Background
Jeannette Guerrasio, MD, wrote a book that she wanted to see published. In 2012, a well-established medical publisher obtained reviews of her Book Proposal from their chosen experts. These assessments included such comments as:
“I know of no similar comprehensive text that addresses medical learning and remediation at this level . . . I believe that many faculty members in clinical education programs would find such a text valuable . . . I believe that the text offers a concise and very well-organized, practical framework . . . Overall, I was impressed by the straightforward and systematic approach to a difficult topic . . .” Reviewer # 1
“I think this book fills a huge gap in the current teaching literature . . . (on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being most important) I would rank it a 5 . . . Overall, excellent addition to the medical education literature . . . It is well-written and easy to read . . .” Reviewer # 2
“I think the goals and scope of this book are very complete and appropriate . . . Organization is clear . . . written in a straightforward manner . . . I do not know of any competition for this book . . . I would purchase this text for myself and lend it to colleagues . . .” Reviewer # 3
Unexpected Rejection
Despite receiving three overwhelmingly positive reviews, the publisher decided not to proceed with the publication of Dr. Guerrasio’s book. Other conventional publishers also rejected this project.
Why? We may never know for sure, but we suspect that this major contribution to its field could not find a traditional publishing home because its market was perceived as too small.
What Happened Next
Parker Literary Agency brought Dr. Guerrasio’s manuscript to the attention of the Association for Hospital Medical Education (AHME), a nonprofit organization whose mission embraced the author’s work. AHME and Dr. Guerrasio signed an agreement in February, 2013.
The author, Parker Literary Agency, and AHME worked with a graphic designer and a print-on-demand provider to create the book.
Remediation of the Struggling Medical Learner by Jeannette Guerrasio, MD, was published by AHME as a 184 page paperback in May, 2013. Since then, Dr. Guerrasio has frequently appeared as a guest speaker regarding her book’s topic in both electronic and live forums.
In June, 2013, Parker Literary Agency received the following unsolicited comments from AHME regarding this project:
“The support you provided throughout the editorial, graphic design, and publication process was invaluable. Your extensive experience in the field and your wise counsel paid dividends at every stage and I am not exaggerating to say that the publication would not have come to life or would not have realized the level of quality that was ultimately achieved without your involvement . . .”
To date, sales of Remediation of the Struggling Medical Learner have exceeded expectations; the author’s impact on the field continues to grow. In 2018, five years after its initial release, the Second Edition of this successful book was published.
A companion title, Remediation Case Studies, edited by Dr. Guerrasio and published by AHME, was released in late 2021.
For Further Information
About the Author: www.jeannetteguerrasiomd.com
About the Association for Hospital Medical Education: www.ahme.org
About Parker Literary Agency, LLC: www.parkerlit.com
If you are an author who is writing a nonfiction book OR
If you represent a Society seeking to disseminate information
Please email: parkerlit@rcn.com
This Case Study was prepared by:
Joan Parker
President, Parker Literary Agency, LLC
Originally Posted: December, 2013; Updated: December, 2022
