Book Proposal Workshop
May 11, 2023 | Part One
On May 11th, the Arab Political Science Network (APSN) and the Center for Lebanese Studies (CLS), organized the first of two parts of the Book Proposal Workshop. The first part was held virtually, bringing together 14 recent PhD graduates and first-time book authors from the Arab world. The session was moderated by Nermin Allam and featured four distinguished and experienced speakers: Laleh Khalili, Adham Saouli, Nadia Naqib, and Andrew Simon.
This virtual workshop provided guidance and feedback to the participants who are working on their first book projects with a focus on the region. The workshop commenced with a plenary session, providing an overview of the book publishing process. Participants were then divided into thematic breakout rooms for informal discussions and feedback. They had the opportunity to rotate between each room every 45 minutes, which facilitated meaningful discussions, questions, and feedback between the co-leaders and participants.
One room, led by Laleh Khalili and Nadia Naqib, focused on the publishing and submission process. The discussion covered the different types of presses, the process of selecting a publisher, and the key components of a book proposal. The second breakout room, facilitated by Adham Saouli and Andrew Simon, focused on transforming a Ph.D. thesis into a book and highlighting the different disciplinary and interdisciplinary styles and topics. Participants had a chance to ask questions and receive general feedback on their proposals. This step is crucial in supporting participants develop their ideas and transform their proposals into complete manuscripts. The workshop concluded with a final group session during which the speakers provided a summary of the discussions that took place throughout the workshop. The session also outlined the required next steps to participate in the in-person workshop that will take place in December in Lebanon.
The Book Proposal Workshop proved to be a valuable opportunity for early career scholars in the social sciences from the Arab world. The feedback received from participants following the virtual program was positive, highlighting the utility of the shared information, the workshop’s format, and the valuable exchange of perspectives and experiences.
Next Steps
In order to participate in the upcoming in-person workshop, participants are required to submit an updated book proposal, including an introduction, and two chapters by October 8, 2023. This will be a competitive process, with a committee reviewing submissions to select up to 7 scholars to attend the workshop in Beirut in December. APSN and CLS will cover the costs of participation for the selected scholars including airfare and accommodation.