So You want to write a textbook? You must be mad!

My Experience with OUP Leadership, Practice & Perspectives – 1st edition published in Spring 2014. 2nd ed in Spring 2017 Started process in 2010.

Stage 1 – The Hook Outline Proposal Draft Chapter Review Contract

Stage 2 Start writing But reviews and rewrites (people die!) 10000 word chapters About a month each So 17 chapters = 18 months minimum But reviews and rewrites (people die!)

Permissions Take ages Cost you money No guarantees (Hersey & Blanchard) Do you need them?

Stage 3 – Technical Stuff Copy editors Proof readers Indexing All of which cost you money!

Stage 4 - Marketing The Front Cover

Stage 5 – Getting Paid So typically you get X% of net receipts Remember this is Publisher’s net! So how much do you think a £35 book delivers to you? Remember it took 4 years to write.

Stage 6 - ORC You might have to provide online material PowerPoint slides MCQs Case Study answers Lecturer Notes No you don’t get paid extra!

Stage 7 Would I do it again? It’s not REF able It’s not going to enable me to retire It’s hard work It’s frustrating at times

Yes – but…………….. Be clear on why you’re doing it Don’t expect support Meet with your Editor regularly Keep going – so plan ahead for workload Don’t expect ££££££££££ Be proud when you’ve done it - you now exist!

What’s it meant to me? Confirmation Student Resource Credibility Pride