Announcing the Book Proposal Sprint

Hi Manuscript Workers,

First things first, I’m standing in solidarity with the nearly 50,000 academic workers from the University of California system who are striking for a living wage. I’ve made my own personal donation to their strike fund and I am pledging to redirect 20% of all enrollment fees in my programs to the fund (between now and Tuesday 11/22). You can find the eligible programs here.

I also want to share with you something new I have planned for early next year:

If you’re hoping to pitch your book to a scholarly publisher next year, I’d love for you to join me and a cohort of fellow authors to prepare your book proposal with a week of coworking sessions and live Q&As from January 9th to January 13, 2023.

When you register you’ll get access to instructional modules that walk you step by step through drafting your book proposal and ensuring it meets — even exceeds — the expectations of scholarly publishers. The modules are available in written, audio, and video formats, and accompanying worksheets will help you organize your information as you prepare your written draft. The material takes a very similar approach to The Book Proposal Book, but it’s organized to get you right to work and making progress on your proposal as quickly and efficiently as possible.

You’ll also get access to a library of sample documents including several successful proposals, query letters, and responses to peer reviews.

During the week of January 9, 2023, I will host daily coworking sessions via Zoom from 9–10am Pacific (12–1pm Eastern) followed by daily live Q&A sessions from 10–11am Pacific (1–2pm Eastern). At the Q&A sessions, you’ll be able to ask any questions you have about your book proposal or about the scholarly book publishing process in general.

I no longer do 1-1 editing or consulting, so if you have a question you’ve been wanting to ask me directly, this is your opportunity. Publishing situations can be nuanced, and the ability to get advice through live conversation can be super helpful and motivating, in my experience. I’ll remain available to you after the Sprint ends if you have further questions that come up as you start pitching to publishers.

All of the coworking and Q&A sessions are optional to attend, so you can just come for whichever ones work for your schedule. There’s no pressure to actively participate; lurkers are welcome. The five Q&A sessions will be recorded for those who can’t attend live but would like to view the discussions later.

I’ll also facilitate the formation of smaller writing groups for those who’d like to continue working together after the Sprint ends or exchange drafts for peer feedback. (I will not be able to give direct feedback to participants — if this is of interest to you, please check out my Book Proposal Accelerator program.)

HOW TO JOIN

Register for the Book Proposal Shortcut for Busy Scholars any time between now and the start of the Sprint (January 9, 2023).

Once you’re enrolled in the Shortcut, you can start working through the modules at any time. You can even fully draft your proposal and use the Sprint as a period to revise and polish. Or you can wait to start work until January — it’s completely up to you. You will keep lifetime access to all the materials.

Before the Sprint begins, you’ll automatically receive emails with the Zoom link for the coworking and Q&A sessions. After the Sprint, you’ll keep lifetime access to all the modules, sample documents, and Q&A recordings through the Shortcut program.

All prior enrollees in the Shortcut are eligible to participate, so if you’ve signed up for the Shortcut previously and would like to use the Sprint as a way to re-engage with the program, you’re more than welcome. You’ll receive the emails automatically along with the new enrollees.

This is meant to be a low-pressure opportunity to reconnect with your publishing goals and get some external motivation. You can participate as much or as little as you want to. My intent is simply to hold space and offer support for those who need it.

You can reply to this email with any questions you might have. I always want people to make an informed decision before signing up for my programs, so I do welcome all questions in advance.

Hope to see you in January!