Book Proposal Sprint
August 21–25, 2023
Join Laura Portwood-Stacer (founder of Manuscript Works and author of The Book Proposal Book) and a cohort of fellow authors to prepare your scholarly book proposal with a week of coworking sessions and live Q&As.
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.
You’ll also get access to a library of sample documents including successful proposals, query letters, and responses to peer reviews.
During the week of August 21, 2023, I (Laura) 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.
All 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 (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 January — it’s completely up to you!
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.
Hope to see you in August!
