Resources

Below are a bunch of useful resources for indie writers and musicians who are just starting out.

When you're beginning your journey, it can be difficult to find resources and companies to help you with different stages of your "production/publication". 

SELF-PUBLISHED BOOKS

Toronto-based freelance editor: Jennifer D. Foster, Planet Word (www.lifeonplanetword.wordpress.com)

Printing: 

Montreal based, Rapido Books (www.rapido-books.com)

Richmond Hill based, Sure Print & Design (www.sureprintanddesign.ca)

MUSIC

Many locations across Canada, Long & McQuade for all your instrument and gear needs.

Behringer: A great audio interface brand for your recording needs. Very easy to learn how to use, but software set up was a bit of a bugger.

DAW (Digital Audio Workstation): Tracktion Waveform free (there is a pro version as well). Great software for newbies to experiment. You need this type of software in order to record instruments and vocals to your computer. (www.tracktion.com/products/waveform-free)

CD Baby (This company is American. Can't find any Canadian companies for distribution of music so far), but easy to use and affordable pay per release (single or album) distribution company. No subscriptions, which is great. Some distributors publish your music but you need to pay extra to keep your songs on platforms (and you have to pay upfront at the time of publication). Otherwise, if you stop your subscription, your songs will be removed from streaming platforms. This is a really important consideration for indie artists with a limited budget and desire to keep your music alive even after you stop paying for a subscription.  You need to use a distributor in order to be able to release your music on digital music platforms such as Spotify. 

Bandcamp (This company is American), but supports indie musicians. No fee to create an account and publish music. They take off a fee for each song/album sold, but offer waived fee Fridays (check their website for dates). You can publish your music super quickly through Bandcamp and start selling music and merchandise shortly after. You do not need to pay a distributor like CD Baby, as you can upload your music files directly onto Bandcamp. Very user-friendly account set up. A great place to start!