The New Quarterly—TNQ, for short—is a Canadian literary magazine known and loved for our wit, warmth, and literary flair. Since our beginnings, we’ve grown into much more than a magazine: TNQ has become a vibrant literary community dedicated to discovering, nurturing, and continually supporting distinctive voices at every stage of their career.
Each issue we publish is a carefully curated collection—a literary feast of poems, essays, short stories, and in-depth interviews. We invite readers to dive into whimsical worlds, meet unforgettable characters, and savour stories that sparkle with authenticity and heart.
Beyond our pages, TNQ is home to a dynamic array of literary endeavors. Our projects include the Wild Writers Literary Festival, which brings authors and readers together in celebration of the written word; the Wild Writers Retreat, offering writers intense writing time along with an opportunity to work one-to-one with our mentors in a beautiful environment. Through Spirit Ink, we proudly showcase and celebrate Indigenous voices, and with The X Page Workshop, we empower and amplify marginalized communities. We also love playful intersections—like our unique collaboration with fashion brand Vestige Story—and exploring writers’ multifaceted lives through our podcast, Parallel Careers. Read more about them at TNQ Presents.
At TNQ, literature is more than storytelling—it’s about building connections, fostering creativity, and enriching our cultural landscape. We warmly invite you to join us in exploring the boundless possibilities of Canadian writing.
Our mission at The New Quarterly is to publish and promote Canadian writers and writing. We are committed to providing an inclusive platform for new voices in Canadian Literature, particularly for voices who have been historically underrepresented in Canadian literary contexts and who represent the varied dimensions of race, ethnicity, geography, culture, gender, sexual orientation, ability, and religion in Canada.
Our purpose at The New Quarterly is to publish literary short fiction and poetry. We also publish nonfiction with a focus on the craft and industry of creative writing. All contributing writers to The New Quarterly are either Canadian citizens living in Canada or abroad; identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis; or are current residents of Canada (including newly-landed immigrants, temporary residents, and refugees).
TNQ’s first issue published in Spring 1981.
TNQ’s second cover look, on the 50th issue in Summer 1993.
TNQ’s 100th issue, celebrated in Fall 2006.
TNQ’s latest special issue, published in Spring 2025.
TNQ first debuted, staple-bound, in 1981, thanks to the efforts of then writer-in-residence at the University of Waterloo and Newfoundland writer Harold Horwood, with financial help from pioneering journalist Edna Staebler, and the inimitable Farley Mowat. In the early years TNQ was co-edited by Peter Hinchcliffe and Kim Jernigan. Kim Jernigan then became editor, and held the position until 2012. Pamela Mulloy has served as editor since 2012 and became editor-in-chief in 2025.
As we near our 45th anniversary in Spring 2026, we are grateful to the many literary leaders, readers, and fearless writers who have contributed to the ongoing success of TNQ. From TNQ’s founders Harold Horwood, Edna Staebler, and Farley Mowart for establishing TNQ in its early years to our latest volunteers, TNQ’s legacy burns bright thanks to all who have contributed over the years.
We are deeply indebted to our first full-time editor, Kim Jernigan, for the countless hours volunteered to establish one of the leading literary magazines in Canada, while creating a culture of respect and generosity, where the authors and their work remained paramount. Her legacy was celebrated in 2014 when she received a Foundation Award for Outstanding Achievement at The National Magazine Awards.
We are also indebted to long-time poetry editor, John Vardon, for his astute poetic eye and voracious reading appetite. To Peter Hinchcliffe, for inspiring students and emerging writers alike to continue to hone their craft. To our longtime readers Bruce Johnstone, Deborah Van Seters, Barbara Carter, and Evelyn Dekker for their critical eye and compassionate encouragement. And to our inaugural lead nonfiction editor, and current consulting editor, Susan Scott, for championing creative nonfiction before it became mainstream.
We are also appreciative of our tireless managing editors who have ensured TNQ continues to be funded and operational. Special thanks to our first Managing Editor Mary Merickle, and successive managing editors Rosalynn Tyo, Melissa Krone, Sophie Blom, and Emily Bednarz for growing TNQ’s platform into the digital age. Thank you to our most recent Managing Editor, Eleni Zaptses, for steering TNQ out of the pandemic.
Special thanks to Carolyn and Bill Pegg who volunteered countless hours to Bingo and lent a hand in printing and administration as our operations grew and diversified.
After TNQ registered as a non-profit in 2003, we’ve been privileged to have been led by some incredible leaders both in the publishing industry and elsewhere. Special thanks to longtime board chair Alister Thomas for his empathy, integrity, and generosity of spirit as TNQ navigated various challenges. Thank you to longtime Treasurer, Tom Wilhelm, for his steady hand to help TNQ navigate to a place of financial stability. Thank you to D.B. Scott for sharing his vast industry knowledge and expertise. And many thanks to Lillian Bass, who helped TNQ imagine more transformative solutions to deliver on our mission during and after the pandemic.
Finally, our issues would not be as beautiful without the help of our longtime designer Joe Martz. Thank you, Joe, for ensuring readers get a good first impression when judging our covers!
