First Book Workshop: Spring 2026

Deadline to Apply: Friday, March 13, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Overview

This workshop is intended to introduce participants to the process of publishing a first scholarly book. Throughout the course of the workshop, the leaders will guide participants through topics such as the differences between a dissertation and book manuscript, how to approach a press editor, how to submit a prospectus to a publisher, and what happens after a manuscript has been accepted for publication. The final product of the workshop will be an effective book prospectus that could be submitted to a publisher. Participants will receive feedback on their prospectus and publishing plans from the workshop leaders and each other. The workshop will meet five times throughout the semester. 

Eligibility

Eligible participants will be faculty in the humanities, arts, or humanistic social sciences working on a first book publication that is a non-fiction scholarly monograph. 

Planned workshop dates

Tuesdays from 1:00 - 3:00 PM on March 24, April 7, 14, 21, and 28

Workshop Facilitators

Jacquelene Brinton, Department of Religious Studies
Akiko Takeyama, Department of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies

Application Process

Participation in the workshop is determined by a competitive application process. Please prepare an application packet that includes the following information and email it to Andrew Hodgson (ahodgson@ku.edu) as a Word or PDF attachment by 5:00 pm, Friday 13 March:

  • CV that contains contact information, departmental affiliation, and time at KU
  • Two-paragraph abstract of book project that includes title of book

Send this complete information in an email attachment to Hall Center Assistant Director Andrew Hodgson (ahodgson@ku.edu) by Monday, Nov. 27, at 11:59pm.

The number of workshop participants is limited. If you confirm acceptance, you are agreeing to attend all sessions, read assigned materials, and draft a book prospectus for distribution to the group. 

 

QUESTIONS

If you have any questions, please contact Hall Center Assistant Director Andrew Hodgson at ahodgson@ku.edu.