First-time and novice textbook authors may ask themselves throughout the publishing process – “can my publisher really do that?” And the answer is “yes”. And “no”. And “it depends”. Your answer will be determined by the initial negotiation of contract terms and your willingness to invest time in marketing the work after it’s published. TAA’s newest e-book is full of advice on both.
2020 Call for nominations to the TAA Council
As a member-driven organization, TAA relies on members’ willingness to get involved in governance and other activities of the association. The TAA Governance Committee announces a call for nominations for two open Council positions. Any member of TAA is eligible to serve on the Council. Nominations can be submitted online and must be received by March 1.
Member Spotlight: Michael Sullivan
TAA member Michael Sullivan is a retired, Emeritus Professor of Mathematics who continues his textbook authoring career in the mathematics writing discipline.
His most recent publications include Calculus for the AP Course, 3rd Edition, College Algebra, 11th Edition, Algebra & Trigonometry, 11th Edition, Precalculus, 11th Edition, and Trigonometry, 11th Edition.
Welcome new members to TAA: January 2020
With membership in TAA, you are not alone. You become part of a diverse community of textbook and academic authors with similar interests and goals. We are pleased to announce the addition of 18 new TAA members who joined us in January 2020.
Most useful textbook and academic posts of the week: January 31, 2020
Hall of Fame basketball player Michael Jordan once said, “You must expect great things from yourself before you can do them.” When writing for publication, we must expect great things from ourselves and our research in order to accomplish those goals of writing a journal article or textbook. This week’s collection of articles from around the web offers insight into just how to achieve the greatness we expect of ourselves and our work.
We begin with discussions about collaborating with others on research projects, choosing relevant literature for empirical studies, and understanding conference proceedings. We continue with measurements of commitment to research transparency and practical strategies for disseminating research in various ways. Finally, we close with a look at ways to manage a career in publishing.
Whatever your goals in this realm of textbook and academic publishing, expect great things from yourself and then do them. Happy writing!
TAA’s 2020 Conference Textbook Track
Early registration is now open for TAA’s 33rd Annual Textbook & Academic Authoring Conference in San Diego, CA this June! This event is always an incredible opportunity to network with authors from a variety of disciplines and to learn about the latest trends, best practices, and industry changes.
Textbook authors have a solid lineup of sessions in this year’s including eight 60-minute sessions on topics including royalties, contract negotiation, and author branding. A 90-minute double session on accessibility is also included in the Textbook Track for 2020. A complete overview of the Textbook Track sessions is below.