Launch a Burnaby Book Publishers Business: Start Publishing Today
This page is your practical, step-by-step guide to starting a Burnaby book publishers business (NAICS 513130). It lays out the nine requirements you’ll likely face, plus the permits, registrations, and budgets you’ll need to move from idea to operation. You’ll get a clear overview of the setup process, the kinds of licenses involved, and a realistic timeline for getting your doors open.
Learn exactly what you’ll need to launch: permits and registrations, business structure, tax steps (GST/HST, provincial numbers), insurance basics, equipment and software for editing and design, printing options, distribution routes, and contracts with authors and printers. We cover cost ranges, ongoing fees, and a practical timeline from incorporation to first publication, plus tips to stay compliant under NAICS 513130.
Burnaby sits near Vancouver’s publishing ecosystem with lower startup costs, strong libraries and creative talent, and easy access to printers and distributors. That makes it a smart, supportive place to launch a book publishing business.
Requirements Overview
Starting a book publisher in Burnaby requires meeting several mandatory compliance steps. The most critical non-negotiables are CASL Anti-Spam Compliance, Copyright Law Compliance (Publishing), ISBN/ISSN Registration, and Business Number (BN) Registration, plus BC Business Name Registration for your chosen business name. CASL governs how you can email readers and partners; Copyright Law protects you and others’ rights in published works; ISBNs/ISSNs identify your titles in sales, libraries, and catalogs; a BN with the CRA is your core business identifier, and BC Name Registration keeps your brand legal in the province. You cannot legally operate without completing these, so plan to tackle them first.
On the operational side, focus on health, safety, and accessibility. If you have employees, WorkSafeBC coverage is required to protect workers. Accessibility Standards (Communications) means your books and other customer communications should be accessible to people with disabilities—think clear language, accessible formats, and accessible websites or marketing materials. This helps ensure you reach all readers and comply with provincial expectations for public-facing businesses.
For registration and taxes, confirm your BC business name registration and keep your BN active with the CRA. GST/HST registration is required if your taxable supplies reach the threshold (or you choose to register voluntarily), and payroll deductions registration is needed if you hire staff. ISBN/ISSN registration is handled through the official agencies (Library and Archives Canada and The Canadian ISBN Agency) and is essential for the book trade and libraries. Keeping these in good order will smooth distribution and compliance as you grow.
Next steps: gather the necessary documents, set up your business with BC, apply for BN, register your BC name, and plan for GST/HST and payroll if you’re hiring. Create a CASL-compliant email strategy, arrange ISBN/ISSN in advance, and build accessibilit
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a book publishers in Burnaby:
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CASL Anti-Spam Compliance RequiredCommunications businesses must comply with Canadas Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) including consent requirements, unsubscribe mechanisms, and sender identification. No registration required. CASL is a law regulating commercial electronic messages. Must obtain consent before sending marketing emails/texts, provide unsubscribe mechanism. Free guidance from CRTC. Maximum penalty $10 million.
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Copyright Law Compliance (Publishing) RequiredPublishers must comply with copyright law, obtain rights/licenses from authors and creators, register copyrights, and respect moral rights. Copyright law compliance for publishing. ISBN registration. Author agreements. Reproduction rights. Moral rights. Library and Archives deposit. Contact CIPO: 1-866-997-1936.
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ISBN/ISSN Registration RequiredBook publishers must obtain ISBN numbers, periodical publishers must obtain ISSN numbers, and comply with legal deposit requirements for Library and Archives Canada. ISBN/ISSN registration for publishers. Library and Archives Canada. Free for Canadian publishers. Mandatory for books. Contact LAC: 1-866-578-7777.
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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Accessibility Standards (Communications) ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Communications and publishing businesses must comply with Accessible Canada Act requirements for accessible formats, communications supports, and customer service. Accessible Canada Act compliance. AODA for Ontario. WCAG 2.1 Level AA digital accessibility. Accessible documents. Alternative formats. Feedback mechanism. Training requirements. Ongoing compliance. Contact Accessibility Standards Canada: 1-833-854-7628.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your book publishers:
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The Open Spaces Program is an initiative by Prismatic Arts Festival and Neptune Theatre to assist traditionally marginalized and underrepresented communities in the HRM arts community. The program provides free access to a rehearsal room, kitchen, and restroom facilities including power, lighting, and stage space. Artists of all disciplines and …
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The Lunenburg Foundation for the Arts provides grants for both emerging and established artists working across the full range of artistic media, as well as arts-based organizations. Grants are awarded based on artistic merit, financial need, and benefit to the arts in Lunenburg County. A jury chair is appointed by …
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The Trail & District Arts Council disburses $1,000 annually to performance, literary, or visual artists under 18 years of age towards arts training and development. The amount awarded to each applicant varies depending on the number of applicants and amounts requested. Training must take place within 12 months after the …
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The Town of Rosetown provides information and access to numerous cultural, sports, and recreation funding opportunities for individuals, community groups, and non-profit organizations. Available funding sources include the Saskatchewan Lotteries Community Grant, Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) Community Vitality Program, Creative Kids, Saskatchewan Arts Board grants, and the Rosetown & District …
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The Share and Connect: Indigenous Community Arts program seeks to empower Indigenous communities to control and develop their own arts and culture. It is a SK Arts program supported by funding from Sask Lotteries through the partnership between SK Arts and SaskCulture Inc. The program has two annual deadlines (January …
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