Writing: From Ideas to Publication

Any or all of these programs can be combined to fit the needs of the school or group requirements.

Writing to Publish:

In this interactive program, the author/pubIisher empowers students to believe that they too can become published authors. The program is presented in three parts. Age-appropriate materials are used with different grade levels.

The Professional Publishing Process:
Students participate in a discussion about editors, authors, illustrators, and printers involved in professional publishing. Students learn how books are made from actual examples furnished by R.R.Donnelley Printers.

Stimulating the Thought Processes:
Students complete two writing exercises to learn (1) a quick, easy way to bypass writer's block and get started, and (2) a simple way to use descriptions for expanding narrative. This section brings out energetic discussion of techniques writers and authors use to communicate their ideas in words.

Using Books as Examples:
In this part, students see examples of books written and illustrated by child authors. Students also hear audiotapes of the same authors reading their published works. The program is followed by a lively question-and-answer period.

Editing Workshop:

In this workshop, student writers will learn the basics of editing a manuscript, using either one they have already written or one provided by the instructor. Learning to revise a manuscript, to clarify meaning or to paint a more vivid picture, is a key element in becoming a successful writer. Students will gain experience through hands-on demonstration and application of editing techniques.

Writer's Group Workshop:

During this in-depth session, the author/publisher gives specific guidelines on what publishers look for in terms of manuscript style and content. These guidelines include critiques of students' works and examples of the proper ways to prepare the manuscript (whether poetry, short stories, nonfiction, or picture books). The publisher provides reference materials that describe opportunities for publication. Students are asked to read their work for a group discussion and critique from their peers and publisher.