🟢 — Part of my wide-distribution publishing strategy.
• IngramSpark 🟢 — Useful for expanded print distribution to bookstores and libraries. Cover set up can be difficult – I haven’t managed to do this correctly yet. Still trying.

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🎨 Writing, Formatting & Design

Atticus 🟢

I use Atticus to format my books. It lets me prepare professional ebook and paperback files in one place and preview how the finished book will appear on different devices.

Canva 🟢

One of my most-used tools. I use Canva for website graphics, social media posts, promotional images, printable materials, and visual branding.

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🤖 AI Tools

I use AI as a creative and practical assistant, not as a replacement for my own writing or judgment.

• ChatGPT 🟢 — Brainstorming, developmental feedback, research planning, SEO, website development, plotting, and marketing ideas.
• Sora 🟢 — Promotional video clips and visual concepts.
• Runway 🟢 — Video generation and editing experiments.
• Claude 🟡 — Useful for long-document analysis.
• Gemini 🟡 — Useful for research and comparison work.

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📈 Marketing & Reader Outreach

• BookFunnel 🟢 — I use it for ARC distribution, beta readers, reader magnets, and direct downloads.
• Goodreads 🟢 — Reader interaction, reviews, and book discovery.
• Instagram 🟢 — My primary social platform and the place where I spend most of my marketing time.
• TikTok 🟢 — A platform I am still experimenting with.
• Substack 🟢 — Tried basing my newsletter out of here, not successful yet.
• BookLife 🟢 — Free promotional and industry resources for independent authors.
• Gleam 🟢 — A tool for running online giveaways and promotions. Free option is limited only to Instagram new sign-ups. But was fun and easy

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🇨🇦 Canadian Writing Organizations

Writers’ Federation of New Brunswick (WFNB) 🟢 🇨🇦

I am a member of the Writers’ Federation of New Brunswick. The federation offers community, workshops, professional-development opportunities, networking, and resources for writers across the province.

Romance Writers of Atlantic Canada (RWAC) 🟢 🇨🇦

RWAC supports romance writers in Atlantic Canada. I am not currently a member, but it may be a useful organization to explore for writers interested in romance craft, career development, and regional community.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Self-Publishing in Canada

Are ISBNs free for self-published authors in Canada?

Yes. Eligible Canadian publishers and self-publishers can obtain ISBNs at no charge through ISBN Canada, which is administered by Library and Archives Canada. A separate ISBN is normally required for each format and edition.

Can self-published Canadian authors receive Public Lending Right payments?

Yes, self-published books can qualify if the author and title meet the program’s eligibility rules. Payment is based on whether a registered title appears in the Canadian public library systems sampled that year, not on individual checkout counts.

When can Canadian authors register for the Public Lending Right program?

Registration normally opens annually from February 15 to May 1. Authors should confirm the current dates and requirements on the official Public Lending Right website before applying.

What platforms can Canadian indie authors use?

Canadian authors can publish through Amazon KDP, Kobo Writing Life, Apple Books, Google Play Books, Draft2Digital, and IngramSpark, among others. The best mix depends on whether an author wants to publish directly to each retailer or use a distributor to manage several stores.

Does a Canadian author need to register copyright?

Copyright generally exists automatically when an original work is created, but formal registration can provide evidence of ownership. Authors should consult the Canadian Intellectual Property Office or a qualified professional for current legal guidance.

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❤️ Lessons I Have Learned

• Every book teaches you something the previous book could not.
• Consistency matters more than chasing a single viral moment.
• Your website is an asset you own. Social media is borrowed ground.
• Thoughtful feedback is more useful than empty praise.
• Publishing before everything feels perfect does not mean publishing carelessly. It means accepting that growth continues after release.

This page will keep growing as I discover more Canadian resources, test new tools, and learn from the indie-publishing community.