What is a custom textbook?

Blackwell UK in partnership with Oxford Brookes University has developed an exciting new custom publishing service that allows you to combine content from multiple publishers to create a bespoke custom textbook for any course of over 100 students.
This could include any of the following:

• Content from previously published books or journals.
• Course materials you have written yourself.
• Content that is out of print or out of copyright (provided that a copy of the text is available).

What are the benefits?

• Allows you to create a core text that covers your course syllabus in the order you want to teach it.
• Reduces the cost of photocopies and handouts by incorporating them into your custom textbook.
• Reduces students' dependence on shared library resources.
• Allows students to easily revisit key themes and readings during revision.
• Allows you to supply professional, bespoke texts alongside distance learning courses. (Students rate printed materials as the number one factor when determining quality and value for money on distance learning courses).

Who should I contact?

If you would like to commission a custom textbook or reader please complete our online form, speak to the manager of your local Blackwell Bookshop or email custom@blackwell.co.uk.

What is involved?

Step 1: Speak to our custom publishing team about your course and the type of textbook you would like: we'll need to know the subject, number of students, start dates.

Step 2: List the chapters or articles you would like to include in the order you'd like them to appear using our content list form.

Step 3: Submit your own content and any original material to be included. Arrange with us the scanning of master copies.

Step 4: We then clear permissions, design and make your custom text. This part of the process takes 6 - 8 weeks, during which time you will receive regular updates on the status of your text.

Step 5: Check and approve the proofs.

How much does it cost the course leader?

Other than the time you invest in selecting the content, there is no cost to commission a textbook. Your custom textbook will be sold like any other textbook to students.

How much does it cost the student?

The retail price for students is directly linked to the number of pages you select. A very rough estimate of the final retail price is 10-15 pence/page. This would make the RRP of a 250 page textbook £25 - £37. Permission fees set by publishers can vary dependent on each text, but we would always aim for a price that is competitive. We know that students often don't purchase overpriced books, therefore it is our mission to keep the cost to students as low as possible.