Without some type of publication, students may forget or never realize that their writing is meaningful communication. Publication can be as simple as posting papers on the class bulletin board and oral sharing or as elaborate as compiling class and individual books. Other ways in which student work can be shared are school or grade-level newspapers, literary magazines, pen pals, taped stories, and written work exchanged with another class or school. It is important to note that not every piece that a writer begins will be carried through the entire writing process and polished for publication. However, each student should be encouraged to develop some pieces of writing thoroughly enough to be published.
Publishing is an important motivator in working through the stages of the composing process.
The purpose of publishing is to reinforce the idea that writing is an act of communication. Though listed separately and in sequential order, these stages should not always be thought of, taught, or practiced in a forward-moving, linear fashion but may be combined, repeated, or even excluded as a composition is created. In any writing activity the stages are intertwined with a particular stage receiving greater emphasis. Revising and editing may occur during drafting, but they are not the primary focus. During revision, additional pre-writing may become necessary.