FUNDING APPLICANTS (HOSTS) | FUNDING RECIPIENTS (POETS)
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GENERAL
I have a new book/project/initiative coming up—how can the League help me promote it?
Unfortunately, the League has to limit our promotion of new poetry projects to those of its members. If you are not a member of the League but you’re looking for ways to connect with other writers, we recommend checking out our Resources page as a jumping-off point.
League members can submit their news for inclusion in our newsletter. Members: Please see A Guide to LCP Communications for Members for more info on sharing your work. We are also happy to include members’ new books in our list of reviewable titles on our reviews page.
Will you share my poem on your website or social media accounts?
The League does not currently share or publish individual poems online.
I am looking for feedback on my poetry—how can you help me?
We encourage you to check out our resources page as a jumping-off point for connecting with writers and editors. Some League members offer paid consultation and editing services, which you can find here. The League does not provide feedback on poetry.
I am looking to publish a book of poetry—how can you help me?
The League is neither a publisher nor an agent, and is unable to help writers find a suitable publisher for their work. Our resources page is a great jumping-off point for connecting with writers and editors, and includes a list of provincial writers’ organizations as well as a list of provincial publishers’ organizations.
I am not a member of the League—will you still list my event in your calendar?
Yes! Simply follow the directions on our events page to submit your details.
How can I get my book reviewed on your site?
League members with new books are encouraged to notify us of the release so we can include the title in our list of reviewable titles on our website. We publish reviews of members’ books written by anyone, and we also accept previously published reviews. If you are not a member of the League, we are happy to post a review of your book that is written by a League member. Unfortunately, we cannot list non-member titles on our website, nor can we assist in finding non-member titles a suitable reviewer. If you have other questions about reviews, please contact nicole@poets.ca.
How can I write for your blog?
We accept pitches, queries, and submissions for our blog from anyone actively involved in Canada’s literary community! We are always looking for original content relating to poetry, publishing, and writing in Canada. If you have something you think is a good fit, please email info@poets.ca.
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MEMBERSHIP
Who can be a member of the League?
Anyone can join the League! We are happy to have a membership of professional poets at various stages in their career: student members, associate members, and full members. Poetry supporters are encouraged to check out our supporting membership!
Do I need to have a book to join the League?
No! Having a published a full-length book is simply the easiest way to apply for full membership. Poets with chapbooks may also apply for full membership, if the combined page count of the chapbooks is at least 48 pages. Poets may also use a combination of chapbooks and publications in reputable literary magazines to reach the combined 48 pages required for full membership. A full record of all 48 pages being used for a full membership application must be included in the application; you are encouraged to submit applications of great length electronically.
Poets with fewer than 48 pages of published poetry may also apply for Associate Membership. Read more about Associate Membership here.
We also love receiving applications from spoken word poets! Our spoken word membership committee is happy to review videos, recordings, CDs, publications, tour history, and other spoken word credentials.
My first book is coming out soon—do I need to wait to apply for membership?
No! To apply for full membership with a forthcoming book, simply email us a PDF of your publisher’s proof and 4 copies of your signed publishing contract (or one PDF copy) along with your application form and other application materials. If your membership is approved, we ask that you send the League one copy of your book upon publication, so we may keep it in our library.
I am a spoken word poet—how do I know what level of membership I am eligible for?
As the League continues to grow and evolve, we are working to maintain membership criteria that is inclusive to poets working in all forms and genres, but this is a work in progress. Our spoken word membership committee will review all spoken word applications on a case-by-case basis. If you apply for full membership but the committee does not believe you qualify, you may be offered associate membership. We encourage you to contact the office with any questions about your application before, during, or after the application process!
For full membership, we ask that poets present full body of work that demonstrates professional commitment and proficiency in the field of spoken word. Visit our membership page for more on what may be included in an application.
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FUNDING APPLICANTS
How do I know if I can apply for funding?
Anybody can apply for funding through our programs! Applications must come from the host of a reading, not from a poet seeking funding for themselves. Our Canada Poetry Tours program welcomes applications for readings anywhere in Canada. Please check our guidelines for geographical restrictions in other programs.
Which funding program should I be applying to?
If you are applying for funding to supplement a reading honorarium at a reading series, festival, or other public literary event, you may want to look at our Canada Poetry Tours program (for readings anywhere in Canada) or our Readings in Public Places program (for readings in the city of Toronto). If you are a teacher or school applying to bring a poet into your classroom or school library, our Poets in the Schools program is for schools in Ontario. You can check out this list for other provinces’ similar funding programs. If you are organizing an event for National Poetry Month, check out our NPM funding program.
I am a poet who would like to receive funding—how can I use the League’s funding programs?
Our funding programs are only available for full members of the League (with the exception of our National Poetry Month funding). If you are already a full member, you can encourage hosts to apply for funding on your behalf! Feel free to check in with the office to see if you have reached your reading limit, if you are unsure. If you are not yet a member of the League, but qualify for membership, we encourage you to apply for membership! If your application is approved, you will be immediately eligible for funding.
I am organizing a reading—how do I know if a poet is eligible to receive funding?
You can always use our member directory to find out if a poet is a full member of the League. If you are still unsure, you are welcome to contact the office. And you can always ask your readers if they are members! They may forget to mention it and be excited for the funding opportunity.
How long should it take for me to hear about my application?
Applications for the Canada Poetry Tours program are processed after the application period deadline, with notifications sent out 2-3 weeks after the deadline. All other applications take 2-3 weeks to process from the time they are received at the office. Confirmations are sent by post, so please consider the time it may take to get from us to you!
Why was my application denied?
The following are a few common reasons for an application to be denied:
- the poet has exceeded their reading limit for the year
- the poet is not in good standing with the League (eg. membership has lapsed)
- the host has exceeded their limit for the year
- the application was received after the deadline
- the funding was no longer available (as it is allotted on a first-come, first-served basis)
- the event was not eligible (eg. book launches, private readings)
If none of these reasons seem to fit, you are always welcome to contact the office and inquire about your application.
I misplaced my paperwork—what do I do?
No problem! Simply e-mail nicole@poets.ca with your name (or the name on the application), the poet’s name, and the date and venue of your approved reading. We are happy to re-send documents by e-mail.
FUNDING RECIPIENTS
When will I hear if I will receive funding for a reading?
Applications for the Canada Poetry Tours program are processed after the application period deadline, with notifications sent out 2-3 weeks after the deadline. All other applications take 2-3 weeks to process from the time they are received at the office. Confirmations are sent by post, so please consider the time it may take to get from us to you!
I misplaced my invoice and report form—what do I do?
No problem! Simply e-mail nicole@poets.ca with your name as well as the date and venue of your approved reading. We are happy to re-send documents by e-mail.
I sent my invoice in to the office, but have not yet received my cheque—why not?
Poets can expect payment to arrive by mail 3-6 weeks after we receive the invoice. If it has been longer than 6 weeks since you submitted your invoice, please feel free to follow up with nicole@poets.ca.