To develop skills in writing textbooks and children’s stories and to understand publication strategies, the Indonesian Education and Literature study program and the Indonesian Literature study program at the Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), holds a Textbook Writing Workshop on May 22, 2025, at B1, FBS UNNES.
6th-semester students from the Indonesian Education and Literature study program and the Indonesian Literature study program attended this activity. The training featured Dr. Heru Kurniawan, M.A., who has extensive experience in writing and publishing textbooks and children’s stories.
The event started with signing a cooperation agreement between the Indonesian Education and Literature Study program, the Indonesian Literature Study program, and Rumah Kreatif Wadas Kelir, owned by the speaker. This moment marks the initial step in an academic and practical collaboration to support student work in writing.
Dr. Heru Kurniawan, M.A., shared various tips for pursuing a career as a textbook and children’s story author. He also explained the steps for publishing manuscripts through major publishers and independent publishing.
“Diligence is key, as there are many paths to such a career. If your work is not accepted, try again. Because in the end, no manuscript is wasted,” Pak Heru stated during his presentation.
Pak Heru also shared stories of his three-year struggle to break into the publishing world and become known as a prolific author in children’s literature.
Dr. Deby Luriawati Naryatmojo, M.Pd., Coordinator of the Indonesian Education and Literature study program, stated that this training is a concrete manifestation of strengthening practice-based learning for students. “Students are not only equipped with theory in the classroom, but also gain direct understanding from practitioners so they can produce publishable works,” she remarked.
Around 150 students attended, showing high enthusiasm throughout the activity, during the Q&A session and in direct discussions with the speaker. This workshop is expected to enable students to develop their skills in writing textbooks and children’s stories more professionally and to gain a real-world understanding of the publishing process in the literary industry. (Ika Rizki Refima Putri/Student Staff Humas FBS UNNES/*)
Translated by Dafele Arozal/Student Staff Humas FBS UNNES.
