Except where otherwise noted, the content in this guide was researched and written by Dr. Matt Panhans. Below, find a PDF copy of his report.
Motivations for authoring in lieu of adaptation include reasons such as existing available materials are out of date, one’s desired content does not exist, or simply available material is not sufficiently focused for one’s course. There are various publishing routes one can take including authoring within one of the OER networks, traditional publishing through an established publisher, and self-publishing which within itself provides several paths.
For those interested in authoring OER textbooks, laboratory manuals, homework assignments, or assessment tools, a few of the OER websites previously mentioned provide opportunities to add to their collections. These networks/collaborations have links with instructions as to how to contribute. Information for three of these is summarized here for reference:
These three sources make it straight forward to create sharable content.
For those wishing to create eBooks independent of the OER networks/communities, both traditional publishing using a retail publishing house and self-publishing are options. One’s choice usually depends on factors such as desired level of control, wish to retain rights, the need for editing and marketing support, and timeline.
Traditional publishing commonly includes writing under a contract and receiving a royalty or flat fee. In this manner of publishing, one works with an experienced publishing team. The tradeoff is that many decisions regarding content, design, and marketing will be relinquished to these professionals. The publisher typically provides an advance on royalties and will cover the cost of editing and producing. The process usually begins with a proposal to the publisher along with some sample chapters. Reasons for choosing a traditional publishing route include association with an elite, well-known publishing brand, working in collaboration with a professional team, and access to more markets. A starting point for interested authors is typically found at the publisher website for authors such as McGraw Hill, Delmar Cengage, and Pearson.
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