Tips for getting your materials published!

Last week, Jim Fuller invited me onto one of his wonderful Sponge Chats. Jim’s questions got me thinking again about my own journey into ELT publishing.

I’ve already written a post on getting started in writing materials, from ELT Teacher to ELT Materials Creator , so here I thought I’d share my thoughts on how to get those materials published.

Get to know your local publisher reps.

Don’t forget the rep! These are the people who provide the connection between the publisher and the users. Publishers will ask them to collect feedback on coursebooks, look for teachers who might be interested in taking part in a focus group etc. Your local rep might even recommend you for a project – this was my way in, anyway.

Contact ELT publishers via their websites.

ELT publishers have a ‘Work with Us’ button (or similar) on their websites. Publishers are rarely interested in your wonderful idea for a new product BUT they are always looking for reliable writers with new ideas to form part of teams of authors. It isn’t usually possible to choose your teammates but I’ve always found working with other authors a great learning experience. Although this article on OneStopEnglish was written several years ago, the information is still very relevant.

Get active on social media.

Tidy up your profile, like and comment on other people’s posts and post things yourself. The ELT community is buzzing with advice, suggestions and tips. There are numerous generous professionals who’ll willingly answer your questions. Look for special interest groups; there’s an ELT Professional group on LinkedIn and several similar groups on Facebook. Pete Clements (ELT Planning) suggests messaging editors directly with your availability, I haven’t tried this one yet.

Join ELT Publishing Professional

For £50 a year, you get unlimited access to their website, resources and CPD events. After uploading a profile, you can advertise your availability for work. Publishers post their own vacancies and regularly check the site for writers.

BUT don’t forget your own work-life balance.

At the beginning, while you’re still establishing a reputation, it’ll be hard to earn enough money from writing. Besides, it’s a good idea to have some contact with the classroom so that you can try out your own materials. However, you do need to keep an eye on how much you can take on without working ridiculous hours, 7 days a week. You must schedule some time off every week and make sure you take regular holidays too. Join Rachael Robert’s facebook group ‘ELT Professionals Lightbulb Moments: work less, earn more, live more fully. for help with this‘ for her very sound advice.

Feel free to comment or share your own tips below or get in touch directly via contact.