We’ve all been there. You have the perfect photo . . . verse . . . song lyrics . . . vignette . . . you name it . . . to open your book or a chapter within it. Having labored long and hard to locate just the thing, you are now certain that nothing else will do. There’s only one problem. It’s not yours and either you can’t determine who owns the rights, or you can’t figure out how to reach them, or they’re dead or out of business, or they won’t answer you.
How to keep your textbook on track during the production stage
Once you have delivered your textbook manuscript to your publisher, the book production process begins. What should you, the author, do after…
Developing a new textbook? Research other textbooks in the field
If you are thinking of writing a textbook, an important step in the process is to research other textbooks in…
TAA Upcoming Fall Webinars for Textbook & Academic Authors
Join us for these 60-minute live, interactive sessions that connect you to experts discussing a variety of topics designed especially…
TAA announces call for proposals for 28th annual conference
The Text and Academic Authors Association is pleased to announce a call for proposals for its 28th Annual Textbook &…
What to consider before signing your first textbook contract
The following advice came from a 2014 TAA Conference Roundtable Discussion led by Mike Kennamer and Steven Barkan, entitled, “What I Wish I Had Known Before I Signed My First Textbook Contract”:
“Be prepared that some books don’t make money.” – Steven Barkan
“$3,000 would be a good advance for most first time textbook authors.” – Attorney Zick Rubin
“I received a grant rather than an advance for my text. A grant is better because it isn’t an advance against royalties.” – Mike Kennamer
“You don’t want snapshot quality photos in your textbook. Hire a professional or purchase professional photos.” – Mike Kennamer