 Canadian Writers Beg
. . . for your support
http://www.canadianwriters.ca
The web site illustrated on this page is an extension
of a campaign launched by a handful of Canadian writers to draw
attention to the plight of the publishing industry in Canada - and the
obvious hand-me-down troubles that plight has on Canadian authors.
The
group has gathered $50 from 400-odd writers and has used that money to
run full-page ads in The Globe and Mail's Books section. The newspaper
ads promote the same question asked on the web site: "Why should
you buy Canadian books this holiday season?"
"What do you think of that ad?" I asked
someone this past weekend.
"Not much," was the reply.
"Does it make you want to buy Canadian
books?" I asked.
"No. It makes me think Canadian books aren't any
good - or they wouldn't need special help. I'm not going to buy Canadian
books out of pity."
I don't want to suggest that the people behind the
Canadian Writers Coalition (as they're calling themselves) are looking
for pity. Far from it. They are attempting to call a spade a
spade. The Canadian publishing industry is in tough times. It could use
more consumer support. It could use more government support. It could
also use a marketing campaign much more dynamic and invigorating than -
do it now, so that you can do it again later.
On December 19, 2001, The
New York Times reported that Random House, "the largest
publisher of general-interest books, has begun a round of layoffs as it
cuts costs to address what its executives call a prolonged downturn in
book sales." The Canadian publishing industry is not alone in its
troubles.
At the same time, on December 18, 2001, The
Canada Council announced $75 million in new funding for Canadian
artist and arts organization, including publishers. In its press release
the Council says it will
. . . also invest additional funds in support for
the cooperative projects of writers and publishers - aimed at
encouraging more effective promotion of Canadian books - literary and
arts magazines, and grants for individual writers, literary readings
and festivals.
Hmm. What writer reads that paragraph without pausing
on the phrase "more effective promotion of Canadian books"?
The troubles of the Canadian publishing industry are not new - and they
are unlikely to ever disappear entirely. Someone I know recently
published a book of poetry, and she said to me she'd be happy if her
book gets noticed beyond her immediate circle of friends.
"That's the most one can hope for," she
said.
Sadly, this is usually true. I myself have published
two books of short stories since 1999 with Canadian small press
publishers. If you seach under my name on the Chapters-Indigo
web site you will find that both books are "Temporarily
unavailable." Temporary until when? Temporary until they start
selling in a volume worthy of shelf space. My story is not unique, and I
don't tell it here to whine. Just to illustrate a point: Most writers of
creative writing have virtually no audience.
It's almost enough to make one beg. PLEASE PAY
ATTENTION TO ME!! But lapsing into self-pity is pointless. It is better
surely to consider the Canadian music recording industry. The Tragically
Hip sells peanuts in the U.S.A., but they have a huge cult following
north of the border. The Canadian music industry, protected by quotas,
can now send send its stars out on the world stage, or provide a living
for its artist right here.
I'm not suggesting Canada start a quota system for
Canadian books. Far from it. But I would like to see Canadian
books taken more seriously. Which partly means ripping the bad ones and
creating cult followings around the good ones, the odd ones, the
half-formed ones that keep you up twitching for half the night. WHERE IS
THIS HAPPENING?? At The Danforth Review, I hope - but where else?
Please don't buy a Canadian book because you've been
led to believe that you are responsible for the survival of the Canadian
book industry. You aren't. Pure and simple.
Please buy a handful - a truckload! - of Canadian
books because they make you quake with joy or quiver with anger. Don't
know where to start? Try here.
- Michael Bryson
HAVE AN OPINION about what you've just read? Let us
know at danforthreview@canada.com.
|
