Getting Yourself Published: How to Be a(n Academic Text)book Author
written by: John Oliver M. Ramos, BA English Language Faculty
The BA English Language Program of the University of Baguio opened its T.E.A.C.H. (Teaching Enhancement Advancement for Competent and Holistic Educators) Seminar Series with Getting Yourself Published: How to Be a(n Academic Text)book Author on September 25, 2025, at the Centennial Building, Room H508. Starting promptly at 1:30 PM, the session began with Dr. Michelle P. Ranges, Program Chair of BA English Language, introducing the speaker, Mr. John Oliver M. Ramos, STELA faculty instructor, MATDEV1 teacher, and published textbook author. With full attendance from the BA English faculty, the seminar successfully met the target of the BA English Language program’s faculty development program for this session.
Mr. Ramos shared his experience in co-writing Senior High School textbooks on Creative Writing and Practical Research, published by Brilliant Creations Publishing Inc., giving a straightforward overview of the process. He discussed some of the tough parts like making time and doing research, handling copyright rules and publisher demands, staying creative, and making sure the content matches the culture. He also said one of the hardest things is beating self-doubt and really believing you can become an author. He further provided some important steps in writing a textbook, as well as the steps on how to get this textbook published. Lastly, he also offered some of his own tips and tips from other Filipino authors on surviving the task of writing a textbook. His talk offered both practical insights and encouragement, showing that textbook writing is challenging but achievable.
The seminar also helped the University of Baguio’s aim to prepare creative and globally ready teachers. By asking teachers to create their own textbooks, the BA English Language Program helps the United Nations’ goals, especially Quality Education (SDG 4) and Good Jobs and Growth (SDG 8). Books made by local writers give students useful learning materials that reflect their culture and everyday life. Ending at 2:40 PM, the session left participants inspired to take on the challenge of authorship. Mr. Ramos closed with a memorable reminder: “To achieve immortality… plant a tree, have a child, write a book.” For the UB English faculty, it was a call to dream bigger and start shaping the next generation of learning materials.
