Carol’s Interview with editor, Sharon Coatney

If kids spend 6 hours a day inside the classroom, how can writers create books that reach those children? By addressing the needs of teachers.

Sharon Coatney is Acquisitions Editor for School Library Media, Libraries Unlimited and Teacher Ideas Press. This interview spotlights books used by teachers in the classroom or as part of a homeschool program.

CAROL: Thank you, Sharon for taking time to chat about books for teachers.  Could you tell us a little about the books Teacher Ideas Press publishes?  Are there specific types of books or subjects that you are currently looking for? Or types of books you never get enough of?

SHARON: Teacher Ideas Press is an imprint of Libraries Unlimited, a publisher that concentrates on providing materials for the use of all types of libraries and librarians. Because we know from research that collaboration between the school librarian and teachers is such a powerful teaching tool, we are interested in materials that lend themselves to those sorts of collaborations.  Readers Theatre, books using children's literature with standards in all content areas, technology in instructional use; books on inquiry and other research type activities that inspire great lessons with teachers and librarians working together.

CAROL: Excellent! We'll provide a link to the Teacher Ideas Press submission guidelines, but what's one piece of advice for writers that isn't in the guidelines?

SHARON: Please do not submit children's picture books to us!

CAROL:  OK, writers—that means no picture books even if you think they could be read in the classroom. Sharon, what would you like educators to know about Teacher Ideas Press?

SHARON: Teacher Ideas Press wants to help improve instruction by providing books that are both interesting for the teacher to implement and based on sound educational research.

CAROL: We Marbles are looking for discussion topics of interest to our audience. As an editor, what topics would you like to see discussed?

SHARON: How can teachers and school librarians work together to promote the inclusion of critical thinking and inquiry in their school curriculum?

CAROL: Teachers and librarians working together. What could writers do to make your job as editor easier?

SHARON: Do not submit books to more than one publisher at once and if the book is accepted, read the author's guide.

CAROL: Following the rules usually does make everything easier. Is there anything else you want our audience to know either about writing, about TIP, about publishing, or about you personally?

SHARON; I am a retired teacher and school librarian with 30 years experience teaching at all levels.  I love school and kids and doing interesting things with teachers and students.

CAROL: Your background and knowledge must really help with creating books that will best aid teachers, librarians, AND kids. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and experience with us.

Now, TEACHERS AND LIBRARIANS, here’s a link to the Teacher Ideas Press website to view the latest catalogue.  www.teacherideaspress.com 

WRITERS, here is the link to those submission guidelines. Remember—NO picture books!    www.teacherideaspress.com/contact_us.aspx#Editorial