The Newfoundland and Labrador book publishing industry has received Provincial Government investment totalling $200,000 through the Publishers� Assistance Program (PAP), which is designed to assist local publishers produce materials which will compete more effectively in the national and international marketplace.

"The Provincial Government recognizes the extraordinary creative talent which exists within our literary sector and the importance of supporting our writers and publishers in their efforts to produce high-quality products," said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "The need to invest more in our publishing industry was identified in our 2006 cultural strategy, Creative Newfoundland and Labrador, and the three-year, $17.6 million investment in that strategy continues to benefit artists and organizations throughout the arts, cultural and heritage industries."

The six local publishing companies that have received funding to assist them in editing, design, marketing, and professional development initiatives are:

The Publishers� Assistance Program is a component of the Cultural Economic Development Program (CEDP), which in 2008 is providing more than $2.3 million in support to arts, cultural and heritage organizations, community-based projects, and individual artists throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

For information on the Publishers� Assistance Program, criteria for support and guidelines for applications, please visit: www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/services_programs/arts.htm