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Chronicling and exploring the Canadian experience and landscape for more than 50 years

Mainline magazine announces launch of Black Moss in 1968

Black Moss, celebrated its 50th year in publishing in 2019, remains dedicated to publishing new and innovative work by authors from across Canada.

We publish literature and narrative poetry that chronicles and explores  experiences common to the everyday lives of Canadians, the places they live and current and historical events that have had an impact on their lives.

In the process we make literature, and poetry in particular, relevant to a wide variety of audiences and open the door to a new way of looking at the world to people who would not normally be interested in these genres.

We’re lucky to have Marty in our community, and to have his words shaping histories, sharing stories.

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkins

I’ve said it before - I’m very lucky to oversee Windsor’s Poet Laureate Program, and to have been able to build it up with Marty at the helm as our inaugural Poet Laureate, and then to continue working with him when he was named Poet Laureate Emeritus.

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkins

"And what of the presence in the city of Canada’s most widely celebrated literary publisher, Marty Gervais, poet laureate of the city of Windsor? His influence on generations of the practitioners of People’s Poetry is beyond measure…”

Toronto Star

Our Special Place & Commitment to Windsor and Southwestern Ontario

Black Moss has a special role and responsibility in promoting literature and the arts in Windsor and across southwestern Ontario, publishing and promoting the work of writers from across the region and building an active and growing interest in Canadian writing and literature in the region. Every year, much of our list is composed of titles from southwestern Ontario writers. Our annual Poetry at the Manor reading at Willistead in Windsor is a community highlight.

Innovators in Canadian literature

From arranging readings in hockey arenas, boxing rings and major league baseball stadiums to partnering with symphony orchestras and art galleries, Black Moss has introduced innovations that connect people to poetry and literature.

As part of this and to provide our authors with platforms to explore, we have introduced:

  • First Lines, a special series in which we publish and highlight first books by new Canadian writers
  • Themed anthologies involving writers exploring a topic of general interest from God and faith to cars, sex and hockey
  • Palm Poets, a numbered series that fits in the palm of the hand, and is a unique numbered format to encourage collectors
  • The 64/10 poetry series that showcases poetry in 64 pages at an affordable $10

Sheila Malovany Chevalier talking to publishing students

Advice for aspiring authors

As part of our commitment to narrative poetry and literary publishing, we host a writer’s salon on an ad hoc basis. Aspiring writers can get advice from Black Moss Publisher Marty Gervais or our authors who volunteer their time. Completely free. Watch our site for information on the next Writers’ Salon or sign up for our newsletter.