Red Deer Press is a highly respected Canadian publishing house recognized for its exceptional contributions to children’s literature, young adult fiction, and culturally significant Canadian works. Operating as a quintessential small press with a broad national and international reach, the publisher has built a remarkable legacy of championing both emerging and established Canadian talent. Known for its upscale picture books, engaging juvenile fiction, and thought-provoking adult non-fiction, Red Deer Press has consistently maintained a reputation for producing creative, contemporary, and beautifully designed books that resonate deeply with readers of all ages.
The origins of Red Deer Press date back to the early 1970s when it began as a modest in-house initiative at Red Deer College in Alberta. It officially launched as an affiliate of the college in 1975. During its early years, the press operated on a very small scale, focusing primarily on producing one or two poetry collections annually written by college faculty and students. However, as the Canadian literary landscape evolved, so too did the ambitions of the publishing house. In 1985, Red Deer Press significantly expanded its editorial focus to include children’s literature, adult literary works, cultural histories, and general biographies. This pivotal expansion laid the groundwork for what would eventually become the core identity of the press: a vibrant, multifaceted publisher dedicated to telling diverse and uniquely Canadian stories.
As the publisher grew in prominence and commercial success, it underwent several significant geographical and corporate transitions. In 2000, the house relocated its operations to Calgary, a move that further integrated it into the broader national publishing industry. Five years later, in 2005, Red Deer Press was acquired by Fitzhenry & Whiteside, a major Canadian publishing and distribution company. This acquisition provided the small press with robust distribution capabilities while allowing it to maintain its unique, curated editorial voice. More recently, in 2025, Red Deer Press became part of Sutherland House when the latter acquired Fitzhenry & Whiteside and its entire family of imprints. Today, Red Deer Press operates out of Sutherland House’s head office in Toronto, Ontario, yet it proudly retains full editorial autonomy over its distinct and celebrated catalog.
Throughout its long history, Red Deer Press has remained deeply committed to producing high-quality literature that reflects the richness of the Canadian experience. The press places a strong emphasis on publishing illustrated children’s titles, including important Indigenous works, as well as science fiction, fantasy, drama, and regional history. To achieve this, the house relies on a dedicated production team of expert editors and designers who work closely with authors and illustrators from across the country. Their rigorous attention to detail and commitment to literary excellence ensure that every book meets a high standard of quality.
The authors, illustrators, and creators published by Red Deer Press have collectively garnered well over 300 awards, nominations, and citations for excellence. These accolades include multiple prestigious Governor General’s Literary Awards, the Sheila A. Egoff Children’s Literature Prize, the Ann Connor Brimer Award, and international recognition such as the White Ravens International Youth Library Selection. By balancing a deep respect for its regional roots with a forward-looking, globally minded approach to storytelling, Red Deer Press continues to stand as a vital and enduring pillar of the Canadian publishing industry.
