IV Programme
Good writing knows no boundaries.
The International Visitors (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 its inception in 2008, it has generated visibility and marketability for Canadian literature abroad, by 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 operates as an informal rights fair, providing Canadian authors, publishers and agents an unprecedented opportunity to secure international rights and distribution deals. Over 300 fellows have taken part in the programme. See the fellows from 2020–2023 here.
2024 Fellowship Call for Applications
Application period: February 15 – March 31, 2024
The IV Programme takes place every fall during the Toronto International Festival of Authors (September 19–29, 2024). Over the course of five days, IV Fellows experience a curated schedule of structured inter-industry dialogue and events led by distinguished professionals. Activities include quick-pitch meetings that lead to rights acquisitions of Canadian works, networking opportunities, and presentations on such topics as negotiation, industry trends and changes, international rights, and niche publishing. Fall 2024 will mark the IV Programme’s 17th iteration, taking place September 24–28.
The IV Programme is open to both Canadian and International applicants. To submit your interest in participating, please review the information below and complete the application below.
Eligibility:
The programme is open to Canadian and international publishing professionals. There are two application streams available:
International Visitors (IV) Fellowship: open to international acquiring editors, agents and scouts, who represent authors in Canada or acquire Canadian titles for their territory.
Canadian Fellowship: open to mid-career Canadian publishing professionals working in editorial, subsidiary rights, or within literary agencies, and who have a minimum of 3 (three) years experience in the industry.
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 include a letter of recommendation from a senior industry professional.
Successful applicants will be notified in May. The confirmed 2024 Fellows will be announced publicly in August. Fellows will be brought to Toronto, Canada for September 24–28, 2024.
How to Apply:
Complete the online application form by March 31, 2024. Applications received after this date will not be accepted. Questions? Please contact programming@festivalofauthors.ca.
Why should you apply to the IV Programme?
“The IV programme is a fully immersive experience. One well worth the time investment for any Canadian independent publishing professional with an interest in the goings-on of both the Canadian and international publishing landscapes. Intense, but so much fun!”
Karen McMullin, 2023 IV Programme Canadian Fellow
National Publicist/Export Manager, Nimbus Publishing
“I enjoyed the programme enormously. It was so well organized: the perfect balance between networking, meeting Canadian authors, visiting the offices of the agencies, publishing houses and independent bookstores, going to the festival and see authors perform, and above all: learning about Canadian publishing in every sense. I’ve brought with me a long list of authors to read, and to keep an eye on in the future – for me and my colleagues in our house. Thank you so much for inviting me over.”
Esther Hendriks, 2023 IV Programme Fellow
Commissioning Editor, Singel Publishers
IV Programme Committee
- Carolyn Forde (Co-Chair), Partner, Senior Literary Agent & International Rights Director, Transatlantic Agency
- Jennifer Lambert (Co-Chair), Senior Editorial Director, HarperCollins Canada
- Emily Ferko, Sales and Rights Director, ECW Press
- Olga Filina, Literary Agent, Five Otter Literary
- Maria Golikova, Senior Managing Editor, Doubleday Canada, Penguin Random House Canada
- Roland Gulliver, Director, Toronto International Festival of Authors
- Joe Lee, Publishing Manager, Penguin Random House Canada
- Hazel Millar, Co-publisher, Book*Hug Press
- Jay MillAr, Co-publisher, Book*Hug Press
The IV Programme is gratefully supported by: