The Inspiration Behind the Book
The idea for Educate to Self-Regulate had been simmering for a few years before Shyam decided to turn it into a reality. A teacher, researcher, and school partner, Shyam had worked closely with schools since 2015, offering workshops on self-regulated learning (SRL). A common request Shyam received was teachers eager to explore the subject further.
However, Shyam found there wasn’t a single comprehensive resource he could recommend. This compelled him to create one himself, drawing on his own research into teachers' knowledge of SRL.
His goal was simple but ambitious: to create a resource that would not only fill a gap in educational literature but also provide practical strategies that educators could implement immediately.
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Overcoming Challenges as a First-Time Author
One of the biggest hurdles Shyam faced was figuring out how to craft a book that would truly meet the needs of his audience.
Like many first-time authors, he initially began writing the book he wanted to write, rather than the one his readers needed.
It was through the Expert Author Community’s (EAC) exclusive “Nail it Now” masterclass that Shyam found clarity and refocused his work to better align with the needs of educators.
Shyam also faced the challenge of determining the best publishing path. The EAC offered him invaluable guidance on the publishing side of things, especially as he was unsure of whether to sign with a publisher or go another route. Shyam chose the EAC because he wanted to learn more about the publishing industry and how best to retain creative control.
Through the support of the EAC’s book coaching, and available information, he was able to navigate the complexities of the publishing process with ease and ultimately negotiate a contract with Amba Press.
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Community, Collaboration, and Growth
Looking back, Shyam credits the EAC, along with his publisher, for profoundly shaping his writing journey.
From writing sprints to the masterclasses, the EAC provided structure and accountability at every stage. Most importantly, it offered a supportive environment where Shyam could share the ups and downs of his writing journey with fellow authors.
"I learned so much about the industry and was able to make informed decisions about how I wanted my book to come to life,” said Shyam.
Key Milestones and Achievements
For Shyam, the publication of Educate to Self-Regulate is part of a larger mission to improve SRL in education, with each milestone representing progress toward that goal.
Some standout moments include:
- Receiving the foreword from Professor Charlotte Dignath, a leading expert in the field.
- The excitement of the book's official publication date.
- Hosting a book launch in Canberra, where 80 attendees came together to discuss the power of self-regulated learning.
- Surpassing his publishers yearly sales goal of 1,000 copies (Shyam sold 1,200 in the first 3 months) of the book being published!
But perhaps the most meaningful aspect of this journey has been the conversations sparked by Educate to Self-Regulate.
The book has become a powerful tool for educators to engage with the concept of self-regulated learning and explore practical ways to implement it in their classrooms.
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Advice for Aspiring Authors
Shyam’s advice for anyone looking to write a book? Just start writing.
He encourages writers to get something on paper and not be afraid to iterate and refine as they go. He also stresses the importance of bringing your audience into the process early on—whether through feedback, interviews, or conversations. Involving them can help you create a book that truly resonates.
And most importantly, don’t be afraid to seek help— (help-seeking is often associated with high achievement!).
With Educate to Self-Regulate, Shyam has turned years of experience and research into a practical, accessible guide for educators. His story is one of perseverance, collaboration, and finding the right path to success with the support of the EAC.
Dr. Shyam Barr’s book, Educate to Self-Regulate, is now available and serves as an essential resource for educators seeking to equip their students with the skills to become independent, lifelong learners.
