Member Resources
For questions about the Litmag Co-op, contact program lead Andy Verboom at communications@writers.ns.ca.
Virtual roundtables
The first Co-op roundtable will be scheduled between Nov 2 and Nov 19 (7pm – 8:30pm Atlantic), with the final date determined by survey and announced on Oct 30. All are welcome to attend.
Moderated by WFNS Program Manager Andy Verboom, this roundtable will include a brief overview of the Co-op program, a summary of other potentially relevant WFNS programming, and general Q&A (~30 mins). Other discussion topics, such as those suggested by survey, will be included in a loose agenda, which will be circulated in advance.
Slack channel
Co-op members are welcome to join the conversation on Slack, a messaging and file-exchanging app.
WFNS staff members use Slack on a daily basis, which means Co-op members will receive quick responses to any questions, concerns, and ideas.
Please note: the above link will expire on Nov 21, 2026. WFNS staff will post a fresh link (and update this text) shortly thereafter.
Other professional development opportunities
As the Co-op develops and grows, members will be consulted on other possible opportunities to build community and to learn, such as free or low-cost virtual workshops and advisory sessions with members of WFNS’s Writers’ Council, many of whom have decades of experience working within and alongside litmags.
Literary Calendar
Co-op members are strongly encouraged to promote deadlines, events, and other date-related news through WFNS’s Literary Calendar.
Relevant events include, but are not limited to, any forthcoming deadlines for submission calls and contests; workshops, fundraisers, and other litmag programming; contributor readings and issue launch events; and even future issue release dates (e.g., when a print or digital issue will be available to purchase or to read for free).
Eligibility to submit to the Literary Calendar is part of Associate Access—a free, permanent designation that WFNS offers other literary organizations and groups in Nova Scotia. Any eligible litmag may request Associate Access; Co-op members receive it automatically.
Subtext subscription
Co-op members are provided with a permanent subscription to Subtext, WFNS’s weekly member newsletter.
Alongside highlights of WFNS programming, community news, and prize & publication opportunities, each issue of Subtext promotes the Literary Calendar events occurring in the next two to two-and-half weeks. You may unsubscribe from Subtext at any time and may re-subscribe by contacting WFNS staff.
A subscription to Subtext is part of Associate Access—a free, permanent designation that WFNS offers other literary organizations and groups in Nova Scotia. Any eligible litmag may request Associate Access; Co-op members receive it automatically.
Other promotional opportunities
As the Co-op develops and grows, members will be consulted on other promotional opportunities available through WFNS, such as social media promotion and vending at Booktoberfest (WFNS’s annual book market and festival), as well as new promotional initiatives.
Server space
Put simply, WFNS has access to more server space than we need for the WFNS website—and it seems irresponsible not to share it.
If interested in migrating or (re-)building your website, please contact program lead Andy Verboom (communications@writers.ns.ca) for a consultation.
If your litmag website is already built in a WordPress.org environment
… WFNS staff can manage its migration to WFNS’s server, a process usually taking 24 to 48 hours once initiated. (Please note the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com.)
If your litmag website is already built on an all-in-one platform
… such as Wix, Squarespace, Shopify, or WordPress.com, then it likely cannot be directly migrated from that platform and would need to be rebuilt in a WordPress.org environment.
All-in-one platforms bundle webhosting, domain registration, e-commerce service, and a website-building interface into a single consumer package, so they make migrating any part of your website just difficult enough that it is (or seems) better to continuing paying their subscription rates. How much website content you can automatically export/import (as opposed to manually download/upload or copy/paste) will vary significantly depending on the original platform, so rebuilding a website in a new environment can require significant time and a commitment to learning.
Depending on your all-in-one platform package cost, the volume and complexity of your website content, and the website functionalities you require, it may be advisable to stick with your current platform. WFNS staff would be happy to provide objective advice.
If your litmag does not yet have a website
… we recommend considering a WordPress.org environment for your first build. Originally a blogging platform, this website builder is open-source, which enables thousands of web developers to offer millions of different ‘plugins’ that add or improve aesthetics and functionality.
All functionality required for a basic litmag website can be found through free and freemium WordPress.org plugins.
Domain registration
If you migrate your litmag website and domain management to the WFNS server, WFNS will cover domain registration and renewal costs up $25/year (+ tax) for any common top-level domain (e.g., .com, .ca, .net, .org).
Since 2019, WFNS’s shared server has been provided by Websavers, an independent, Canadian-owned, Halifax-headquartered company with physical servers located in Quebec. Websavers has a strong reputation for proactive server security, reliability (99.99% uptime), corporate responsibility and transparency, and exceptional customer service.
Basic WordPress consultation & troubleshooting
If your WFNS-hosted website experiences any critical errors, WFNS staff will work with you (and with assistance from our exceptional webhost, Websavers) to restore it to operation as soon as possible.
For WordPress.org plugin recommendations, design help, and basic troubleshooting, WFNS staff can provide up to 5 hours of additional, hands-on assistance each year. If more assistance (or greater expertise) is required, WFNS staff will help you connect with local web designers and freelance coders who can provide services on contract.
Litmag volunteer list
WFNS maintains a list of writers, editors, and others who have expressed interest in working with members of the NS Litmag Co-op. Co-op members are encouraged to reach out directly to any volunteer who would suit an open role. Respectful communication among all parties is required.
You must be logged into your Co-op member account to view the volunteer expressions-of-interest below.
You cannot access this resource unless you are logged in to your account and hold Litmag Co-op membership. Please login; if logged in, please check your Litmag Co-op status.