How to Be a Textbook Writer
- 1). Develop an idea for your textbook project. Your project must have some justification to replace older textbooks (such as outdated information, new interpretations or use of Internet-based teaching tools). Condense your basic idea into a single paragraph that can concisely convey your concept. This paragraph is intended both for your personal use, to keep you focused on the unique approach of the textbook, and will also form an important part of the cover letter introducing the proposal to a potential publisher.
- 2). Develop a detailed table of contents for your project, with rough estimates of the number of pages devoted to each chapter. Annotate this table of contents with brief one-paragraph description of the contents of each chapter, and append a list of proposed illustrations, maps, diagrams and other illustrative material. Modern textbooks typically have extensive web-based resources for students (practice tests, interactive maps, links to other resources). Be sure to include ideas for these as well.
- 3). Identify the major textbook publishers that currently produce textbooks in your field. Look at syllabi of undergraduate courses posted on departmental websites to select some likely titles, and request examination copies from the publishers. Review these textbooks to get a sense of what is currently on the market, and how your textbook will be distinguished from others.
- 4). Choose the publisher most likely to be interested in your project and contact its acquisitions editor. Your first communication may be an informal email, but you will certainly have to follow up with a formal book proposal. This proposal will have a cover letter stating the basic thrust of your textbook (built around your original paragraph on this topic), and the detailed and annotated table of contents.
Source...