The Book Proposal Sprint is back by popular demand

Spend a week online with me and power through your book proposal draft

Hi Manuscript Workers,

If you’re in the northern hemisphere, the end of your summer recess may sadly be in sight this week. You may now be reevaluating the goals you’d set a few months back. Maybe one of those goals was to finish a scholarly book proposal. Maybe you haven’t made as much progress as you wanted to. If so, I’m here to help!

For a week in August, I’ll be running my popular Book Proposal Sprint once again. It’s five days of online coworking and live Q&As from August 21st to August 25th. Anyone who is registered for my always-available Book Proposal Shortcut program is eligible to participate in the Sprint. That means if you were with us for the first Sprint in January, you’re more than welcome to join again at no additional cost. If this will be your first time, you just need to register for the Shortcut program and you’ll be in.

WHAT YOU GET

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 — or 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.

HOW IT WORKS

During the week of August 21, 2023, I will host daily coworking sessions via Zoom followed by daily live Q&A sessions. The coworking will happen every day at 9am Pacific (12pm Eastern) and the Q&As will happen every day at 10am Pacific (1pm 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 when you’ve been feeling confused or stuck. 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 and it’s fine to leave your camera off. The five Q&A sessions will be recorded for those who can’t attend live but would like to view the discussions later.

There will be an opportunity to form 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 which I’ll be offering again in 2024.)

HOW TO JOIN

To join the Sprint, register for the Book Proposal Shortcut for Busy Scholars any time between now and the start of the Sprint (August 21, 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 August 21st — 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 book 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 next month!