Connecting UI researchers with experts in academic publishing
This new program connects University of Iowa faculty and graduate student researchers with university press editors. Starting in Spring 2025, every year the Obermann Center will bring an accomplished editor from a scholarly press to campus for a short residency that includes workshops and presentations.The workshops support faculty and graduate students from disciplines in which publishing a monograph is expected. The Editor-in-Residence program also aims to emphasize the crucial role that publishing professionals play in academia.
This program is funded by the Office of the Vice President for Research's Writing for the Public Good P3 initiative.
October 5–7, 2026
Fall 2026 Obermann Editor-in-Residence
Biggins is Editor-in-Chief at University of Pennsylvania Press, where he acquires titles in cultural studies, human rights, the intellectual and political history of the Americas, and Atlantic World and postcolonial studies.
Past Editors-in-Residence
Fall 2025: Sara Jo Cohen, Editorial Director, University of Michigan Press. Cohen acquires titles in music, theater and performance studies, and dance.
Spring 2025: Mark Simpson-Vos, Senior Executive Editor, University of North Carolina Press
Schedule of Events
Editorial Consultations
UI faculty, students, and staff are invited to attend a group editorial consultation with our Editor-in-Residence at the Obermann Center library. Potential discussion topics might include finding an editor, pitching a book, writing a book proposal, how the publishing process works, etc.
An application link will be posted in Summer 2026.
Junior Faculty & Graduate Student Breakfast/Talk
University of Iowa junior faculty and graduate students at all stages are invited to join Editor Biggins for breakfast and a conversation about turning an article, thesis, or dissertation into a book. Please bring any questions you have about that process or about scholarly publishing in general.
A registration link will be posted in Summer 2026.
Undergraduate Career Session
Interested in a career in publishing? This is an opportunity for students to hear directly from a distinguished professional about the realities of the field and to gain insight into how to prepare for a career in publishing. Pizza will be provided!
A registration link will be posted in Summer 2026.
Public Lecture
Lecture description forthcoming!
A registration link will be posted in Summer 2026.
Faculty Book Proposal Workshop
For this workshop, 4–5 UI faculty members will submit book proposal drafts for a collaborative feedback session led by the Editor-in-Residence. The session is designed to help authors write a compelling book proposal, with a focus on crafting a strong pitch, identifying target audiences, and outlining the project’s structure. The workshop’s goal is for participants to walk away with a strong and cohesive book proposal, increasing their chance of securing a book deal.
An application link will be posted in Summer 2026.
"I loved the writing exercises, stretch breaks, and clear information about what makes for an effective proposal. I especially appreciated learning more about what it's like to wade through proposals as an editor and how to make the communication between author and editor more effective. It was a special treat to connect with faculty of different disciplines and learn from their various examples (as well as to be exposed to their research!)"