Small literary presses that survive for 50 years are almost in the category of rare birds. I can share with you that when Sonia and I, along with Neil and Susan Wagner, founded the press back in 1975 we certainly had no idea that we were unintentionally beginning a lasting publishing house, especially one that would enjoy such a significant history. We never expected that it would bring Canadian literature to readers scattered around the world and that it would launch the careers of so many fine writers. And we are even more amazed and pleased that not only is Thistledown still carrying on this tradition, but that it will continue to do this into the future.
Happy 50th birthday, Thistledown! May the next 50 years further seal your reputation as one of Canada’s premier literary publishers.
—Glen Sorestad, Thistledown Press co-founder
Our Story
Like many good ideas, Thistledown Press began as a conversation between friends at a kitchen table. Half a century ago, Glen Sorestad, together with family and friends, dreamed up a new publishing company focussed on bringing the work of Western Canadian poets to the public eye—and Thistledown Press was born. In the first few years, Sorestad headed the company, with help from his wife Sonia, and their friends Neil and Susan Wagner. Then, in the early 80s, Paddy O’Rourke and Al Forrie joined the team. The press expanded its mandate from poetry, growing to include fiction, young adult literature, nonfiction, teacher’s guides, and anthologies. Most importantly, Thistledown had published the first or early books of a veritable pantheon of Canadian writers, including Lorna Crozier, Leona Gom, John V. Hicks, Gertrude Story, Gary Hyland, Dennis Cooley, John Lent, Bert Almon, Gerald Hill, and Ken Rivard. At the 25-year mark, the press boasted over 200 titles in print, many of which had garnered awards, nominations, and other honours. Those founding years helped to shape Canadian Literature, and the Press itself became synonymous with Prairie publishing.
In 2000, the Editorial team changed dramatically. Glen Sorestad became Saskatchewan’s first Poet Laureate and stepped down from the TDP board. Then, Paddy O’Rourke retired in 2002. Through the following years, Thistledown Press was run by Al Forrie, Publisher, and Jackie Forrie, Managing Editor. The list of awards, accolades, and authors continued to multiply. Thistledown published an impressive range of talented debut and established authors, including Harold Johnson, Dawn Dumont, Paulette Dubé, Seán Virgo, Tom Wayman, Jasmina Odor, Byrna Barclay, Stephen Henigan, Joan Givner, Susan Musgrave, and Stephen Reid, as well as YA authors Marty Chan and R.P. MacIntyre.
For a solid twenty years, Al and Jackie ran the press together, but retirement calls to us all—and so, Thistledown came under new ownership in October 2020. Someone had suggested that Al should contact Calgarian JoAnn McCaig, owner of Freehand Books and past Thistledown author (An Honest Woman; 2017). She accepted the challenge, and set to work on creating a new team.
Today’s version of Thistledown is ably helmed by poet and editor Elizabeth Philips, Director of Acquisitions, and by Rilla Friesen, former editor of Grain, in the role of Managing Editor. Mariah Warriner joined the company in 2026 and adeptly handles marketing, promotions, and social media. In the past five years we’ve added many fine books and honours to the TDP catalogue, and are especially proud to have published such acclaimed Saskatchewan authors as Guy Vanderheaghe, Robert Currie, Trevor Herriot, Sharon Butala, Rita Bouvier, Connie Gault, and Marlis Wesseler, along with more debut poets, including Diana Hope Tegenkamp, Lloyd Ratzlaff, and Chelsea Coupal (upcoming in 2026). And finally, the Fall 2025 season will bring a first for Thistledown Press: we will be publishing a children’s picture book by Métis writer Wilfred Burton, with illustrations by Hawlii Pichette, that features a full translation into Michif by Irma Klyne and Larry Fayant.
Thistledown is honoured to carry on the traditions of our founders. Twenty-five years ago, Paddy O’Rourke commented on a quarter-century as a small literary press: “It’s a privilege to be in the position to bring new literature to the market. We’re breaking the rules by being a publisher in the hinterland. We’re creating a social fabric here, in a place considered to be the back of beyond.”
On the occasion of Thistledown’s 50th anniversary, we couldn’t agree more. Our faith in the value and importance of Canadian writing is stronger than ever: our small team proudly continues to champion the exceptional writers of Western Canada, and we are committed to adapting to a changing world by opening doors even further to a multiplicity of voices and points of view. From a kitchen table conversation to a still-growing backlist of hundreds of titles, we are humbled and excited to be guiding Thistledown Press into the future.
Onward to the next fifty years!
The ThistleTeam
JoAnn McCaig, Publisher
Elizabeth Philips, Director of Acquisitions
Rilla Friesen, Managing Editor
Mariah Warriner, Publicity and Marketing Manager
Celebrate With Us
Upcoming Events:
Past Events:
April 14, 2026: Victoria Launch of A Snake and Feathered Bird by Angie Ellis
Triple Book Launch Event – Featuring Bill Gaston, Angie Ellis & Terence Young
Come join us as we celebrate BC authors Bill Gaston, Angie Ellis, and Terence Young, and their latest book releases! You will have a chance to hear them read and present their works, and have your copies signed in person. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity!
