To join the ACP a publisher must meet the criteria in one of the following categories:
Active Membership
Criteria:
the firm's chief office of business is in Canada
75% Canadian ownership and control of the company; the publication of original Canadian books must be a primary part of the company's business
have produced in the twelve-month period prior to the application for membership, and in each subsequent twelve-month period, no fewer than four (4) new original Canadian titles
have been in operation for at least two years from the date of publication for their first original Canadian title
have no less than 10 original Canadian titles, of which no more than 25% are authored by principals or directors of the company.
Note: Publishers with more than 25% of their titles authored by principals or directors of the company may be eligible for membership so long as they can demonstrate that they are a bona fide book publisher.
Associate Membership
Criteria:
the firm's chief office of business is in Canada
75% Canadian ownership and control of the company; the publication of original Canadian books must be an important part of the company's business
have at least two original Canadian titles published within the previous three years, of which no more that 25% are authored by principals or directors of the company.
Note: Publishers with more than 25% of their titles authored by principals or directors of the company may be eligible for membership so long as they can demonstrate that they are a bona fide book publisher.
Note: In any year, once an associate member firm meets the requirements for active membership, the firm must apply for active membership status in the following year.
Supporting Membership
individuals, institutions, or corporations who support the objectives of the association
supporting members have no voting privileges and may only attend meetings by invitation
Privileges
All members (with noted exceptions) have access to all services and meetings of the ACP; however, only active members may vote at membership meetings.
Applications
Applications for membership are considered by the ACP Council at each of its meetings. Membership payment is not required until a publisher's application has been accepted. If you have any further questions, please contact Sarah Labrie, Project Coordinator, at sarah_labrie@canbook.org.
Why should I join?
Through all of its activities, the ACP is committed to supporting and strengthening the Canadian-owned publishing industry. By becoming involved in the committees, projects, meetings and lobbying efforts facilitated by the ACP, members have the opportunity to help shape the policy climate for Canadian publishers. Please see the following list for some of our most recent projects and activities:
Government Lobbying
With the help of Gar Knutson, our consultant in Ottawa, the ACP lobbies government to ensure the maintenance and growth of federal funding programs for publishers offered by both the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Canada Council for the Arts. This includes regular communication with the Minister of Canadian Heritage and key MPs in the House of Commons.
The ACP also works with its regional affiliates to lobby provincial governments on issues relevant to the ACP membership.
Research & Professional Development
Research
The ACP conducts industry-specific research on behalf of its members, who have access to a wide-range of studies and reports commissioned by the association over the years. To view a selection of ACP studies, click here.
Simon Fraser University Summer Publishing Workshops
The Department of Canadian Heritage, through the ACP, offers a subsidy to Canadian publishers who are members of the ACP to enable them to attend Simon Fraser University's Summer Immersion workshops. The SFU courses are a fantastic opportunity for publishers to gain new skills and reinforce those they use everyday. For more information about this program, click here.
Mentorship Program
One the ACP's most popular programs, the Mentorship Program pairs members with experienced publishers and consultants receive guidance in a particular area of the publishing business. The program pays mentors an honorarium, and covers their travel and accommodation expenses for sessions. A fee of $100+GST is charged to members for this service.
Professional Development Seminars
The ACP presents professional development sessions for members, at its Annual General Meeting and throughout the year. As a member-driven organization, seminars are designed to address members' needs and interests, and reflect current the current trends of the publishing industry.
The ACP also offers subsidies for higher education conferences, international book fairs, and technology conferences, providing members with the opportunity to attend industry events more affordably.
Canadian Publishers Digital Services (CPDS)
Launched in March 2009, Canadian Publishers Digital Services (CPDS) is a suite of programs that leverage the power of the collective to (a) buy digital services, such as file conversion and repository services, at advantageous rates; (b) sell or license digital content at terms available only to large vendors; and (c) share current research and information on technology developments and market opportunities for e-publishing. CPDS is the single most important vehicle through which Canadian books can be effectively made available to readers in digital format and through which publishers can receive the information most valuable for their specific purposes out of the vast body of material produced every day on digital matters.
Communications
ACP representatives sit on boards across the industry. They keep members informed of the activities of other industry organizations, and represent members' views. ACP members receive timely and relevant information through the association's bi-weekly e-newsletter, ACP Update and through the ACP website.
The ACP also administers a members-only wiki, an online forum providing members with the opportunity to privately share information and discuss concerns with other members.
Marketing
On behalf of its members, the ACP pursues collective marketing initiatives with the goal of increasing the market share of Canadian-owned publishers and Canadian authors. These initiatives showcase books published by ACP members, and highlight the quality and value of Canadian books to the public.
Committees
The ACP's committees and task forces guide the work of the association. Committees meet regularly by teleconference to share ideas, strategize on issues of shared concern, and discuss issues facing the industry.
