Hello Manuscript Workers!
As you know if you’ve been here for a while, I’ve been running scholarly book proposal courses for about five years now. In that time I’ve had over a thousand writers come through my programs. Many of those authors are now deep into the book publishing process—or happily standing on the other side of it—on the strength of their outstanding proposals.
Over the years, I’ve tried to stay connected with my program alums on an informal basis. I love when authors email me to share their wins, like signing a contract or having their book come out. Many of them check in with me for advice when trying to interpret editor’s responses or make sense of the contract terms they’ve been offered.
I find these connections with my program alums so meaningful that I decided it was time to formalize them a bit. Not everyone who comes through my programs realizes they can reach out to me for support after the program ends. I also know that sometimes sending an email feels harder than making a post on a website when you need some quick advice, especially if you’re the kind of person who feels self-conscious about “bothering” others with your questions.
The scholarly book publishing process can be stressful, lonely, and confusing, particularly if you don’t have people in your life who have been through the process before or faced the same challenges as you. This can be especially true for first-generation academics, scholars working at teaching institutions or in fields where books are less common, and people who just have less-than-helpful mentors or colleagues. I’m here to be someone in your corner so you don’t feel as if you’re going it alone.
Therefore I’ve created a new initiative I’m calling Manuscript Works Author Support (MWAS). It’s a private online hub where you can stay connected with me throughout your book publishing journey. You’ll also have the option of connecting with other Manuscript Works authors for peer advice and support.
Here’s what you get as a member of Manuscript Works Author Support:
Quarterly live Q&A sessions open only to MWAS members where we discuss everything related to scholarly book publishing including planning your submission, communicating with editors, handling interest from multiple publishers, negotiating contract offers, and more. Authors at all different stages of the process attend these online sessions, so they are a great way to get a glimpse of what’s ahead if you’re early on in your book publishing journey. The next Q&A will be held on March 3rd (and a recording will be made available if you can’t attend live).
An online community space where you can post any questions or situations that come up in your publishing journey to get expert perspective from someone who’s seen (almost) everything before. I usually respond within a day, so you will have answers and next steps right away rather than having to stew in confusion.
A forum to connect with other Manuscript Works authors. I’m hoping this will enable you to form small writing groups, get inside info on working with different presses and editors, and feel less alone in this book publishing process. There’s no requirement to engage with the group, but I’ll be facilitating connection for those who want it.
A place to share your milestones with people who actually recognize what a big deal they are. (Yes, even pressing send on that first email to an editor can feel like a huge win. I get it, and I will celebrate with you at every step.)
Priority enrollment in future Manuscript Works programs (and possibly one-to-one editing and consulting services when I’m able to offer them again).
How to join Manuscript Works Author Support
To be eligible for Manuscript Works Author Support you just need to be an alum of one of my book proposal programs: the Book Proposal Accelerator that I hold once or twice a year, or the self-paced Book Proposal Shortcut for Busy Scholars that’s open for enrollment at any time.
Currently, there’s no additional charge for MW Author Support beyond your enrollment fee in the Accelerator or Shortcut, and there’s no expiration date on your membership.
If you’re already an alum of my programs, the steps to join are very simple: create an account and email support@manuscriptworks.com to request access to the MWAS community.
I’ll also be sending all alums a separate email invitation, so you can wait for that if you want. Keep an eye out for that message and check your spam folder to make sure my emails aren’t landing there — even if you are getting this newsletter you might be missing more targeted messages from me. If your email address has changed since you took my course, please let me know right away so I can update my records.
If you haven’t yet participated in my book proposal programs but Manuscript Works Author Support sounds appealing to you, you can become eligible to join by enrolling in the Book Proposal Shortcut at any time (or the Book Proposal Accelerator next time I offer it). Everyone who enrolls in the Shortcut or Accelerator from here on out will be automatically added to the MWAS community.
Questions about any of this? Shoot an email to support@manuscriptworks.com.
Thanks for reading, and have a great week!
P.S. I have largely abandoned the site formerly known as Twitter and am trying to post more often on Bluesky. I’m @lportwoodstacer.bsky.social over there if you’d like to connect.