In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
Canadian Authors Association (CAA) | The CAA is a national organization dedicated to promoting a flourishing community of writers across Canada. Check out the Vancouver and Okanagan CAA branches.
Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) | The CAJ is the national voice of Canadian journalists. The CAJ maintains and is associated with several e-mail or web-based list-servs where members and non-members can discuss issues related to journalism.
Editors' Association of Canada (EAC) | The EAC is the voice of Canadian editors. It represents 1600 members, both salaried and freelance, who work in the corporate, technical, government, not-for-profit, and publishing sectors. Check out the EAC British Columbia Branch (EAC-BC) page.
Federation of BC Writers | The Federation of BC Writers offers a variety of programs and services to members, and strives to raise the visibility of writers in BC. Check out their WriteOn newsletter.
Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC) | The PWAC is a nation-wide non-profit organization that works to improve the working conditions and rates for writers in Canada.
The Writers' Union of Canada (TWUC) | TWUC is the national organization of professional writers of books. The union works with governments, publishers, booksellers, and buyers to improve the position of Canadian writers. Check out the Resources page.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade journals (often called magazines or trade publications) can be very useful in helping you find current articles relating to business research. Contact your local research library to determine which trade journal subscriptions they have. There are also free trade publications that you can access online.
Brick Magazine | One of Canada's oldest and most respected literary magazines. It features essays, interviews with writers, and cultural commentaries. Published 2 times per year.
Media Magazine | Official magazine of the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ). Published 3 times per year.
Quill Magazine | Official magazine of the Society of Professional Journalists (US). Quill is a respected and sought-after resource for journalists, industry leaders, students and educators on issues central to journalism. Published 6 times per year.
Blogs
Writer’s Digest | Website and blog for Writer’s Digest. Includes regularly updated blog posts, competitions, resources, discussion forum and other features.
Mibba | Blog focused on non-fiction and fictional creative writing. Mibba has regularly updated blog posts, a social network for writers and discussion forums.
All Freelance Writing | All Freelance Writing is a resource and community for freelance writers, indie publishers, and independent bloggers looking to build a successful writing career.
Discussion Forums
Scribophile | Online writer’s workshop that provides forums and review services. In return, you review and provide suggestions on other writer’s work.
National Novel Writing Month Forum | National Novel Writing Month is an international organization that supports writers at all levels. They host several forums that cover a variety of writing topics.
Consultant Websites
MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
Lists the performance of Business Service companies listed on the Dow Jones Industry Index. Provides a general sense for how the Business Service industry is performing.
Looks at places where workers in the arts and cultural industries, including writing, are concentrated in Canada and statistics about this industry.
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
This section of the website provides an overview of the Writing and Editing Industry and links to associations and resources.
As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.