Submission Guidelines

Manuscript and Art Submission - General Guidelines

Scholastic publishes recreational reading for children and young people, ages 0–14. Our publishing focus is on books by Canadians or of Canadian interest that engage children by reflecting their own contemporary experiences, affirm positive portrayals of people with differing experiences, and celebrate Canada’s diverse communities.

Our recent trade catalogues are available online at www.scholastic.ca/booksellers/catalogues.php.

Submission guidelines for Writers and Illustrators are listed separately below. Please read the appropriate section and follow the guidelines.

Writers

Scholastic Canada is currently interested in reviewing unpublished material by writers from underrepresented communities, including Black writers, Indigenous writers, writers of colour, writers with disabilities, LGBTQIA2S+ writers and writers who identify with other marginalized groups. Please note that due to the high volume of submissions we receive, we are only able to respond to those we are interested in pursuing. Material can be emailed directly to submissions@scholastic.ca. We are unable to accept submissions by regular mail at this time.

• For picture books, submit a full manuscript. No illustrations necessary.
• For junior, middle-grade and YA fiction, submit an outline and three consecutive sample chapters.
• For non-fiction, submit an outline and writing sample.
• Do not submit original illustrations or other materials.
• Please allow up to three months for a response. If you have not heard from us within that time frame, you can assume we are not able to move forward with your project.

No other unsolicited, unagented submissions are being accepted at this time. If you are looking for a literary agent to represent you, the Professional Association of Canadian Literary Agents is a good place to start. We also suggest checking out the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s “Writing for Children Kit” or their list of Canadian children’s publishers currently accepting unsolicited work. This list (also included in the Kit) is updated regularly and includes all the information you need to direct your work to the publisher that is the best fit for your writing.

Thank you for thinking of us. We wish you the best of luck with your work.

Illustrators

Professional illustrators, especially those from underrepresented communities, who are interested in working with Scholastic are invited to email sample art and links to an online portfolio to Andrea Casault, Art Director at acasault@scholastic.ca.

Please do not submit original materials by mail. Scholastic Canada is not responsible for lost material. Illustrators of interest will be contacted should a suitable project arise.

Published Book Submissions

If you would like to submit your published book to Book Clubs for possible inclusion, please send a cover letter and pdf of the complete book to submissions@scholastic.ca. Please include “Published Book Submissions” in the subject line. Reviews will be completed within 60 days and responses will be sent only to those whose books are of interest. We are unable to accept published book submissions by regular mail at this time.