The Northern Perspective: Robert Morgan on the Resilience of Canadian Book Culture

A conversation with Robert Morgan about the resilience of Canada’s publishing industry, international rights, and the evolving role of independent publishers.

In the vast and diverse landscape of global publishing, Canada stands as a unique beacon of cultural preservation and collaborative spirit. At the heart of this industry is Robert Morgan, a seasoned veteran with over twenty years of experience spanning every facet of the book world—from the intricate dance of international rights to the logistical challenges of nationwide distribution.

As the General Manager of BookLand Press and Executive Vice-Chair of the Literary Distribution Company (LitDistCo), one of the oldest Canadian book distribution companies, and Chairman of the Sales and Marketing Committee of the Literary Press Group of Canada (a group of over 60 Canadian book publishers nationwide, Morgan has not only mentored emerging publishers but has also steered his house to remarkable literary heights, publishing authors who have garnered Canada’s most prestigious honors, including the Governor General’s and Trillium Awards. His expertise is sought after globally, with regular appearances at the Frankfurt and London Book Fairs and features in leading industry journals like Publishers Weekly.

In this exclusive interview, Robert Morgan offers a masterclass on the “Canadian way” of publishing. He explores how a strong cultural mandate and public support help diverse Indigenous and multicultural voices thrive alongside global giants. From the logistical hurdles of distributing books across the world’s second-largest territory to the “hybrid future” of print and digital formats, Morgan provides a comprehensive look at an industry that remains adaptive, inclusive, and deeply committed to the power of storytelling.

For international authors and publishers alike, his insights serve as both a guide and an inspiration on how fresh, authentic voices can successfully cross borders and find a home in the Canadian market.

• How would you describe the current state of book culture in Canada? Are Canadians still strong readers in the digital age?

Canada has a stable and constantly evolving book market. Print sales remain steady over the recent years, supported by independent bookstores, public libraries, and national events like Canada Reads, which keeps reading in the public conversation. At the same time, digital formats, such as e-books and audiobooks, are growing quickly, expanding access for younger audiences of readers. Canadians continue to rank relatively high in reading rates compared to many other countries, though attention is increasingly fragmented by streaming and social media. Overall, reading in Canada hasn’t disappeared and it is constantly evolving and growing. The reading culture is now less centered on traditional literary habits but still active, adaptive, and broadly valued.

• What makes the Canadian publishing industry unique compared to the U.S. or Europe?

The Canadian book publishing industry stands out for its strong cultural mandate. Unlike the more market-driven markets in the US or parts of Europe, Canada actively supports domestic voices through public funding. Publishing support includes government agencies such as the Canada Council for the Arts and the Canada Book Fund that implement policies that support Canadian-owned publishers. This helps amplify diverse, regional, and Indigenous stories that might be overlooked in larger markets. The Canadian book industry is smaller compared to the EU, but also more collaborative, with close ties between publishers, independent bookstores, and literary agencies. While it faces significant pressure from multinational book publishing corporations, the Canadian book industry remains distinctly focused on preserving Canadian identity, Canadian vocies and Canadian storytelling.

• Which genres or trends are capturing the attention of Canadian readers right now?

Data from BookNet Canada tells us that children’s and young adult books are the largest and fastest-growing market segment in Canada. It currently represents about 34% of the total market share by sales volume. It is followed by non-fiction and fiction genres. Among adult readers, the most popular genres are thrillers, mysteries, and fantasy. Thrillers are also leading in digital reading. Other genres, such as fantasy, sci-fi, and romance, are also expanding. At the same time, self-help, memoir, and practical nonfiction remain strong, reflecting the interest of Canadians in personal growth.

• How does multiculturalism and diversity influence Canadian literature and the books you choose to publish?

Multiculturalism and cultural diversity make a significant impact on Canadian literature and the book publishing landscape. Canadian publishers actively seek voices that reflect the country’s linguistic, cultural, and Indigenous diversity. This results in publishing more books exploring migration, identity, and belonging, as well as storytelling rooted in Indigenous traditions and languages. For example, at BookLand Press, we publish books not only in English and French, but also in Indigenous languages, including Cree, Ojibway, and Mohawk. Canadian cultural diversity influences editorial priorities and marketing, helping Canadian literature stand out globally as inclusive, socially engaged, and reflective of a multicultural society.

• What are the biggest challenges and opportunities Canadian publishers face today?

Like many other industries, Canadian publishers face geopolitical market uncertainties, rising paper and printing costs, and distribution costs. Canada is the second-largest country in the world by territory and delivering books to bookstores across the country is certainly challenging. As the Executive Vice-Chair of the Literary Distribution Company (LitDistCo), I hear about distribution challenges from many Canadian publishers on a regular basis. High distribution costs make profitability difficult and force Canadian publishers to seek innovative solutions. At the same time, global distribution giants like Amazon and multi-national publishers dominate pricing, visibility, and data. Discoverability is another hurdle, especially in a crowded digital landscape.

• With the rise of e-books, audiobooks, and digital platforms, do you believe printed books will remain relevant in the future?

I strongly believe that printed books will remain relevant for a long time, even as digital formats grow. Of course, digital market, e-books and audiobooks offer convenience and accessibility to readers. But printed books provide a more personal, focused reading experience that I think many people still prefer. Independent bookstores and events like Canada Reads continue to sustain print culture, while beautifully designed paper editions and children’s books remain especially strong in physical form. In the long-term, I think printed books will become one format among many other reading formats. The future of reading I see is hybrid. Readers will have many reading options to choose from: print, digital, and audio, depending on their personal preferences and individual reading habits.

• What advice would you give to young Greek or international authors who dream of getting published in Canada?

For Greek and international authors looking to get published in Canada, I suggest researching Canadian publishers and literary agents extensively, especially those open to global submissions of manuscripts, and following their guidelines closely. Demonstrating understanding of the Canadian book market and awareness of key themes that are relevant to today’s Canadian society will help. But your authenticity as an author and your personal voice sometimes matter even more than simply trying to fit the market. A professional and experienced literary agent can certainly be a big help. Most importantly, be persistent. The Canadian book publishing industry is very competitive, but it values fresh, distinctive voices from around the world. Strong storytelling always travels across international borders.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Robert Morgan for providing such a detailed and enlightening look into the Canadian literary world. His dedication to fostering international dialogue and supporting diverse voices reminds us that while the business of books is constantly evolving, the impact of a great story remains universal. It was a privilege to host this exchange on Pigi Paideias

This interview was originally conducted for Pigi Paideias Project and is republished on ForeignRights.eu as part of the Publishing Voices series.