INSTITUTIONAL WORKSHOPS FAQ
This page addresses frequently asked questions about institutional workshops run by Laura Portwood-Stacer of Manuscript Works.
Please direct all inquiries to Molly Grote at Molly_Grote@press.princeton.edu.
How long are your workshops?
I offer 90-minute workshops as well as half-day (3–4 hour) workshops. A 90-minute workshop includes one of the topics below. A half-day workshop includes two topics.
What topics are covered in your workshops?
The available workshop topics are described below. Each topic is self-contained; content from the different topics cannot be mixed and matched in a single presentation. If you would like me to cover more than one topic, please book a half-day workshop. If you would like me to cover more than two topics, you may request multiple workshops on separate days.
Topic 1: How to Land a Scholarly Book Contract
This workshop will introduce scholars to the book publishing process and answer key questions that both new and experienced authors should be asking, such as how to find the right press for your current project, how to connect with editors, when is the ideal timing to submit a proposal, how to navigate submission to multiple publishers, and more. Scholars at every career stage are welcome.
Topic 2: How to Write an Outstanding Book Proposal
This workshop will acquaint prospective authors with the key components of the scholarly book proposal, highlight common mistakes that first-time (and experienced!) authors make, and offer concrete tips on how to make your proposal stand out in the sea of submissions at your dream publisher. Even if you have written successful book proposals before, you will learn new information to take your future projects to the next level.
Topic 3: How to Publish a Book from Your Dissertation
This presentation for early career researchers and their mentors will cover how to effectively pitch a revised dissertation project for scholarly publishers. We will discuss what scholarly presses mean when they say that they don't publish dissertations and how to ensure that your submission materials address the major concerns publishers have when considering revised dissertations. We will also address the common advice to “write your dissertation as a book” and when you should start approaching publishers about your project.
Topic 4: How to Work with a Developmental Editor
This presentation will introduce participants to the process of working with a developmental editor to prepare book and article manuscripts for publication. We will cover how to find a suitable freelance editor, when in the writing process to engage their services, and how they can assist you in achieving your publication goals.
What is included your workshops?
All workshops include a live Zoom presentation (60 minutes per topic), interactive Q&A (30 minutes per topic), and a set of slides and handouts in PDF format. I will provide a link where attendees can download the slides and handouts.
I place no limit on the number of attendees, and institutions may record the workshop to be shared internally for up to 60 days.
Your institution is responsible for creating the Zoom event and registering attendees, providing accessible captions during the presentation, as well as making and distributing any recordings and transcripts you wish to provide.
One 30-minute planning meeting is included with your workshop booking. This is an opportunity for the workshop organizers to discuss logistics and publicity in advance of the workshop. The ideal timing for this meeting is at least 60 days before the workshop date.
Individual meetings with attendees and feedback on works in progress are not part of my workshop offerings. Individuals who are interested in these services are encouraged to check out my online programs. Institutions may purchase enrollments in these programs on behalf of their faculty if so desired. Such requests should go directly to Laura Portwood-Stacer.
Who can attend your workshops?
My workshops are appropriate for faculty and researchers at all career stages, as well as advanced graduate students. Attendees may be working on first or second books (or beyond). Even very experienced authors will learn something new from my workshops about current norms in scholarly publishing.
The workshop content is not specific to any particular field, so all book-writing scholars across the humanities, social sciences, and STEM fields are welcome.
My institutional workshops may be hosted by individual departments or units, multiple units across a university, or multiple campuses as part of a consortium of institutions. I ask only that registration be conducted privately and not made available to the general public.
What days and times are your workshops held?
I can hold a workshop on any weekday, subject to my calendar availability. My available hours are 8:30am to 3:30pm Pacific time.
Do you have workshop descriptions, bio, and a headshot that can be used for publicity purposes?
The workshop topic descriptions above can be used in publicity materials. My headshot can be downloaded here (feel free to crop as needed). A full bio and brief bio appropriate for publicity materials and introductions can be found here.
