The Manuscript Works Newsletter
Essential knowledge about scholarly book publishing that every author should have. Get weekly tips on writing and publishing your scholarly book from developmental editor and publishing consultant Laura Portwood-Stacer, PhD.
The Manuscript Works Newsletter 🔧 Submitting to multiple publishers
The Manuscript Works Newsletter Essential knowledge on scholarly book publishing that every author should have Hello Manuscript Workers! As I mentioned in my last newsletter, I'm trying out a new format for this newsletter in 2026. Each issue will be packed with practical advice, upcoming events, free resources, and answers to frequently asked questions. Whenever possible, I'll also be sharing new book announcements and publishing tips that come directly from acquisitions editors at your...
This year at Manuscript Works
The Manuscript Works Newsletter Essential knowledge on scholarly book publishing that every author should have Hi Reader! It's time for a bit of a shift here at Manuscript Works. The last three years have been dominated by my latest book project, proposing and drafting it in 2023, heavily revising it and testing the material in 2024, and releasing it with a lot of supporting content and promotion activities in 2025. I now feel I've done all I can to make that project a success and the rest...
8 ways to disconnect from work
The Manuscript Works Newsletter Essential knowledge on scholarly book publishing that every author should have Hello Manuscript Workers! A little over a year ago, I needed to disconnect from work for personal reasons. I had plenty to do (and a book to finish) but certain emotionally fraught events in my life caused me to genuinely need a break. I was ready to allow myself the time I needed to mentally rest, but I found myself struggling to turn off "work mode." So I turned to you, my...
How to blurb a book
The Manuscript Works Newsletter Essential knowledge on scholarly book publishing that every author should have Hello Manuscript Workers! Do you know what a book blurb is? You've probably read countless blurbs even if you didn't know what they were called. A book blurb is essentially a very brief review or endorsement that is printed on a book's jacket or just inside it. Blurbs may also be included in promotional materials like publisher catalogs, webpages, and online retail sites. As an...
11 free webinars to publish your book in 2026
The Manuscript Works Newsletter Essential knowledge on scholarly book publishing that every author should have Hello Manuscript Workers! In 2025, I committed myself to holding free monthly webinars for scholars who want to publish books. Putting on webinars takes a lot of work, and it's not something I'll be able to do at the same pace next year. But this year of webinars collectively had over 5,500 registrations, and it's incredibly gratifying to know that I was able to help so many people...
Meet 3 editors at Yale University Press
The Manuscript Works Newsletter Essential knowledge on scholarly book publishing that every author should have Hello Manuscript Workers! Earlier this month I had the pleasure of chatting with three acquiring editors at Yale University Press: Jaya Aninda Chatterjee, Heather Gold, and Abbie Storch. Yale UP has a strong focus on trade and crossover books (read on to find out what those terms mean in the scholarly publishing world) as well as a strong international presence, including offices in...
A book 15 years in the making
The Manuscript Works Newsletter Essential knowledge on scholarly book publishing that every author should have Hello Manuscript Workers! Every month in this newsletter, I share newly published books by Manuscript Works readers and clients, along with a more in-depth conversation with one scholarly author to get a glimpse behind the scenes of the book publishing and promotion process. This month, I'm pleased to bring you my interview with Dr. Nicholas L. Caverly, author of Demolishing Detroit:...
Meet an acquiring editor at University of Wisconsin Press
The Manuscript Works Newsletter Essential knowledge on scholarly book publishing that every author should have Hello Manuscript Workers! This week you're getting another chance to get acquainted with an acquiring editor at a scholarly press. Today's conversation will feature Amber Rose Cederstrom of the University of Wisconsin Press. Read on for some great insight into how editors think about the peer review process. And if you've ever wondered what the difference between a list, a series,...
Red flags for authors
The Manuscript Works Newsletter Essential knowledge on scholarly book publishing that every author should have Hello Manuscript Workers! A couple weeks ago, I received an email from someone I don’t know. It opened with, “Just listened to your interview on Princeton UP Ideas Podcast. Nice work getting on such a respected show! Are you interested in being a guest on more shows like this?” The message went on to tell me about a company that would pitch me as a guest on other podcasts (for a fee...
New podcast episodes for scholarly writers
The Manuscript Works Newsletter Essential knowledge on scholarly book publishing that every author should have Hello Manuscript Workers! I have a 30-second favor to ask: if you've read Make Your Manuscript Work, could you go give it a rating on Amazon right now? You don't even have to have purchased it on Amazon, but rating it there helps other people discover that the book exists and builds trust that it'll be worth their while (even if they don't purchase it on Amazon either). Thank you so...
Essential knowledge about scholarly book publishing that every author should have. Get weekly tips on writing and publishing your scholarly book from developmental editor and publishing consultant Laura Portwood-Stacer, PhD.