Northern Quill Publishing

13/08/2026

What kinds of stories are we hoping to discover this submission season?

Every member of the Northern Quill Publishing team has a publishing wish list, and today we're sharing Myranda's.

She'd love to see:

A confined-space horror or thriller set at a remote mine where workers have been weathered in.
A steamy rivals-to-lovers rom-com in the vein of Heated Rivalry, with some distinctly northern twists on familiar tropes.
A middle-grade cozy fantasy inspired by NWT folklore and legends.
An Elder's memoir (bonus points if that Elder happens to be a certain former CBC Northbeat host).

Have one of these stories sitting on your hard drive? We'd love to read it.

Our submission period closes 25 August, so don't wait too long!

Learn more and submit your manuscript at www.northernquillpublishing.ca/submissions.

12/08/2026

If Blueberries for Sal has been a cherished part of your family's bookshelf, we'd love to introduce you to Dechı̨tah Náıdı́: Medicine from the Land.

Like Robert McCloskey's timeless classic, Dechı̨tah Náıdı́ celebrates a child's connection to the natural world and the wisdom found on the land. Through the eyes of a young girl learning from her mother, readers are introduced to traditional Dene medicines, the importance of caring for the land, and the knowledge that is passed from one generation to the next.

Written by Cathy Modeste-Short, with illustrations by Tom Short and translated by Jane Modeste, this beautiful story is both an engaging read and an invitation to learn from the land around us.

Perfect for families, educators, and anyone who believes some of life's greatest lessons are found outdoors.

If Blueberries for Sal sparked a love of nature in your family, Dechı̨tah Náıdı́: Medicine from the Land is a wonderful next read.

Find it and many more great reads here: www.northernquillpublishing.ca/bookstore

07/08/2026

People often ask what kinds of books we're hoping to publish next. The honest answer is almost anything with a compelling story,but there are a few ideas I'd be especially excited to see.

I'd love to read:
- a middle-grade graphic novel in the spirit of I Survived that tells an NWT story
- a series of children's books introducing young readers to historical figures from the Northwest Territories
- a horror novel that makes the North itself part of the story.
- true crime, mystery, or detective novels set in the NWT
- children's or history books exploring Délı̨nę, the Birthplace of Hockey.

Most importantly, I hope we continue publishing stories that celebrate the people, places, and history of the North.

Submit your finished manuscript at www.northernquillpublishing.ca/submissions.

05/08/2026

If Are You My Mother? has been a favourite at storytime, Maww! Maww! is sure to delight your little reader.

Like P.D. Eastman's beloved classic, Maww! Maww! celebrates the special bond between a child and their parent through simple, engaging storytelling that's perfect for reading aloud. With playful rhymes, charming illustrations, and a touch of Northern flavour, it's a book that invites little ones to join in on every page.

Written by Dana Harris and illustrated by Lianne Plamondon, Maww! Maww! is a joyful board book created for tiny hands, curious minds, and the families who love sharing stories together.

Perfect for babies, toddlers, and anyone looking to build a lifelong love of reading, one page at a time.

Do you have a little one who loved Are You My Mother? We think Maww! Maww! will quickly become another family favourite.

Find it and many more great reads here: www.northernquillpublishing.ca/bookstore

04/08/2026

29/07/2026

If The Lorax is a family favourite, we'd love to introduce you to The Last Tree.

Like the classic by Dr. Seuss, The Last Tree reminds us that the choices we make today shape the world our children will inherit. Through beautiful storytelling and breathtaking illustrations, it encourages young readers to care for others and recognize that even the smallest acts can make a lasting difference.

Written by NorthWords NWT Book Award winner Erika Nyyssonen and illustrated by Lucas Green, The Last Tree is a story of hope, stewardship, and the power of one.

A thoughtful read for families, classrooms, and anyone raising the next generation of Earth stewards.

Find it and many more great reads here: www.northernquillpublishing.ca/bookstore

27/07/2026

Quick reminder that our submission portal will close on August 25th.
Head on over to www.northernquillpublishing.ca to send us your best work!

23/07/2026

When Northern Quill Publishing first launched its distribution branch, Patrick Scott and Paul Andrew were the very first authors to place their trust in us. They could have chosen more established distributors, but instead they chose to support a brand-new, NWT business with a vision for sharing northern books and stories with readers across the globe.

That decision meant more than adding another sales channel for their books. It was an investment in the literary landscape of the NWT and future community projects.

Patrick recognized that strengthening local publishing would create opportunities for other northern authors, readers, and storytellers for years to come. His confidence in our small team helped give us the momentum to grow into the publishing and distribution company we are today.

Patrick dedicated his life to the North and to the people who call it home. He believed in building stronger communities, supporting Indigenous rights, and creating opportunities for others. Those same values were reflected in the encouragement he showed to our organization.

We are deeply grateful that he chose to believe in us when we were just getting started. His support will always be part of Northern Quill Publishing's story.

Our thoughts are with Patrick's family, friends, and everyone whose lives he touched. Thank you, Patrick, for believing that growing something local was worth investing in. We will not forget it or you.

22/07/2026

If The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo pulled you in with glamour, secrets, reinvention, and q***r love, your next read might be Girls With Fake Names.

Set in 1927, Girls With Fake Names follows Jane Weatherall as she flees her powerful bootlegging family and boards a train toward a different life. But when she meets Ruby, a captivating burlesque dancer, Jane is drawn into smoky clubs, fast money, dangerous secrets, and a cross-country gang war.

For readers who love women making impossible choices, love stories shaped by risk, and characters trying to take control of their own lives, Girls With Fake Names belongs on your TBR.

Order you copy here: www.northernquillpublishing.ca or ask you local retailer to order you a copy.

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20/07/2026

Dana shared a few copies of her book Maww! Maww! with the little Folkers at Folk on the Rocks... this little guy didn't seem to want to let it go.