How did you come to write this book?
Lois Bridges, editor for Heinemann, and I were talking about Treasures 3: Stories & Art by Students in Japan & Oregon, my most recent student publication. At the end of the phone call, she asked, How would you like to write a book for Heinemann? I was delighted and surprised, but it was the last thing I expected. For you see, my success with student publishing in part had made up for my failed attempt to get a manuscript published. I had long since given up on the dream of publishing my own work; if I could not be published, I would help my students get published. Of course, I told Lois that I would love to write a book.
Why did you write Publishing with Students?
I want to share practical advice with teachers and parents so that they will be informed and inspired to give their children the opportunity to be published. I have seen firsthand the long term benefits that publishing brings students and want other students to have the same experiences that mine enjoyed.
How important is publishing to students?
Just as important as it is to adult writers. We write to communicate and so do young people. Also, publishing motivates students to write their best and encourages them to continue their writing. Writing is one of the most important tools for success and a skill that our young people will be required to do for the rest of their lives. Publication makes a big difference in students writing.
Where do interested teachers, librarians, and parents start?
Start by thinking about which publication form (e.g., newspaper, magazine, book, and so on) you want to spend time in producing. Then invite your children to join you in this exciting opportunity.
Whats some advice you would like to give teachers and parents interested in publishing young peoples work?
Go slow, start small with realistic expectations (I should talk), and give yourself plenty of time. For example, if you and your young people decide to publish a book, make a small one containing perhaps one or two each childs best pieces. It could be as simple as xeroxing copies of stories and stapling them together.
How can parents help publish their childrens work?
Encourage your child(ren) to keep writing and constantly applaud their efforts. If they want, give them feedback and suggestions to their writing. If you have a home computer and printer, help your child input their stories. (Accompanying artwork enhances the writing.) Then print them out and give copies to relatives and friends. If you dont have a computer, go to a nearby store and have copies made and bound together. Your childs writing will make memorable, touching presents.-more-
What is a secret to successful student publications?
Care deeply for your students and their work and they will move mountains.
What do you do after copies of a publication are printed?
Celebrate! One way is to have an authors reading followed by a party. Invite relatives and friends to attend the reading.
How can students have their work published outside the classroom?
In elementary schools, teachers might have a few students who want to submit their work to outside publications and competitions. In middle and high school, more and more young people become interested in submitting their work outside of school. At any age, they need to have realistic expectations about just how difficult it is to be published. Check out my website <www.publishingstudents.com.> for advice on how to submit work to publications that publish student work and links to those publications.
Are there any dos and donts for students submitting their work?
One is to edit your work carefully. You cannot proofread enough. Another tip is to read the publications/competitions guidelines carefully and follow them exactly.
Have you heard what has happened to any students whose work you published when they were young?
Award-winning authors and artists were first published in my Treasures series. Some have gone on to pursue studies and careers in English, graphic arts, and journalism. Regardless, I hope they all echo the sentiments by Aaron Ward (a published student author) who wrote:
Although I have not tried to get published again since that first success, I know thanks to you that I have what it takes, so I can focus on creativity and not whether my work is good enough or not. It has made a great deal of difference in my life and will continue to for as long as I still live and write. I cant imagine myself without my writing, and I dont think I would have kept the desire to write in my heart so strongly had it not been for your Treasures project and my success with it.
What lies in the future of student publications?
Because of advanced computer technology and the Internet, I envision teachers, young people, and parents more involved in cooperative publication projects with students in other cities, states, and countries. These publications will be created to make a difference in peoples lives.
Where can a teacher, parent, or student go for more advice about student publishing?
Check out my website <www.publishingstudents.com>. It includes an advice column, published student writing, articles by teachers, guidelines for my ongoing student publication projects, my favorite resources, and more. Feel free to e-mail me at <chriscarlweber@earthlink.net>. I will be happy to give you guidelines to our latest international student publication project and answer any questions you have.
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