Timing: When a publisher loops you into an exchange with a potential IA faculty member
Once publisher reps start including you in conversations with instructors, you can help close the deal in two ways:
- Legitimize the IA program
- Illustrate cost savings
The former will reinforce the publisher rep’s claims, while the latter highlights the most compelling reason that most faculty decide to shift to IA.
Here’s an example email you can use to encourage an instructor after a publisher rep brings you into the conversation:
TO: Instructor
CC: Publisher Rep
Hi [INSTRUCTOR NAME],
I am the [POSITION] at [CAMPUS STORE NAME], and writing to let you know that our [IA PROGRAM NAME] program helps lower the cost of course materials for our students. When you make Inclusive Access available for your class, students automatically receive digital course materials through [LMS NAME] on or before the first day of class, and they pay the lowest price possible.
Although students can opt-out of the digital materials and purchase their materials elsewhere, very few choose to do so because of the convenience and competitive pricing. Students who remain opted into their digital course materials will have their bursar account billed.
We noticed that your book for [COURSE] would be a good candidate for [IA PROGRAM NAME] this term. Here’s a summary of potential student savings:
- New hardcover textbook: $
- New looseleaf textbook: $
- Used hardcover textbook: $
- Used looseleaf textbook: $
- Non-inclusive access eBook: $
[IA PROGRAM NAME] RedShelf eBook: $
If you are interested in offering this savings to your students next term, I’d be happy to discuss this further with you. Please let me know what works in your schedule.
Joe Textbook
Course Materials Manager
Example University Bookstore