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Featured Speakers & Events

Throughout the year, we host a variety of events that are perfect for connecting with industry professionals and gaining valuable insights into the world of publishing. Whether you’re interested in writing, editing, marketing, or any other aspect of the industry, these events provide a unique opportunity to network and learn from the best in the business.

York Lectures in Publishing Annual Guest Series

Kwame Fraser profile photo

November 13, 2024
Kwame Fraser, Editor-at-Large and former President at Dundurn Press

Book publishing has changed a lot in the past ten years, and it’s going to change even more very soon. Kwame Fraser has an insider’s insight into how we’ll read, write, and think about books in the next decade, and he’ll give you some real talk about the publishing industry’s biggest challenges. This is an essential lecture for anyone who wants to work on books in the future, and you’ll also get to participate in a hands-on workshop that will put Kwame’s lessons into practice.


Lily Bergh profile photo

November 22, 2023
Lily Bergh, Publisher at Canadian Scholars + Womens Press

Come learn about one of publishing’s best-kept secrets: the unique, surprising, and deeply meaningful world of educational books. You may think that textbooks are stuffy and boring, but Lily Bergh will show you how cool they can be, from feminist food studies to Indigenous 2SLGBTQ history. You’ll learn what you need to do to get a job in this exciting field and how to think outside the box when you start your publishing career.


Amanda Betts profile photo

November 23, 2022
Amanda Betts, Senior Editor at Knopf Canada

What does it really mean to be a book editor? What does it take to acquire new stories and to help make them the best they can be? Amanda Betts has led some of the most original and successful books in Canadian history, and she’s going to give you a behind-the-scenes look at an editor’s day-to-day life and how you can make it in the industry. You’ll even have the chance to pitch her your own book ideas and get priceless feedback!

Regular Workshop and Q&A Series

Past Guests

February 14, 2024
Joe Lee, Publishing Manager at McClelland & Stewart

January 31, 2024
Cody Caetano, Literary Agent at CookeMcDermid

January 17, 2024
Kate Sinclair, Cover Designer at Penguin Random House

November 8, 2023
Cayley Pimentel, Senior Publicist at Simon & Schuster

October 26, 2023
Serina Mercier, Marketing Director at Sutherland House Books

October 18, 2023
Melanie Tutino, Senior Editor at Doubleday

Upcoming Guests

September 18, 2024
Jieun Lee, Editor and Project Manager at Annick Press

October 9, 2024
Siobhan Nadaf, Publicity Assistant at Simon & Schuster