Cheatham PRESS 

To order while on the PTA Registration page, click Cheatham Press 2025-2026 under New Forms. 

 

Add to cart to purchase. 

 

You can use the following link after registering as a PTA member: Cheatham Press Order Form (https://cheathampta.membershiptoolkit.com_Open_Forms) or 

https://cheathampta.membershiptoolkit.com/form/m/297288   (will only appear once you're a PTA member)

  

Completed manuscripts due by TBD

 

Questions? contact Deepthi Thanigundala at artsineducation@cheathampta.org 

 

 

 

Cheatham PRESS

Order Your Manuscript Kit

  • To order while registering for PTA membership, click Cheatham Press 2025-2026 under New Forms on the PTA Registration page.

  • Or, after registering as a PTA member, use this link:
    Cheatham Press Order Form
    (Note: This form appears only once you're a PTA member.)

Cost: $16 per manuscript kit (subsidized through your PTA membership; regular book purchase price is $25.95)
Deadline to order: November 1, 2025 (Only 30 kits available—first come, first served!)

What is Cheatham Press?

Cheatham Press is our student author program that helps young authors publish their creative works. There’s something magical when kids see their name on a book they wrote—a sense of pride and ownership that’s priceless!

Benefits of participating:

  • Project Management: Learning how to plan and meet deadlines.

  • Creative Thinking: Developing ideas and stories.

  • Critical Thinking: Organizing and presenting ideas clearly.

  • Exploration & Research: Adding depth and interest to their books.

As a parent, you’ll witness your child grow as a writer, thinker, and project manager while nurturing their creativity!

How It Works

  1. Purchase the manuscript kit ($16) when you become a PTA member.

  2. Registered students receive a kit that includes:

    • Cover page & inner cover

    • Lined sheets for writing

    • Blank sheets for illustrations

    • Author page

    • Detailed instructions for all pages

  3. Submit your completed manuscript kit by December 19, 2025 in the submission basket inside the Cheatham Library.

  4. Volunteers review manuscripts to ensure all pages are complete (please note: volunteers do not edit or correct content, grammar, or typos).

  5. Manuscripts are sent to the publisher in late January 2026 for printing and binding.

  6. Printed books arrive and are prepared for display by March 2026.

  7. Authors’ Reception to honor student writers is held in April 2026 during the PTA membership meeting (April 13, 2026).

  8. Published books are placed in the school library. When students leave Cheatham, they get to take their books home.

Volunteer Opportunities

Want to help? Update your volunteer form on your Cheatham PTA account to assist with:

  • Designing & creating the Author Board

  • Collating manuscripts

  • Checking printed copies and preparing for display

  • Organizing the Authors’ Reception

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get a copy of my child’s book?
Yes! The book will be kept in the Cheatham Library until your child graduates or leaves the school, then it’s theirs to keep. You may also order extra copies.

How do I order extra copies?
After publication, you’ll receive a permission form with instructions to purchase additional copies (~$30.95 each) directly from the publisher.

Why must I be a PTA member for my child to participate?
PTA subsidizes half the kit cost, hosts the reception, and organizes volunteers. Membership helps support the program’s success.

What grade levels can participate?
Kindergarten through 6th grade.

What if my child can’t write fiction?
No problem! Both fiction and non-fiction are accepted. Kids can write poems, recipe books, biographies, travel stories, or anything original.

Questions?
Contact Deepthi Thanigundala at artsineducation@cheathampta.org