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.

Fall 2024 will mark the IV Programme’s 17th iteration, taking place September 24–28 during the Toronto International Festival of Authors (September 19 – 29, 2024).

2024 Fellowship Applications

Applications for the IV Programme are now closed.

Questions? Please contact programming@festivalofauthors.ca.


Why the IV Programme?

Karen McMullin's headshot

“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

Esther Hendriks headshot

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:

Canadian Heritage Canada Wordmark logo
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