What: Triple Book Launch with Bill Gaston, Angie Ellis, & Terence Young
When: Tuesday, April 14th from 7:00-8:30pm (doors at 6:30)
Where: Munro’s Books – 1108 Government St
How: Free to attend
September 27, 2025: Ottawa Launch of The Discovery of Finnegan Wilde by Caroline Pignat
Launch: The Discovery of Finnegan Wilde by Caroline Pignat
Join us on September 27, 2025 at Indigo Pinecrest location in Ottawa for the launch of The Discovery of Finnegan Wilde by Caroline Pignat! Featuring an evening of music, games, and prizes, this will be a fun night for the whole family!
Admission is free, but registration is encouraged! Learn more and reserve your spot here: Story & Song: The Discovery of Finnegan Wilde Book Launch
September 10, 2025: Saskatoon Launch of Kohkum’s Royal Bannock by Wilfred Burton
Launch: Kohkum’s Royal Bannock by Wilfred Burton
We had a blast at McNally Robinson Saskatoon at the launch of Wilfred Burton’s Kohkum’s Royal Bannock! Featuring an author reading, book signing, giveaways, and conversation with Cort Dogniez. Read more details on McNally Robinson’s website here: https://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/event-18819/Wilfred-Burton-Book-Launch
And check out the Facebook event here! https://www.facebook.com/share/165oWE6SME/
Couldn’t join us live? Watch the livestream on YouTube!
July 19, 2025: Special Anniversary Event
Fifty Years of Thistledown Press: Special Anniversary Event!
We are delighted to be featured in the 2025 Saskatchewan Festival of Words for our 50th Anniversary Celebration. Join us on July 19, 2025 for a memorable evening commemorating writing and publishing in Saskatchewan, with author readings, book sales, giveaways, and light refreshments. Featuring acclaimed Thistledown authors Marlis Wesseler (The Beech Forest, June 2024), Lloyd Ratzlaff (Walking Upstream, April 2025), Sharon Butala (Leaving Wisdom, May 2023), and Trevor Herriot (The Economy of Sparrows, September 2023), this is an event you won’t want to miss!
This event will take place in-person at 5:00PM-6:00PM at the Moose Jaw Centre for Arts and Culture. Visit our Facebook event for more details: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CTTQ2v3BJ/
For more information about other events at this year’s festival, visit the Saskatchewan Festival of Words’ website here.
Many thanks to the Saskatchewan Festival of Words for hosting this event, and to SaskBooks for sponsoring!
June 25, 2025: Calgary Launch of Food for the Journey: A Life in Travel by Elizabeth J. Haynes
Launch: Food for the Journey by Elizabeth J. Haynes
Join Thistledown Press and Shelf Life Books for the launch of Elizabeth J. Haynes’ Food for the Journey: A Life in Travel! This Thistledown Press 50th Anniversary Event will feature an author reading, book signing, and conversation with Joan Crate. Read more details here: https://thistledownpress.com/2025/05/26/calgary-book-launch-elizabeth-j-haynes/
And check out the Facebook event here! https://www.facebook.com/events/9234870523280106
May 21, 2025: Victoria Launch of Tunnel Island by Bill Gaston, ft. Clea Young
Launch: Tunnel Island by Bill Gaston
We loved visiting Munro’s Books in Victoria on May 21 for the launch of Tunnel Island by Bill Gaston! Readings, book signings, and conversation from Bill and co-launcher Clea Young (Welcome to the Neighbourhood, House of Anansi Press; May 6, 2025)—plus some limited-edition anniversary swag for attendees! Thanks to all who came out!
May 14, 2025: Saskatoon Launch of Walking Upstream by Lloyd Ratzlaff, ft. Rita Bouvier
Launch: Walking Upstream by Lloyd Ratzlaff
We were thrilled to head to McNally Robinson Saskatoon on May 14 for the launch of Walking Upstream, the debut poetry collection by Lloyd Ratzlaff! For this special 50th anniversary event, Lloyd was joined by fellow Thistledown poet Rita Bouvier, with introductions by and greetings from our Editorial Director, Elizabeth Philips.
You can watch the livestream of the event below:
Enter Our Giveaway
We are giving away three of Thistledown Press’s earliest published titles! These rare poetry books were generously offered to us by Glen and Sonia Sorestad for a giveaway to one lucky reader. Our giveaway bundle includes poetry chapbooks by:
Dark Honey by Ronald Marken (1976)
Octomi by Andrew Suknaski & William Johnson (1976)
Inside is the Sky by Lorna Uher (Crozier) (1976)
Congratulations to our winner, Kim Mannix! Happy reading!
