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The Manuscript Works Newsletter
Essential knowledge on scholarly book publishing that every author should have
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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 newsletter readers, and asked for your best tips on disconnecting. I got over 200 thoughtful, helpful responses. And I tried many of the ideas you shared! Some of them I'm still doing over a year later and I can say that they've definitely improved my life.
As we approach the end of the year, you too may find yourself with the opportunity to disconnect from work, even if only for a few days. If you want to cherish this opportunity but, like me, sometimes find it difficult to "switch off," I want to share some of the most helpful tips I received. You may already be doing some of these things. (You may in fact have shared these tips with me in the first place.) If so, just consider this a reminder that you deserve time for yourself apart from your work, if you want it, and it's ok to take steps to protect that time.
- Set an away message so you don't feel pressured to respond when a work email comes in
- Give yourself a specific return date. If something work-related comes up, know that you'll get to it after your return date.
- Because it can be hard to just "not focus on work," choose other things you will focus on during this period in place of work, such as craft projects, art classes, cleaning, traveling, spending time with friends, etc.
- Spend time in nature, especially near water. Engage your body by walking, hiking, kayaking, doing yoga outdoors, gardening, etc.
- Undertake physical activity that requires heavy concentration, such as weight-lifting, training for a marathon, or choreographed dancing such as swing dancing or country line dancing. (I started strength training for the first time in my life last year—on the suggestion of a few readers—and it's been a game-changer for my overall health and personal confidence.)
- Change your environment. Rearrange your furniture, books, the art on your walls, etc.
- Set low-stakes challenges for yourself such as reading a certain number of fun books, watching a certain number of movies, relaxing in front of the TV for a certain number of hours, or finding the best coffee shop/book store/craft store/pizza place (etc.) in your town.
- If you find it hard to shut off your work brain entirely, channel your thinking toward projects that you don't typically have time to get to in the day-to-day bustle. (Maybe you'd like to watch some free webinars and daydream about publishing your future book?)
As for me, I'm hoping to take several days off from work next week and devote them to assembling jigsaw puzzles, taking my kids to the beach (our Los Angeles holiday tradition), maaaaaybe cleaning my house (probably kidding myself there), and reviving my dormant YouTube channel where I talk about my knitting hobby.
What will you be doing between now and the end of the year? Let me know if you decide to try any of the tips above and how they go for you!
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This newsletter is coming to you from Laura Portwood-Stacer, PhD, professional developmental editor and publishing consultant. I help scholarly writers navigate the book publishing process with more ease and agency.
I hope you'll stick around for practical tips on writing and publishing your scholarly book, but if you'd like to adjust your subscription settings, you can do that at the bottom of this message.
More about Laura and Manuscript Works →
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Hope to see you in 2026,
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