Textbook publishers frequently hire writers who have never taught college courses, but rarely for the supplements that require teaching experience; these include instructor’s manuals, test questions, study guides, and companion websites, among others. However, the non-academic writer can:
- Write handbooks for students
- Write part of a textbook
- Create or edit lab manuals
- Review manuscripts and supplements for factual accuracy
- Help create media presentations (transparencies, PowerPoint TM presentations; videos)
- Review media for accuracy
- Copyedit manuscripts
- Create website content
You’ll need to particularly stress your writing skills and professionalism, and you’ll also need to show you have the necessary academic or research background. Also highlight any teaching experience you do have.
You’ll find all the details of how to create the above supplements, plus how to sell yourself to supplement and ancillary editors, in Writing College Textbook Supplements: The Definitive Guide to Winning High-Paying Assignments in the College Textbook Publishing Market.
