Please join us on October 2nd from 9:00AM to 12:00PM for the Appalachian Book Publishing Support Program!
The Appalachian Book Publishing Support Program supports faculty and scholars in developing, refining, and publishing high-quality manuscripts and scholarly works across disciplines. Through panels and workshops, this program offers guidance on proposal development, publisher selection, peer review navigation, and post-publication outreach and marketing. Participants will also have an unparalleled opportunity to meet one-on-one with editors and marketing specialists to discuss book proposal ideas and marketing plans (see signup sheet below). The goal of this program is to equip authors at Appalachian State University with the skills to get published, network with publishing industry experts, pitch books to editors, and amplify the impact of scholarly and creative works. There will be plenty of time for Q&A, so bring your questions! Register here to receive the Zoom links.
Resources:
Speaker Bios and Consultation Signup Links
Agenda:
Appalachian Book Publishing Support Program 2025
October 2nd, 2025
Panel 1: Publishing Your Manuscript: Start to Finish (9:00AM-10:00AM)
From idea to bookshelf, publishing a scholarly book is a journey that demands creativity, strategy, and persistence. This panel offers a comprehensive roadmap for academic authors navigating the publishing process—from developing a compelling proposal and identifying the right press, to negotiating contracts, responding to peer review, and promoting the final product. Panelists include editors from university presses who will share practical insights, common pitfalls, and emerging trends in academic publishing. This session will equip you with the tools and confidence to bring your book to life.
- Nate Holly, Editor-in-Chief, University of Georgia Press
- Abby Freeland, Senior Acquisitions Editor, University Press of Kentucky
Workshop: Publicity and Marketing for Your Scholarly Book (10:00AM-11:00AM)
Publishing your scholarly book is a major milestone, but ensuring it reaches the right audiences requires a strategic approach to publicity and marketing. This workshop demystifies the promotional process, offering practical guidance for authors seeking to amplify their visibility and impact of their work. Participants will learn how to collaborate effectively with the publisher's marketing team, craft compelling book descriptions and authors bios, leverage social media and academic networks, and engage with media outlets, conferences, and institutional channels. This session will equip you with the tools to build momentum, connect with readers, and position your scholarship for lasting influence.
Allie Shay, Publicity Manager, University of Wisconsin Press
- Allison Means, Assistant Director/Marketing Director, University of Iowa Press
Panel 2: Expanding Pathways: STEM Publishing and the Role of Independent Scholarly Presses (11:00AM-12:00PM)
As STEM research continues to evolve rapidly, so too do models for disseminating it. This panel explores the shifting landscape of STEM publishing, highlighting both traditional academic channels and the growing influence of independent scholarly publishers. Panelists will discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in publishing STEM manuscripts—from navigating peer review and data transparency to addressing open access mandates and interdisciplinary collaboration. Attention will also be given to the role of independent presses in fostering innovation, supporting niche research areas, and offering flexible publishing models that serve both emerging scholars and established researchers. This session will offer practical insights and strategic guidance for STEM authors seeking to amplify the reach and impact of their work.
- Katie Helke, Senior Acquisitions Editor, Oxford University Press
- Matthew McAdam, Executive Acquisitions Editor, John Hopkins University Press
This event is sponsored by the Martha and Nancy Lee Bivens University Library Fund for Excellence and is supported by CETLSS and the Office of Research and Innovation.
Please send any questions to Agnes Gambill at gambillab@appstate.edu.
Photograph of multi colored book stack
