IV Programme

Good writing knows no boundaries.

The IV Programme provides a valuable cultural and economic exchange between Canada’s publishing community and some of the most influential publishing figures from around the world. Since 2008, it has generated visibility and marketability for Canadian literature abroad, by acting as a Canadian rights fair, introducing international publishers to the Canadian literary scene, and strengthening relationships with international counterparts that have led to new business development initiatives and the creation of new literary works.

The IV Programme takes place every fall during the Toronto International Festival of Authors—Canada’s longest-running literary festival and one of the largest in the world—over the course of five days of structured inter-industry dialogue and events. Activities are led by distinguished professionals and include quick pitch meetings that lead to rights acquisitions of Canadian works, networking opportunities, as well as presentations on such topics as negotiation, industry trends and changes, international rights and niche publishing. Modelled on similar successful programmes in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Israel, Japan, New Zealand and the UK, the IV Programme operates as an informal rights fair, providing Canadian authors, publishers and agents an unprecedented opportunity in securing international rights and distribution deals. Over 300 fellows have taken part in the programme, and a dozen new fellows will be selected to take part in 2021. You can see the 2020 Fellows here.

In 2020, given the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 regulations, the IV Programme shifted to a digital platform that delivered the Programme in a reimagined virtual landscape. As future travel and quarantine regulations in Canada remain uncertain, the 2021 IV Programme is expected to take place virtually once again. The 14th edition of the IV Programme will take place between October 25–29, 2021.

IV Programme 2021 Fellowship Applications

Application period: April 7 – May 7, 2021.

Please apply through the Application Form link below. In 2021, the IV Programme will be focusing on countries in the Nordic region.

Eligibility: The programme is open to Canadian and International acquiring editors, agents and scouts who work with, or are interested in working with, Canadian authors and publishers.

Application requirements:

• Current resumé
• For International Fellows: A one-page letter outlining: your current job role and experience in publishing, your specific areas of editorial interest, the names of Canadian books you have published and/or Canadian authors you have worked with, and your reasons for applying to the IV Programme this year.
• For Canadian Fellows: must be currently working in Canada in editorial, subsidiary rights, or within literary agencies, and have a minimum of three years of experience in the industry. Must include a letter of recommendation from someone in the industry.

Programme costs: N/A

Successful applicants will be notified by July 1, 2021. The 2021 Fellows will be announced formally in October 2021.

Please email iv@festivalofauthors.ca if you have any questions.

Application Form