mtrush

Personal Information

Full Name

Mary Trush

Bio

Mary Trush holds an MLIS from the School of Library and Information Studies at the University of Alberta (2009) and an English degree from the University of Alberta (2005). Her research interests include publishing, women's studies, book history, and early literacy.

Affiliation

University of Alberta

Country

Canada

Personal Statement About Topic

This article evolved from an assignment for a class I completed at the University of Alberta at the School of Library and Information Studies in the Master of Library and Information Studies program on Canadian women in publishing. I conducted further research to focus this study on Anna Porter and Key Porter Books. Writing this profile was enjoyable because it combines my interest and research in women’s studies and achievements in a Canadian context. Moreover, as an avid reader and lover of books (especially Canadian authors and stories), I have a strong interest in the process of book production, writing, and authors, as well as issues surrounding the publishing business. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the book business and its history in Canada, especially Jack McClelland’s and Anna Porter’s contributions. Like Porter and McClelland, I believe that our talented Canadian writers and titles need to be supported and promoted nationally and internationally.

Case studies by Mary Trush

Case study :

“The Queen Bee of the Canadian Book Trade”: Anna Porter and Key Porter Books

Anna Porter is a true survivor of the Canadian publishing trade who achieved success through Jack McClelland’s mentorship, dedication, and hard work, to establish herself as reigning diva of the Canadian publishing industry. Multi-talented and known for her business savvy, Porter was president and publisher of Seal Books, and had a controlling interest in Doubleday Canada. In 1979 she successfully founded Key Porter Books. She has also authored several novels and notable works of non-fiction.