This Instructors Perspectives' essay from Robert Blake initiates a discussion on publishing language textbooks. It is followed by responses from Annamaria Bellezza, Nikolaus Euba, and Mark Kaiser.

A series of eight manuals dealing with the triad text characteristics--learning processes--learning outcomes are being prepared for use by authors and editors as an aid in the design and writing of educational texts. These manuals are based upon a model for the functioning of text characteristics which in turn is part of a decision model for the…

From the viewpoint of the publisher the sequence in the development of training materials is outlined in eight basic steps, and guidelines are suggested for prospective textbook authors regarding qualifications, proposal, manuscript preparation, and writing. (HD)

These are the reflections of a textbook author in the course of revising a secondary school textbook. While the average life of a textbook is five years, many stay in schools for much longer. A textbook author or editor must therefore attempt to produce a book that will be relevant and meaningful for children years in the future. This involves the…

A university professor describes his experiences with publishing companies and editors as he wrote the undergraduate U.S. history survey textbook "These United States." (RM)

Examines the publishing process, following a book from concept to product. (HOD)

Examines the relationship between composition textbook authors and publishers. Discusses editors and publishers' concerns, and what authors need to know about textbook publishing. Focuses on ideology, economics, legalities, and the need for integrity and respect. Looks at the written contract, contractual brutality, legal counsel, contractual…

This "Writers' Handbook" was prepared in response to the many requests for "a book that tells how to write textbooks and other educational materials for schools." These requests have come from educators of other countries as well as from the United States. The authors believe that the handbook holds valuable information and suggestions for heads…