Explain to students that the class will author and produce the book. Send a form home to parents to explain the classroom project and the guidelines for publication. Let them know that copies of the class storybook may be available to families at the end of the year if enough people express an interest.
Provide suggestions and directions for the first story submissions. Ask students to write stories about family events or family pets.
Collect the submissions at the end of the assignment. Edit a few examples as a class project, explaining why certain items were marked and taking suggestions for corrections. Allow students to correct their own papers. Request the final version in typed form.
Coordinate illustrations with the stories. Slip each story inside a sheet protector with the illustrations becoming part of the story page or on the facing page. Place completed stories in a three-ring binder.
Continue assigning stories for the project throughout the year. Allow time for students to correct grammar and spelling errors and to type the stories into classroom computers. If a student works on the project at home, allow him to email you the final story.
Scan completed stories and illustrations in PDF format. Save each computer file by student name or into unit folders.
Allow students to choose two or three of their best efforts or favorite stories for final publication at the end of the year. If you use an online publishing company, send the company the final copy for printing. Or print out a final copy and have a local printing company bind the book for you.
Give parents an opportunity to purchase copies of the storybook by providing cost and ordering information. Create and distribute the ordered copies or have parents deal directly with the printer.