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About CEC Publications
The Publications Program is designed to support CEC’s mission through a variety of print and non-print channels. The Publications Program works within and in support of CEC’s strategic plan and policies. CEC’s publication niche has as its foundation the eight areas set forth in the Common Core of Knowledge and Skills presented in What Every Special Educator Must Know: The Standards for the Preparation and Licensure of Special Educators.
- Philosophical, Historical, and Legal Foundations of Special Education
- Characteristics of Learners
- Assessment, Diagnosis, and Evaluation
- Instructional Content and Practice
- Planning and Managing the Teaching and Learning Environment
- Managing Student Behavior and Social Interaction Skills
- Communication and Collaborative Partnerships
- Professionalism and Ethical Practices
CEC publishes and distributes products designed to help practitioners work more effectively in the classroom. This focus encompasses: discussions and applications of proven teaching methods and strategies; curricular materials; pre-service and in-service training materials; techniques for working with particular populations of students; assessment materials; analyses of emerging trends and issues; special education policy materials; and other products that facilitate effective teaching and administration. [Note: Although many of CEC’s publications are used as textbooks, or supplemental texts, in pre-service and in-service training, CEC is not a commercial textbook publisher.]
Manuscripts or other media that are considered for publication by CEC are subject to peer review. Peer and staff reviewers look for accuracy, utility, attention to cultural and linguistic equity, focus on appropriate target audience, and market potential. In considering products for possible publication, one of our goals is to maintain a balance between products of wide interest in special education (e.g., on high-incidence disabilities) and products intended for smaller markets; both are essential in meeting our commitment to serve CEC’s mission. We also try to maintain a balance between products priced to meet the needs of individual purchasers and product packages, which have higher prices that will be used by whole schools or programs.
CEC’s Publications Program consists of the following:
This page addresses only the last of these, our Books and Non-print Media Program. The others, CEC’s periodicals, have their own unique requirements, and information about them is available separately.
Readership
CEC’s readership includes educators and other individuals who work with children and youth with various exceptionalities. Teachers, administrators, students, parents, related service providers, and members of the higher education and research communities are among our audiences. General and special educators use our publications, as well as government officials, legislators, psychologists, medical professionals, social service providers, and community leaders.
How to Submit a Product Proposal to CEC
Before sending a manuscript or product to CEC, authors are encouraged to send a proposal so that we can determine whether the proposed product will fit into CEC’s current publication plan. All proposals should be submitted to CEC with a cover letter that gives a description of the content to be conveyed in the publication; a brief summary of the author’s expertise in the subject matter; and the intended target audiences(s), i.e., the group(s) for whom the publication is intended, such as teachers, administrators, parents, teacher trainers, etc. The proposal itself should be 2-4 pages in length and should include details of the major topics or contents of each chapter or section. Significant illustrations, figures, tables, or appendices should be described as part of the proposal. Authors should also indicate the product’s current stage of development, e.g., is there a completed manuscript or media product or has nothing yet been written or produced.
After CEC Receives the Product Proposal
When you submit a product proposal to CEC, you will generally get a response in approximately eight weeks indicating whether or not there is interest in the proposed product. If there appears to be a good fit between the proposal and CEC’s current publication plans and priorities, the author is contacted to discuss the proposed product in more detail. At this point, there may be some initial questions or comments to the author to clarify the proposal and CEC’s feedback.
If both CEC and the author are still interested at that point, contract terms will be discussed and an agreement may be reached regarding publication after receipt and acceptance of a manuscript. When the manuscript or media product has been developed, the author will be requested to send a diskette copy, four paper copies, double-spaced, to CEC to be sent out for review. The field review process takes approximately two to three months. If the product is considered publishable (usually with changes) after field review, a financial analysis is done to estimate the costs of production and printing and the marketability of the product. This analysis is used to determine the price and the projected financial success of the product. If the reviews are positive and the product can be priced competitively, then CEC will enter into a formal contract with the author.
Generally, a manuscript goes through several stages of revision and editing before it becomes a finished product, so authors should not be discouraged by receiving a number of comments and suggestions from reviewers. Reviewers’ comments and CEC’s own editorial judgments, shape the product for maximum marketability. Often title, format, and organizational changes are necessary. CEC staff works closely with authors throughout the revision process. Once the revisions are complete, the author must deliver the final manuscript to CEC in electronic form (MS-Word) and on paper.
Contracts and Royalties
CEC offers many different publishing options, including royalty arrangements. After contract arrangements have been discussed, CEC will send the author a publishing contract that covers all significant arrangements, including transfer of ownership, subsidiary rights, the author’s free copy entitlement and standard discount, and any royalty that has been agreed upon. Royalty percentages vary but are competitive with other publishing firms. The royalty to the author is based on the income from sales of the product. An option is also available for authors to donate a portion of their royalties to CEC, as a charitable contribution, or to a third party.
Contacts
For questions regarding CEC journals or to submit proposals for books and other products, please contact:
Ms. Stefani Roth
Director of Publications
Professional Development Services
Council for Exceptional Children
2900 Crystal Drive, Suite 1000
Arlington, Virginia 22202-3557
pubproposal@cec.sped.org
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