Writing Department

Associate professor Rich Shivener explores how the emotions of creators shape their digital media productions in new book

Writing Department associate professor, Rich Shivener, has published a new book looking at the ways creators are living digital media, experiencing emotions like love and frustration, as they shape their creations. Living Digital Media: Rhetorical-affective practices in circulation looks at the ways in which rhetorical practices like collaboration, revision and delivery are loaded with feelings, […]

Adjunct Professor, Paul McLaughlin’s book finalist for the Toronto Book Awards and the Heritage Toronto Awards

Adjunct Professor Paul McLaughlin’s acclaimed novel, The Suicide Magnet: Inside the Battle to Erect a Safety Barrier on Toronto’s Bloor Viaduct, is one of five books shortlisted for the 2024 Toronto Book Awards, in addition to being one of fifteen 2024 Book Award nominees for the Heritage Toronto Awards. The book recounts the story of how […]

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 […]

Course Project Highlights

Our assignments and projects feature editing, book proposals, acquisitions, and large-scale projects. Our students learn about the editing process, how to craft a compelling book proposal, and what publishers look for in acquisitions. They gain valuable insights into managing large-scale writing projects. Quick Links Academic Advising Capstone Courses Career Centre Get Experience Our Alumni Assignments […]

Book Publishing Specialization

The Book Publishing industry hosts many exciting career options for anyone who has ever dreamt about being an author or editor-in-chief, a publicist, marketer, entrepreneur or a sales executive. York University’s Book Publishing Specialization offers the unique opportunity for students to gain practical knowledge on the book publishing industry and the various roles within it. […]

Existere - Journal of Arts and Literature

Existere – Journal of Arts and Literature welcomes all students with an interest in the Professional Writing Program to join the Existere editorial team in the submission selection and publication process of this world-class literary publication. Producing two issues per year, Existere showcases the best in literary and art submissions from all over the world. […]

Our Research

Our Writing Department faculty members are among the leading voices in the field. Through journal contributions, case studies, essays, edited works and poems, their impactful research embodies the interdisciplinary spirit of academics within LA&PS, and across York University. Browse below for examples of their work. Quick Links Our Faculty Find a Prof Writing Centre Student […]

Course Projects

In the Professional Writing Program, you will experience the types of practices, projects, and activities that professional writers perform, by applying the concepts and theories you’re studying to real world challenges. In every course, you’ll engage in guided practical experiences that bring workplace issues into the classroom through guest speakers, simulations, case study analysis, or […]

PWSA Annual Symposium

Every year, the Professional Writing Students' Association (PWSA) invites you to participate in a themed symposium. At these events, students can present their ideas, reflect on their personal experiences and network with peers. Read below for more details on upcoming events and recaps on previous years. Quick Links R/EVOLVE April 2024 We find our identities, […]

Capstone Courses

The Professional Writing Program culminates with fully experiential capstone courses that provide students with the opportunity to connect the theories of rhetoric, composition and writing that they have engaged with throughout the program to community-based projects. By collaborating with colleagues, clients, and instructors, students also gain the interpersonal and communication skills essential to the leadership, […]