How do you ensure the quality of your published content?

I thought I'd try a new LinkedIn Creator feature which gives ideas for posts using AI. I chose this one as I think quality is a big part of why authors want to publish with Pearson, and why we strive to do what we do. So here's a breakdown of how we strive for quality through all the stages. To me, quality could mean how good something is, how well it's written, how well it's printed, and how it delivers on its intentions.

• Pearson values - The Pearson values have always been important to me and they changed a few years ago, but quality is one of the five showing how important it is. WE DELIVER QUALITY: We hold our customers and consumers in the highest regard, and our work to the highest standards.?at the heart of our company mission.

• Expert authors?- We don't seek authors for hire. We look for subject matter experts who know their topic well. They often have companies delivering training in these areas, or it's part of their work. This gives us great confidence that books on a skill will help readers.
• Proposal process - our proposal process is rigorous and designed for quality. We ask authors for a complete outline of their book, how they plan to structure it, and sometimes for a sample chapter. This gives both Pearson and the author confidence and clarity on what it is that we're publishing.
• Development editing - As I'm reading content, I'm looking to ensure it makes sense, reads well, delivers for readers, and is appropriate.
• Copyediting - Our copyeditors have all taken a training module called the Pearson Global Content and Editorial Policy. This framework is to ensure our content is respectful of human rights, diverse, equitable and inclusive, evidence-based, and legal and ethical. We ask our copyeditors to use this framework and flag any inappropriate material to ensure it is changed or removed. They also receive an extensive brief for each project with particulars on content.
• Typesetting - We have several text designs, designed for accessibility and readability, and we ask our typesetters to apply this to the final manuscript. As it's being done, they're looking at how content falls on the page and ensuring it flows well.
• Proofreading - Our proofreaders have also taken a training module called the Pearson Global Content and Editorial Policy, and as with copyediting they receive an extensive brief on our expectations.
• Rights and permissions? We ask our authors to provide sources and references for their content and our Rights and Permissions team trawl the content and apply to the rightsholders for permission when deemed necessary. If we can't contact a rightsholder, or it's too expensive, it's changed or removed. We've really strengthened this policy in recent years, which is a good thing, and it's noticeable when working with an author who published before these changes as they are surprised at how different it is.
• Printing?- We have high expectations of how books are printed and if any mistakes or issues are found, we will remove the affected stock and get it reprinted. We also log corrections for reprints if information needs to be changed.

Is there anything I've missed that you'd expect in terms of quality? Let me know!

The Pearson Business Book Club

The Pearson Business Book Club is open to all who would like to learn more about our business books or a particular topic, and the webinars are free to attend. You can also view the on-demand videos of previous sessions on the Book Club website.

Our Business Book of the Month in May is Speak Out, Listen Up by Megan Reitz and John Higgins. Their webinar is Psychological safety - how better (not smoother) conversations can deliver at work. Join us on Thursday 23 May2024, at 2 pm (UK time) and register at https://www.pearson.com/en-gb/higher-education/students/careers/book-club.html, and let me know if you have any questions in advance for Megan and John.

Just Published / Noteworthy books

Project Management Step By Step: How to plan and manage a successful project by Richard Newton?(Pearson Business, 2024)

This practical guide to project management walks you through how to set up, run and successfully deliver a project.

With an accessible step-by-step approach, actionable tips and advice, Project Management Step by Step is your essential guide to becoming a successful project manager, including:

• The basics of project management and how to do it well
• Defining the ‘why’ and ‘what’ of your project
• Creating a comprehensive, realistic and manageable project plan
• How to resolve common problems and manage risks proactively
• Agile and its place in project management

This new edition adds a brand-new chapter on Agile and further guidance on addressing problems and issues on your project, plus downloadable templates you can find online.

“A must-read for any Project Leader, regardless of level.” Martin O’Neill, Transformation and Planning Director, British Gas

“Always the first book I recommend on my training courses." Tessa McDonald, Director and Founder TMcD Project Management Ltd

Richard Newton is a well-known, well connected and highly experienced project manager. He’s a delivery/transformation director with a background in programme and change management, helping organisations deliver complex initiatives and improve their change capabilities.?

His 35+ year career has taken him through international consultancies, directorships in industry, NED roles in SMEs and since 2005 he has run the independent consultancy Enixus. He’s worked globally with organisations varying from start-ups to major corporations and ranging across public, private and not for profits.??

What am I reading?

I'm reading This Much is True by Miriam Margolyes - something I've wanted to read for years and it's a hoot. Miriam is brutally honest about her life, her career and the people she's met and worked with. Definitely recommend!

Finally

Do you have any ideas or suggestions for future newsletters? Did I strike a chord with anything in this newsletter? Is there a business book you've enjoyed recently that you'd recommend? Add a comment or email me at [email protected].