Apply to Join Hire a Writer

Interested in joining Hire a Writer?

We accept applications from writers on an ongoing basis. You can expect a response within two to four weeks, except in the summer months when applications are held until September for a decision.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply to the Hire a Writer Directory, you must meet at least one of the following criteria for each genre you are applying for.

Depending on what services you are offering, you must have written, edited, and/or worked on:

• At least one book published by a recognized publisher (i.e., not self-published); or
• At least five texts published in recognized journals or publications (print or online); or
• Have at least one screenplay for cinema or television produced by a producer recognized by CALQ or SODEC; or
• Have at least one dramatic work either published by a recognized publisher or performed by a professional company.

Note that meeting the above criteria does not guarantee inclusion in the directory and that eligibility is informed by your experience in the services you are offering.

You do not have to be a QWF member to apply, but if your application is successful, you will have to become a member before you can join Hire a Writer.

Application Procedure

All applications must be sent by email to [email protected] with the subject line “Hire a Writer – [Author’s Name]”

In your email, include the following information attached as one (1) Word or PDF document:

1. Your c.v. Please include:
   • Name
   • Address
   • Telephone number
   • Email address
   • Website link (if you have one)
   • Your editing, teaching, and coaching experience (if applicable)
   • List of publications (name of article/piece, name of publication, and year of publication)

2. The genre(s) in which you are qualified to work and for which you are applying. Your options are:
   • Academic
   • Arts & Entertainment
   • Corporate
   • Government & Non-Profit
   • Journalism
   • Fiction
   • Children’s & YA Literature
   • Non-Fiction
   • Poetry
   • Screenwriting & Playwriting
     
     Note: Your c.v. must demonstrate that you have experience and/or have published in the genre(s) you select.

3. Brief statement of approach (if applying to edit, mentor, or coach).

4. Hourly rate (not for publication on the Hire a Writer website). For recommended rates, consult the following resources:
   • Editors Canada, “What editors charge”
   • UNEQ, “Grille de tarifs”
   • Canadian Freelance Guild, “What to Pay a Writer”

In addition, your email must include three samples of your published work for each genre for which you are applying. Each sample must be no more than 20 pages (excerpts are accepted). At least one sample must have been published in the last ten years. You may send your samples as PDFs or as links if published online. If including links, please verify the links are functional.

Selected writers will be asked to pay a one-time fee of $30 to be added to the directory, plus an annual fee of $30, in order to cover QWF’s administration costs.

For questions, contact Lori Schubert, Executive Director, at [email protected] or (514) 933-0878.

Equal Opportunity Policy

QWF actively seeks to maximize diversity within its organization. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, and encourage Indigenous people, people of colour, LGBTQ+ and gender-nonconforming people, people with disabilities, women, and members of any other marginalized group to self‐identify if they are comfortable doing so.