School and College Textbook Publishing Process

Workshop 1: Planning the components 

1.     Interpreting the curriculum

2.     Deciding on components and features for each component (linked to market knowledge and brief from DBE/DHET/Management)(print versus digital)

3.     Creating a scope and sequence for a course/set of components

Workshop 2: Writing skills 

1.     Writing techniques (creating a clear narrative to explain and teach concepts; using content from third party sources – do’s and don’ts)

2.     Assessment and Memoranda and Rubrics (What? When? How?)

Workshop 3: Briefing authors

1.     Planning the author workshop(s)

2.     Conducting effective author workshop(s) (includes training on component features and revising effective writing and assessment techniques)

3.     Understanding legal aspects (contracts, advance payments, royalties, copyright)

Workshop 4: Creating and following the publishing plan 

1.     Creating a realistic and collaborative plan

2.     Time management techniques

3.     Giving effective feedback to authors

Workshop 5: Managing the production cycle

1.     Planning handovers of manuscripts to editors; briefing and managing editors

2.     Briefing and managing typesetters/instructional designers/artists

3.     Proofreading as an intentional process to close gaps

Workshop 6: Understanding the market 

1.     DBE/DHET strategy

2.     Schools (government, private; challenges)

3.     Private market (bookshops; parent-spend)

4.     Educators (training and qualifications: pre-service and in-service; challenges)

5.     Curricula (CAPS, IEB, Other)

6.     Leveraging the Sales Team (challenges they face and how to assist the team; how to get the team to assist publishers)