Print this quote and keep it next to where you write. This way, you will always be reminded, “The first draft is nothing more than a starting point,” as Andrew Stanton urges. You do not have to get the words out perfectly the first time; you just have to get them down. Remember, editing (and editing over and over again) exists for a reason! Below you’ll find excellent articles from around the web this past week. From the future of textbooks to how to get your first academic paper published, and so much in-between, I know you’ll find an article that is useful to you. And, as always, happy writing!

The future of textbooks looks like this
Highlighted in this article are faculty and student perspectives on the future of textbooks and the trend to move towards digital, based on new data by the National Association of College Stores and the Independent College Bookstore Association in partnership with the Campus Computing Survey.

PhDs: should you publish while you study?
Could publishing while still a PhD student lead you to more writing and career success than those who wait until they have completed their doctorate? Read this article to find out!

Scholars Talk Writing: James M. McPherson
In her latest in this continuing series, Rachel Toor talks with James M. McPherson. McPherson gives insight into the writing process and tips for perfecting it.

Writing progress
Here you will find a straightforward, easy to use spreadsheet for tracking your writing progress. Just click the link after the first paragraph to download the spreadsheets (must have Microsoft Excel to open spreadsheets).

How to increase your impact with academic social media
Perhaps you have held back from joining social media networks like Twitter, because you want to stay anonymous. If so, you will benefit from reading this superb piece by TheLitCritGuy.

How to get your first academic paper published
This piece, written by Kevin O’Gorman, professor of management and business history at Heriot-Watt University, offers ten tips for securing your first academic publication.

Does it take too long to publish research?
Ever wonder what the average time is between article submission and publication? The answer may be much more complex than you realize. This article gives a very detailed account of this timeline, which may or may not make you feel any better about the publishing process.

Rejections, revisions, journal shopping and time… more and more time
Jenny Delasalle shares her takeaways from the above article, Does it take too long to publish research?, expanding on various points and adding her thoughts on the publication timeline. A great companion read to the one above.

On publishing for the first time
Alison Mayne shares what it is like to submit an article for publication for the first time in this witty and honest post.