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Grants, Guilds and Governments
While the writer is the central figure in the creation of his or her published novel,
collection of poems or book of criticism, it is unlikely that they have
finished without the help of others. In Alberta this help often
comes from the support network of guilds, granting institutions and government
organizations.
On a list of the world's richest individuals there would be few writers
present. For most writers it is very difficult
to live on the money they receive from their books alone. While a book may
occasionally sell hundreds of thousands or millions of copies, bringing the
author success, sales and royalties are usually modest. Granting
institutions provide writers with much needed financial support to
sustain themselves while working. Often, travel grants are available
for the writer looking to promote her book in a distant market or attend a
literary event in other regions.
Other agencies, like the Writers Guild of Alberta, are
not government run. They are non-profit organizations there to support the
writer in other ways. While such groups may offer financial sustenance, their
true value comes from the other assistance they offer, like the network of
likeminded individuals who can help to navigate legal, promotional and
artistic concerns.
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