Writers Guild of Alberta Canada Council for the Arts Alberta Foundation for the Arts

Grants, Guilds and Governments

While the writer is the central figure in the creation of his or her published novel, collection of poems or book of criticism, it is unlikely that they have finished without the help of others. In Alberta this help often comes from the support network of guilds, granting institutions and government organizations.

On a list of the world's richest individuals there would be few writers present. For most writers it is very difficult to live on the money they receive from their books alone. While a book may occasionally sell hundreds of thousands or millions of copies, bringing the author success, sales and royalties are usually modest. Granting institutions provide writers with much needed financial support to sustain themselves while working. Often, travel grants are available for the writer looking to promote her book in a distant market or attend a literary event in other regions.

	George Melnyk, publisher and critic, talks about heading the Alberta Foundation for the Literary Arts in 1985. Listen Now

Other agencies, like the Writers Guild of Alberta, are not government run. They are non-profit organizations there to support the writer in other ways. While such groups may offer financial sustenance, their true value comes from the other assistance they offer, like the network of likeminded individuals who can help to navigate legal, promotional and artistic concerns.

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