About the Vancouver Writers Fest
When does the Festival happen?
The annual Festival happens for one week in mid-October (usually beginning between October 15 to 19). We also host a range of Special Events throughout the year, and a free reading series, Incite.
Are there events year-round?
Our Incite reading series runs twice monthly from January to May at the VPL Central Library and events are free to the public. We also host events with writers at other times of the year. The schedule really depends on the book tours that the writers are on and who happens to be launching a book when. The best way to hear about upcoming events is to subscribe to our free weekly e-newsletter Book News which promotes our events, links to interesting literary reviews and news stories and lists other literary events around town.
Is the organization a registered charity?
Yes, our charitable registration number is 12260 5678 RR0001. If you make a cash donation to the Vancouver Writers Fest, we can issue a tax receipt. As our $40 membership comes with benefits such as discounts on tickets and at participating bookstores, that portion of your gift is not deductible.
How do I become a member?
Any available job postings will be made available in the Get Involved section. Thank you for your interest in working with us.
Festival Box Office and Events
When is the Festival lineup announced each year?
We announce our October program in mid-August, and the first of our Incite events in early January. Special Events are announced when finalized, usually at least four weeks prior to the date of the event.
The 2020 Festival is entirely digital and will span live-streamed events, pre-recorded video and podcasts.
How long are events? What are they like?
Most events are approximately 90 minutes unless otherwise noted. Sometimes solo events with one author are shorter, and events with an intermission are often slightly longer. Events take many forms: readings, panel discussions, performances or interviews. All events are directed at the book-reading public.
Why aren’t there more practical “hands-on” courses or workshops offered for aspiring writers?
The focus of the VWF is on connecting writers with Lower Mainland readers through interviews, performances, panel discussions and readings. However, we do offer poetry and short story contests for adults and grade 8-12 students.
Aspiring writers may wish to check out the Surrey International Writers Conference (www.siwc.ca) which offers several informative workshops from October 25-27, 2019, as well as opportunities to meet with agents, publishers, and editors.
Another excellent resource for aspiring writers is the Federation of BC Writers (www.bcwriters.ca).
Visit our Box Office information page to learn more.
When is the Festival Box Office open?
Visit our Box Office information page to learn more.
Are there surcharges on tickets?
All tickets: GST + nominal processing fee if total is above $0.
Will books be available for sale? May I bring a copy of a book to be signed?
Due to the virtual nature of the 2020 Festival, book signings are not possible.
You can purchase Festival books at a discount from one of our local independent bookseller partners. Click here to learn more about our bookseller partners.
May I bring children to the events?
Explore our selection of Youth events at the 2020 Festival here. Please note that there may be adult content at other Festival events.
What age groups are your events suitable for?
Our events are suitable for a wide range of ages, and children will often enjoy our events, depending on the nature of conversation or reading. In addition to our events for adults, we also offer more than 40 events for children as part of the Festival in October. The age/grade level for school groups for our daytime educational events will be indicated in the Festival Program Guide. Explore our selection of Youth events at the 2020 Festival here.
What is your inclusivity policy?
Pay What You Can pricing is available for all Fall 2020 events except for Book Club events.
The Incite reading series is free, as are numerous additional events throughout the year. We are a registered not for profit and rely on ticket sales in addition to generous donations.
We offer discounted tickets to student groups, and free tickets to social service or community organizations that are impeded by the cost of the events. Email info@writersfest.bc.ca for information.
Questions about Volunteering
Positions vary from year to year, but just in case you are wondering, here’s a list of a few VWF volunteer jobs:
Administration: Help with Mail-outs, stuffing envelopes, with general office chores and front desk reception.
Author Hospitality: Walk writers to and from readings/events, or help with general author hospitality.
Books: Work with the Festival bookseller setting up and selling books at the Festival Bookstore and events.
Box Office: Sell and distribute tickets at Festival venues.
Production: Assist with venue set-up and strike, moving chairs and signs, equipment pick-ups, technical needs on-site, assisting stage managers.
… and so much more!
I’m not a writer, can I still get involved?
Yes! You can be an audience member, a Member of the Festival (discounts on Festival event tickets and and earlybird ticket buying privileges), or a volunteer.
Authors at the Vancouver Writers Fest
I’m a writer, how do I arrange to appear at the Festival?
Each year, approximately 100 writers are selected to appear in events at the Festival. The vast majority are pitched to the Artistic Director by their publishing houses (traditional/hybrid) who also pay for the writers’ transportation costs. There is no application process as appearance is by invitation only. For unpublished and emerging writers, there are occasionally “open mic” events held during Festival week by partner organizations; please see the Festival program guide.
How are writers selected?
There are several criteria when it comes to writer selection. Firstly, approximately half our events are directed to elementary and high schools, so children’s and “young adult” writers make up a sizeable portion of those involved. In making her selection of adult writers, the Artistic Director has to balance a number of factors including the variety of genres, Western Canadian, Canadian and International representation, writers whose books are published in either French or English, large and small publishing houses, to name a few. Most writers come to Vancouver promoting a new book.
Yes, we offer honorariums to all authors who appear at the Festival or at one of our events.