PEI Publishing Assistance Reinstated

Prince Edward Island’s Tourism and Culture Minister Robert Vessey met with representatives of the publishing industry earlier this week, including Peggy Walt, Executive Director of the Atlantic Publishers Marketing Association, Terrilee Bulger, Publisher of The Acorn Press (whose mandate is to help encourage the literary culture of PEI), island authors and other Island- publishing proponents.

 

The provincial government was considering canceling the Book Publisher’s Assistance Program however, the voices of the publishing industry have been heard—following this meeting as well as a letter-writing campaign, started by Bulger earlier this year, that received support from across the region.

 

The PEI government has decided to develop a new funding program to assist publishers of Island books.

 

“I was very impressed with the important role this group plays in providing individuals and organizations with the opportunity to tell Prince Edward Island’s stories,” said the minister. “I have asked my staff to review the former program and identify ways that it can be more accessible to a larger number of participants. A revised program will be launched later this year.”

   

 

The revised program will assist publishers and provide Islanders with better access to the professional services provided by a publisher.

 

The program will replace the Publishers Assistance Program, which last operated in 2009-2010 and had a limited uptake.