In a previous post about writing samples for publishers I mentioned including a rationale. I can’t say for sure that publishers welcome this. Maybe they just want to look at your sample materials and judge for themselves whether you’ve got… Read More ›

publishers
Blogging tips for new ELT writers
I recently shared a tip on LinkedIn for materials writers who blog: Here are a few more suggestions for using your blog to good effect as a newbie materials writer. Note: these tips are mostly about finding work, interacting with… Read More ›
Materials Writing: Samples
Question from a reader: Can you give me some advice on how to write a sample? Ummm… The free ‘No Nonsense Guide to Writing’ from ELT Writers Connected includes a good overview on this topic (see page 27, written by… Read More ›
Why I work for free (sometimes)
I take on materials development work for free sometimes. I appreciate that not everyone has time to do that, can afford to, or might want to. I choose to do it for different reasons. It might be for a good… Read More ›
Book review: 21st Century Skills in the ELT Classroom
This book from Garnet Education explores various issues around the integration of 21st Century Skills in the ELT classroom (!). In the foreword, Christopher Graham (Editor) states that while each chapter is framed with reference to research, the focus is… Read More ›
Teacher development and coursebooks
Prompted by a tweet from @michaelegriffin, here are some thoughts on how coursebooks/published materials/in-house resources can aid teacher development. Michael asked this: I shared some examples of how I provide development tips in published resources, such as these two from… Read More ›
Materials writing news and views, July 2020
Last update before a nice break, woohoo! New releases Another one for Paul Ashe (with Jeremy Bowell) – Prospects. I’ve seen Paul’s name around a bit recently. IH are running a course in online tutoring, he’s listed as a tutor… Read More ›
How to annoy commissioning editors (and find work)
Another ‘how to become a materials writer’ article has popped up – Kirsten Holt’s article for ETPro offers some more good advice for budding writers. Every time I read one of these posts I’m itching to chip in. I really… Read More ›
ELT materials writing – my year in review
It’s been quite a good year on the writing front. Balancing writing with full-time teaching is tough, but the rewards are great! It’s only three weeks until our xmas holidays so I’m calling this the end of my writing year…. Read More ›
Materials writing news and views, July 2019
Sorry, been busy! Here’s some latest news with a Pearson-heavy start! Pearson to phase out print textbooks The big news announced yesterday (BBC article here). In the pipeline… Pearson are working on the higher levels (Int+) of Startup. Promo… Read More ›