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.
Stay tuned for November 2025 events with Sara Jo Cohen from University of Michigan Press!
Fall 2025 Obermann Editor-in-Residence
Cohen is Editorial Director at University of Michigan Press, where she acquires titles in music, theater and performance studies, and dance. Prior to working at University Michigan Press, she was an editor at Temple University Press and began her publishing career at University of North Carolina Press. Sara holds a PhD in English from University of Minnesota.
Past Editors-in-Residence
Spring 2025: Mark Simpson-Vos, Senior Executive Editor, University of North Carolina Press
Fall 2025 Opportunities
Graduate Student Session
This talk for PhD and MFA students in the writing disciplines will outline the publishing process for first books. The session will guide graduate students through the steps of the academic publishing process, focusing on the transition from dissertation to published book.
More information forthcoming. Registration will be required.
Public lecture
Description forthcoming. RSVPs will be requested.
Editorial Consultations
One-on-one talks with our Editor-in-Residence, Sara Jo Cohen. Authors will guide Cohen through their book project, and Cohen will answer whatever questions arise.
Registration link to be posted soon.
Faculty Book Proposal Workshop
For this workshop, 4–5 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.
Registration link to be posted soon.