Faculty Scholarly Publishing Groups

Weekly, biweekly, and monthly scholarly publishing groups for faculty offer updated information from editors at university presses such as Duke, Princeton, Chicago Yale, Georgetown, Stanford, Harvard, Columbia, and Cornell, and journals such as PMLA, I/O, APSR, AHR, JAMA, NEJMand more. You can develop a university press book or academic journal article in a structured way, while meeting colleagues from other departments and programs (you will only work with people from outside your department).

A group is an effective way to cut months or even years off of your writing schedule, and publish easily at higher levels. You can also discuss the research statement portion of grants or other applications, and think strategically about media engagement on your research results.

Groups are warm, relaxed and collegial, and no question is ever too basic. Because we don’t match you with department colleagues, you’ll meet new people. And for the very first time we have options for groups that meet less or more often. Please see the updated FAQ below, and then ask more questions as you have them.

****Frequently Asked Questions****
 
Q: Where do the groups meet? Groups are hybrid with both an in-person and zoom option. If you want to join in person, come to the conference room of 310 Car Barn (3520 Prospect Street NW, across Prospect Street from 1789 and the de la Cruz Art Gallery/Walsh Building). For accessibility, you can reserve a conference room in your space if you want me to bring the group to you.
 
Q: Who should sign up? Groups consist primarily of tenure-line faculty members publishing research in peer-reviewed journals and at university presses. However, Georgetown has always had so many distinguished scholars serving in other roles. Therefore I welcome you if you possess a terminal degree and are willing to engage the publishing priorities of tenure-line faculty. There is no alternative track, but you will receive much encouragement and practical support. Some examples of people I always welcome to groups are faculty who have political, legal, or other careers outside of Georgetown, postdocs, FTNTL and adjunct faculty, visiting scholars, journalists, practitioner fellows, lawyers, our wonderful librarians, and ambassadors, just to name a few.

Q: May I include my research assistant in the meetings? Graduate students and other research assistants are not part of the faculty groups, but you may ask me to work with them separately to provide professional support for your goals. I am pleased to tailor solutions in conversation with you that will work for your specific situation.
 
Q: Are groups mostly for people who are new to publishing? Not at all. Many well-published scholars consistently enjoy participating, and some have joined the groups for years. One of my favorite past participants was a full professor who wanted to publish his sixth book before retirement… and did! Sometimes the well-published and the just-starting-out can enjoy a powerful form of peer mentorship.
 
Q: Do you work with scientists, lawyers, or physicians? Sometimes, but not as often. I usually see scientists, lawyers, and medical faculty when they want to publish a book, but there are other cases, for example an interdisciplinary team on a research article. Much of the material I rely on happens to come from the sciences, especially masterclass materials from the journals Nature and Cell, and personal conversations with editors at JAMA and NEJM, among others. However, my publishing support for scholars is mostly in the humanities, social sciences, political science, theology, philosophy, and public policy. Sometimes people come from business and law. That said, if you are a scientist interested in attracting a wider range of scholars as readers, these groups can be an excellent use of your time. Some scientists also come to meet colleagues working in different fields.
Q: What other publishing support do you offer? I can help you get media attention on your research results without diluting your message. I can also show you how to negotiate a book contract (they are almost always negotiable), or I can even negotiate it for you. You can also reach out if/when you face any sort of publishing challenges, for example if your editor leaves the press, your index is daunting, or your co-author goes AWOL.I’ll keep your situation confidential.

Q: Will you speak to my (graduate students/department/group of visiting scholars)? Yes! I love giving talks around our many campuses, and I can prepare a tailored talk for any group, including faculty, students, alumni, or professional groups. Please do make these special requests. Also, even though grad students can’t participate in the groups, I can always put something together for a group of them.