Part-Time Author, Full-Time Librarian Writing for the Professional Press John J. Burke, MSLS 2005 Ohio Library Council Annual Conference

“Writing and reading is to me synonymous with existing.” -- Getrude Stein “Omit needless words.” -- Strunk and White, The Elements of Style

Goals for the session Why do I think you should write? My case example Motivation for writing Strategies for pursuing publication Thoughts on the writing process

Writing for ourselves Practicing library staff writing for practicing library staff Sharing experiences Giving back for the good of the field If you don’t write about it, who will?

Two approaches What do you know – what can you share with others? What would you like to know more about? Professional needs Personal interests

The part-time author... 3 books (1996, 1999, 2001) 1 new edition in progress (out in early 2006) Articles and book reviews in peer-reviewed journals, newspapers, newsletters, and campus publications.... the full-time librarian 12 years in libraries (Fairmont State College (WV), the University of Cincinnati, and Miami University) 7+ years of teaching library-related credit courses

Why do I write? How it all began Writing I want to do Writing I have to do Have something to fall back on Open yourself up to opportunities

Your motivation The four Ps: Passion Professional development Promotion (“publish or perish”) Pocketbook Picture the outcome How far will your motivation carry you?

Falsehoods of writing Only experts can write. You need an agent to get published. It’s too hard to write. You have to drink a lot. I’ll never be on Oprah.

What makes you a writer? Writing! – write on a regular basis Are you good at: Explaining things to others? Writing documentation? Communicating your ideas verbally or in text? Gathering facts and doing research Attention to detail: grammar and punctuation Reading! – not just library documents Keeping track of trends and developments

Your professional opportunities Books Library literature (research and practical articles) Association periodicals and newsletters Library e-journals and web sites Blogs Local opportunities: newspaper columns, organizational newsletters, press releases, etc. Library-related and beyond Crossover content

Your strategy for publication 1.Start with what you know A “story to tell” or a gap 2.Brainstorm – find your focus 3.Get reactions from colleagues 4.Decide on a direction – where Books – sign contract first, then write Articles – write and submit 5.Consider how long it will take – when 6.Prepare a proposal (formal or informal)

7.Plan writing into your life – how and where 8.Start writing 9.Finish writing 10.Get comments and proofread the work 11.Submit it to publisher 12.Make corrections and resubmit 13.Finalize work for publication 14.Get published (your name in print) 15.Promote your work! 16.Read reviews (start all over again)

Between 8 and 9 Don’t expect perfection in the first draft Just write Blocks will come, and blocks will go Need to set time aside (make it a habit) Set goals within the larger deadline

What about the time? Time to write Time to think Time to learn Time to read Time to wait

Resources to consult The Library Writer’s Blog ( Resources for Library Writers ( Crawford, Walt. First Have Something to Say: Writing for the Library Profession. Chicago: American Library Association, Bell, Steven J. “What Works For Me: 10 Tips for Getting Published.” Ex Libris 225 & 226 (

My recommendations Start small and think big Try a conference presentation Watch for opportunities and move quickly Never doubt you can do it Don’t quit your day job

Questions? Don’t forget! – Neal-Schuman Library Technology Companion (2 nd ed.) is out in early 2006! John J. Burke Miami University Middletown (for presentation)