Part-Time Author, Full-Time Librarian

Writing for the Professional Press

John J. Burke, MSLS

2005 Ohio Library Council Annual Conference

“Writing and reading is to me synonymous with existing.”

-- Getrude Stein

​

​

“Omit needless words.”

-- Strunk and White, The Elements of Style

Goals for the session

• Why do I think you should write?

​

• My case example

​

• Motivation for writing

​

• Strategies for pursuing publication

​

• Thoughts on the writing process

Writing for ourselves

• Practicing library staff writing for practicing library staff

​

• Sharing experiences

​

• Giving back for the good of the field

​

• If you don’t write about it, who will?

Two approaches

​

• What do you know – what can you share with others?

​

• What would you like to know more about?
• Professional needs
• Personal interests

The part-time author . . .

• 3 books (1996, 1999, 2001)
• 1 new edition in progress (out in early 2006)
• Articles and book reviews in peer-reviewed journals, newspapers, newsletters, and campus publications.

​

. . . the full-time librarian

• 12 years in libraries (Fairmont State College (WV), the University of Cincinnati, and Miami University)
• 7+ years of teaching library-related credit courses

Why do I write?

• How it all began

​

• Writing I want to do

​

• Writing I have to do

​

• Have something to fall back on

​

• Open yourself up to opportunities

Your motivation

• The four Ps:
• Passion
• Professional development
• Promotion (“publish or perish”)
• Pocketbook

​

• Picture the outcome

​

• How far will your motivation carry you?

​

Falsehoods of writing

• Only experts can write.

​

• You need an agent to get published.

​

• It’s too hard to write.

​

• You have to drink a lot.

​

• I’ll never be on Oprah.

What makes you a writer?

• Writing! – write on a regular basis
• Are you good at:
• Explaining things to others?
• Writing documentation?
• Communicating your ideas verbally or in text?
• Gathering facts and doing research
• Attention to detail: grammar and punctuation
• Reading! – not just library documents
• Keeping track of trends and developments

​

Your professional opportunities

• Books
• Library literature (research and practical articles)
• Association periodicals and newsletters
• Library e-journals and web sites
• Blogs
• Local opportunities: newspaper columns, organizational newsletters, press releases, etc.
• Library-related and beyond
• Crossover content

Your strategy for publication

1. Start with what you know
• A “story to tell” or a gap
2. Brainstorm – find your focus
3. Get reactions from colleagues
4. Decide on a direction – where
• Books – sign contract first, then write
• Articles – write and submit
5. Consider how long it will take – when
6. Prepare a proposal (formal or informal)

​

7. Plan writing into your life – how and where
8. Start writing
9. Finish writing
10. Get comments and proofread the work
11. Submit it to publisher
12. Make corrections and resubmit
13. Finalize work for publication
14. Get published (your name in print)
15. Promote your work!
16. Read reviews (start all over again)

​

Between 8 and 9

• Don’t expect perfection in the first draft

​

• Just write

​

• Blocks will come, and blocks will go

​

• Need to set time aside (make it a habit)

​

• Set goals within the larger deadline

​

What about the time?

• Time to write

​

• Time to think

​

• Time to learn

​

• Time to read

​

• Time to wait

Resources to consult

• The Library Writer’s Blog (http://librarywriting.blogspot.com)
• Resources for Library Writers (http://library.utoledo.edu/userhomes/cseeman/writers)
• Crawford, Walt. First Have Something to Say: Writing for the Library Profession. Chicago: American Library Association, 2003.
• Bell, Steven J. “What Works For Me: 10 Tips for Getting Published.” Ex Libris 225 & 226 (http://marylaine.com/exlibris/xlib225.html)

My recommendations

• Start small and think big

​

• Try a conference presentation

​

• Watch for opportunities and move quickly

​

• Never doubt you can do it

​

• Don’t quit your day job

Questions?

Don’t forget! –

Neal-Schuman Library Technology Companion (2^nd ed.) is out in early 2006!

​

John J. Burke

Miami University Middletown

burkejj@muohio.edu

513-727-3293

http://www.users.muohio.edu/burkejj/ (for presentation)

​