Becoming an Academic Writer: 50 Exercises for Paced, Productive, and Powerful Writing by Patricia Goodson helps readers improve their writing by engaging in deliberate practice employing 50 self-paced exercises for the various stages of the writing process. The third edition features a new unit on how to manage the required reading and includes updated material, alongside testimonials from previous users. A new appendix on processing reviewer feedback, and new “Research Shows” boxes also help address hurdles to developing a lower-stress, sustainable writing habit. Purchase it in the 2026 TAA Institute for Textbook & Academic Authors Bookstore.
2025 TAA Virtual Conference: A Resounding Success
We’re thrilled to share that the 2025 TAA Conference on Textbook & Academic Authoring was a tremendous success — and it’s all thanks to our incredible attendees, speakers, sponsors, and staff who made this event truly special.
Held virtually June 9-10, this year’s conference brought together textbook and academic authors from across the country for two days of learning, connection, and inspiration. With 147 participants and a lineup of close to two dozen expert-led sessions, the event offered something valuable for every stage of the author journey — from first-time writers to seasoned scholars.
How to Bring More Joy into Your Writing
By Angelica Ribeiro, PhD
Recently, I found myself feeling good after a writing session. Even though I hadn’t completed a project, I was more focused, productive, and creative during that time, which made the experience more enjoyable. It was great to have a writing session that felt better than previous ones. But what made it better? As I reflected on this, I realized it was likely because I had rearranged my office shortly before I began to write. You might wonder, “How does rearranging my office impact my writing?” Let me explain.
Do Your Publishing Research; Then Follow It
By John Bond
I have spoken to a fair share of happy authors over the years. Conversely, I have spoken with some disenchanted ones. They may have submitted their book idea (or whole manuscript) to several publishers and gotten no offer of publication. Also, some authors may submit a manuscript they labored over to a peer review journal and gotten nothing but the dreaded reject. No doubt this is a disheartening experience. It can hurt.
2025 TAA Conference Bookstore Featured Book: ‘Literature Review and Research Design’
Is research literature a foundation on which you build your own work, or an ocean in which you drown? Literature Review and Research Design: A Guide to Effective Research Practice by Dave Harris offers practical perspectives on using literature in the design and development of your own research project, with special attention on writing the project’s literature review. Published by Routledge.
How to Appreciate and Build on Your Strengths as a Writer
By Angelica Ribeiro, PhD
When reflecting on your writing progress this year, it’s common to focus on what didn’t go well, such as receiving a rejection letter, struggling with a writing project, or getting negative feedback. While these setbacks can provide valuable lessons, it’s equally important to acknowledge what went well. In his book Flourish, Martin Seligman advocates for a helpful exercise called “What-Went-Well.” In his own words, here’s how to do it:
Write down three things that went well […] and why they went well. You may use a journal or your computer to write about the events, but it is important that you have a physical record of what you wrote. The three things need not be earthshaking in importance, but they can be important. Next to each positive event, answer the question “Why did this happen?”