Introducing The Ampersand Review

Just in time to celebrate the convocation of the first cohort of graduates of the Honours Bachelor of Creative Writing & Publishing program, we are releasing the program’s first publication, The Ampersand Review of Writing & Publishing.

This literary journal of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, feature articles on Canadian publishing, and book reviews seeks to publish contemporary Canadian writing of the highest quality. To us, this means work that engages thoughtfully with its subject matter and displays formal excellence and innovation; that explores publishing life, including current conditions, challenges, and creative approaches in the industry; and that provides a platform that meaningfully publishes stories yet to be shared and opinions yet to be voiced. Our first issue includes past Sheridan writers-in-residence Liz Howard and Gary Barwin alongside other award-winning writers like Canisia Lubrin, Jordan Abel, Jess Taylor, and many others. 

The Ampersand Review is a project about supporting our Canadian publishing industry, and as such it’s imperative to us to involve our students and give them direct involvement editing, producing, and promoting the publication. We will be offering a limited number of internships every semester to Creative Writing & Publishing students; notably, three of the students about to graduate helped research and develop the publication and its online platform. It is this collaboration between professors and students, established and emerging publishers and writers, that is essential to the how The Ampersand Review operates, as we collectively consider the stories that need to be shared, the discussions that need to be had, and the innovative ways we need to publish, which are resilient to the pandemic, resourceful, and sustainable in challenging times. Aspiring to a bright and hopeful future, we bear the motto, “Reading for pleasure. Writing for everyone.” We look forward to being in touch soon about the launch of our journal, website, and where to follow The Ampersand Review on social media.  

Best, 

Editor-in-Chief Paul Vermeersch and Managing Editor Robyn Read