How to Get Started in ELT Materials Writing

Introduction

• ELT Materials Writing: Can be a supplementary activity or a full-time freelance career.
• Role of Teachers: Teachers often create materials to supplement resources or replace unsuitable course books.

Types of ELT Materials

• Lesson Plans
• Worksheets
• Course Books
• Activity Books
• Teacher Resource Packs
• Teacher Guides
• Video and Audio Scripts with Activities
• Exam Practice Materials
• Graded Readers
• Poster Packs
• Digital Activities (e.g., quizzes)
• Songs, Rhymes, Chants
• Stories

Skills and Training Needed

• Teaching Skills: Understanding the needs of students and teachers, pacing, sequencing, and providing appropriate support.
• Pedagogical Skills: Crafting exercises and selecting appropriate content.
• Work Skills: Meeting deadlines, accepting feedback, collaboration.
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with authoring tools for digital content creation.

Steps to Start in ELT Materials Writing

1. Understand the Profession

• Connect with current writers through blogs, YouTube, and social media.
• Resources: IATEFL MaWSIG blog, Katherine Bilsborough’s Creating ELT Materials blog, TESOL blog.

2. Reflect on Your Expertise

• Identify teaching areas, exams prepared for, and interests in specific English aspects (e.g., pronunciation).

3. Training

• Learn digital authoring tools.
• Training programs: Reach out to publishers or follow social media updates for course opportunities.

4. Enter Writing Competitions

• Competitions by publishers and institutions like The British Council can be gateways into career.

5. Read and Research

• Resources: ELT T2W ebooks, research specific material types you are interested in.

6. Share Your Work

• Get feedback through teachers or blogs.

7. Present and Network

• Present webinars or conferences.
• Use platforms like LinkedIn for networking.

8. Connect with Publishers

• Engage with publishers on social media.

9. Consider Self-Publishing

• Explore self-publishing for unique content, plan marketing strategies.

Conclusion

• Encouraged to take steps in ELT materials writing and engage with the community.

If there's a book you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it. — Toni Morrison

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