For a literary publishing house like ourselves, Montreal’s diversity, French-language cultural scene, and dynamic English-language community of writers and publishers make it an exciting place to be. In the 1950s, it was Montreal writers such as Irving Layton, Louis Dudek, and F.R. Scott who, with their writing and small presses, dragged English Canadian literature kicking and screaming into the modern age. Their efforts laid the foundation for what is today an active writing and publishing scene, including literary translation. There are reading series such as the Atwater Poetry Project, Résonance, and Concordia’s Writers Read. The Quebec Writers Federation has hundreds of members and sponsors the annual QWF Book Awards. The city is home to the Montreal International Poetry Prize and Blue Metropolis International Literary Festival. The Association of English-language Publishers of Quebec, whose members include literary houses and a university press, publishes the Montreal Review of Books. Literary and cultural magazines such as Vallum, Maisonneuve, and Matrix contribute to the cultural mulch. Low-cost housing (compared to other cities), four universities, a healthy street life, and a supportive literary community make Montreal a destination city for students and writers alike.
— Simon Dardick, co-publisher, Véhicule Press
