For immediate release
Canada’s Writers Saddened at Douglas & McIntyre Announcement
– The Writers’ Union of Canada concerned for the future of independent publishing in Canada –
Toronto, October 23, 2012 – It is with great sadness that The Writers’ Union of Canada notes that Douglas & McIntyre has filed a Notice of Intention to make a proposal under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
Douglas & McIntyre is one of the larger remaining independent publishers in Canada. The company has earned a well-deserved reputation for enthusiastic support of Canadian writers across the country and has developed a strong list, especially in the fields of memoir and environmental issues through its Greystone imprint.
We are alarmed that yet another large Canadian-owned publisher is threatened by the challenges of the current publishing climate. The narrowing of options for writers and the potential loss of yet another publishing house that produces Canadian stories for readers in this country undoubtedly has a negative impact on Canadian culture as a whole.
“Douglas & McIntyre has been a vital part of the Canadian publishing landscape for over four decades,” says Merilyn Simonds, who is Chair of The Writers’ Union of Canada and also a D&M author. “While we will work hard to minimize the impact of this situation on our writers, we hope restructuring of the company will mean that it can continue as a force in Canadian publishing.”
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The Writers’ Union of Canada is our country’s national organization representing more than 2,000 professional authors of books. Founded in 1973, the Union is dedicated to fostering writing in Canada, and promoting the rights, freedoms, and economic well-being of all writers.
For additional information:
Kelly Duffin, Executive Director
The Writers’ Union of Canada
416.703.8982 Ext. 221
kduffin@writersunion.ca
www.writersunion.ca
Merilyn Simonds
Chair, The Writers’ Union of Canada
613-985-0925
chair@writersunion.ca
