From Book Proposal to Publication: Conveying our Stories of Transforming Learning with ICT

Abstract

A search of book publications revealed that few refer to Australian and New Zealand ICT initiatives in schools. Consequently, preservice teachers and practising teachers in Australian Universities and schools are largely restricted to the study of initiatives undertaken elsewhere. Apart from some presence in Journals and Conference Proceedings, there is a silence in terms of telling Australian ICT stories in book publications. This paper summarises the conceptualisation and distinctive features of the book Transforming Learning with ICT: Making IT Happen, published by Pearson Education Australia in 2007. This book enhances the presence of this region in the ICT literature, proposes a transformational story of learning with ICT, and provides case studies of teachers making it happen. Thus, this paper provides an account of the process of moving from the manuscript proposal through to publication, provides insights into preparing a manuscript information sheet which addressed markets, differentiates the proposed book from competing books, outlines the approach, coverage and organisation of the book, and the review process and feedback. Through outlining the stages in the production of a book for publication, this paper provides a guide for potential authors to convey further scholarly Australian stories of learning with ICT. It concludes with ideas on 'where to from here?' through discussion of the vision for an Australian book that might be published in several years time.