Book Manuscript Workshops offer faculty the opportunity to share a nearly complete manuscript with a small audience of experts and receive constructive feedback. The aim of the Workshop is to transform an already excellent scholarly project into an even better publishable book. Faculty will invite three expert readers from outside UMBC to read the full book manuscript (or significant sections) and offer their feedback in both written form and in a 2-3 hour workshop (usually held remotely). Some faculty authors may also wish to include a scholarly press editor in the workshop. Formal guidelines for workshop structure and suggestions for budgeting are available from the Dresher Center. Up to $5000 will be available to each applicant to support the workshop.
Faculty members who wish to workshop an in-progress book manuscript should submit:
- A one-page summary of the book project, including a schedule for completion. Applicants should also include a statement indicating whether the work is under contract with a press or provide a list of potential publishers.
- A one-page narrative explaining why and how this opportunity will be important to the process of completing the book. If appropriate, applicants should include a brief statement about their plans for tenure and/or promotion, including timelines.
- A list of potential outside experts.
- A current curriculum vitae.
- A firm date for completion of the book manuscript Manuscripts must be substantially complete before submission to outside readers.
All full-time faculty writing humanities-related books are eligible to apply. Junior faculty or those preparing for promotion are especially encouraged. In order to allow sufficient time for expert review, faculty should submit Book Manuscript Workshop applications 4-6 months in advance of the planned workshop.
Applications should be submitted to: dreshercenter@umbc.edu.