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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.

Project management for book writers

The Manuscript Works Newsletter Essential knowledge on scholarly book publishing that every author should have Happy September Reader, The theme for the newsletter this month is Back-to-School Tools, and each week I'll be sharing some of my favorite tools for getting organized and staying on track with your book publishing goals as the school year ramps up. This week, I'm delighted to bring you a guest newsletter from Dr. Shiri Noy, author of a new book called Project Management for...

How to work with me and have someone else foot the bill

The Manuscript Works Newsletter Essential knowledge on scholarly book publishing that every author should have Hello Reader, What's better than getting to work with a professional developmental editor on your book proposal or book manuscript? Getting to work with a professional developmental editor and having someone else pay for it! In today's newsletter, I want to share three ways that you can work with me this year without having to spend any of your own money. (I also offer a bunch of...

Black Feminist Writing: A conversation with Dr. Stephanie Y. Evans

The Manuscript Works Newsletter Essential knowledge on scholarly book publishing that every author should have Hello, Reader! Last week, I shared an excerpt from the new book Black Feminist Writing: A Practical Guide to Publishing Academics Books by Dr. Stephanie Y. Evans. This week, I want to tell you how you can hear more about the book and Dr. Evans' process of writing it. First, here's a summary of Black Feminist Writing from the publisher's website (SUNY Press): Writing scholarly books...

Following up with publishers — when and how to do it

The Manuscript Works Newsletter Essential knowledge on scholarly book publishing that every author should have Happy last day of July, Reader! I spend a good deal of my working hours answering author questions about the book publishing process. I've been hosting daily Q&As this week as part of my Book Proposal Sprint (which you can still join here), and I also regularly field questions from alums of my programs and even strangers who send me emails. It's interesting to notice when certain...
Headshot of Brielle Harbin, PhD

How Candle Making Made Dr. Brielle Harbin a Better Writer

The Manuscript Works Newsletter Essential knowledge on scholarly book publishing that every author should have 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...

How to summarize a book chapter

The Manuscript Works Newsletter Essential knowledge on scholarly book publishing that every author should have A template for your book proposal's annotated table of contents 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...

Making time to care for your book

The Manuscript Works Newsletter Essential knowledge on scholarly book publishing that every author should have Why book work is care work and how I can help 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...

Rejection rates for scholarly book proposals

The Manuscript Works Newsletter Essential knowledge on scholarly book publishing that every author should have What are the odds your book proposal will get rejected? 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...

Trade books - what scholars need to know

The Manuscript Works Newsletter Essential knowledge on scholarly book publishing that every author should have What scholars need to know about writing a book for "general readers" 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...

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.