Preston Publishers

Preston Publishers is our student author program that helps young authors publish their creative works. Something special happens when kids see their name on a book they wrote. Pride in ownership of something they’ve solely created is undeniable!

 

Participating in a writing program can teach your child many essential skills like:

  • Project Management – When do I start? When do I finish? How do I break up the rest of the jobs in between?
  • Creative Thinking – What do I write about?
  • Critical Thinking – How do I best present my ideas in words? What part will pictures play in moving my story forward?
  • Exploration and Research – What all can I include in my book?

As a parent, you can see your child’s progression in the books they create each year. You will see them grow as writers, as critical thinkers, and as project managers. All this while still exploring their creativity!

 

To get started, register your student by Nov. 30 by clicking here.

 

How does this program work?

  1. Parents can purchase their Preston Publishers kit for $10 per student on the Open Forms page.  Preston Elementary PTA - Open Forms (membershiptoolkit.com)

  2. Registered students will have a Manuscript Kit. Each kit includes a cover page, inner cover, lined sheets for writing, blank sheets for illustrations, and an author page. The kit contains detailed instructions about the usage of the different types of pages. 

  3. The deadline to order a kit is extended to Nov. 30, 2023, for 2023-2024 so we can mention it at the Reflections Reception 11/14 and answer any last minute questions.

  4. All completed manuscripts need to be turned in by 1/11/24. Mrs. Armentrout will have a station to collect the manuscripts at the Preston Elementary library for those students at school.

  5. Volunteers review the completed manuscripts to check if all pages are completed and are ready for publishing. Please note that volunteers do not correct manuscripts for content, grammar, or typos.

  6. Manuscripts are sent to a publishing house in January to be printed and bound.

  7. Printed books are received, checked against the original manuscript, and readied for display in March.

  8. PTA hosts an Authors’ Reception to honor our student writers April 9th at 5:30pm. Published books will be placed in the school library and will become a part of the permanent collection at the PES library.

 

How do I volunteer?

Login to your Preston PTA account and update your PTA Volunteer Opportunities for the current school year to indicate your willingness to help with Student Book Publishing (Preston Publishers). We will reach out to you to help us with:

  • Designing and creating the Author Board at Preston
  • Collating the completed manuscripts
  • Checking the printed copies and readying them for display
  • Organizing the Authors’ Reception

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get a copy of my child's book to keep?

Your child's book will be a part of the permanent collection of the library at Preston Elementary. You may order an extra copy if you would like to have a copy at home.

 

How do I order extra copies of my child's book?

You will be given a permission form to sign in January giving permission for your child's book to be published.  That form will include instructions on how to purchase extra copies directly from the publishing house vendor.  Additional copies cost $19.95 and will be distributed at the Author Reception in April.

 

What grade levels can participate?

From Kindergarteners to 6th graders, all kids have ideas to communicate, and each one of them can participate. Starting a practice of writing a book a year is a tradition that pays off richly in the long run.

 

What if my child can’t write fiction?

That’s not a problem at all, because both fiction and non-fiction are acceptable. Your child can write a book of poems or about a favorite holiday destination. They can create a recipe book with Nana’s favorite recipes or write about themselves. The only condition is that the idea needs to be original.

 

Questions?? 

Contact us at ptastudentbkpublish.preston@gmail.com.