Katherine Carroll
@katherinecarroll.bsky.social
Developmental Editor: I help academic authors from book proposal to final submission (theeditorialally.com).
Art & Architectural Historian/Author: "Building Schools, Making Doctors: Architecture and the Modern American Physician" (UPittPres).
She/Her/Dr
Art & Architectural Historian/Author: "Building Schools, Making Doctors: Architecture and the Modern American Physician" (UPittPres).
She/Her/Dr
Pinned
As a developmental editor for academics, I help authors feel confident about the work they submit, from the book proposal to the final manuscript. I support authors working in art & architectural history; history of medicine; science & technology studies; & other history fields. theeditorialally.com
Thanks @ideasonfirephd.bsky.social, @noahspringer.com,
Alyssa Napier, & Sara Cohen for a great book proposal webinar on a cold rainy Monday. As writers and editors we often work alone. Don't underestimate the power of connection (even virtually) and enthusiasm to maintain your energy.
#Academicsky
Alyssa Napier, & Sara Cohen for a great book proposal webinar on a cold rainy Monday. As writers and editors we often work alone. Don't underestimate the power of connection (even virtually) and enthusiasm to maintain your energy.
#Academicsky
November 10, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Thanks @ideasonfirephd.bsky.social, @noahspringer.com,
Alyssa Napier, & Sara Cohen for a great book proposal webinar on a cold rainy Monday. As writers and editors we often work alone. Don't underestimate the power of connection (even virtually) and enthusiasm to maintain your energy.
#Academicsky
Alyssa Napier, & Sara Cohen for a great book proposal webinar on a cold rainy Monday. As writers and editors we often work alone. Don't underestimate the power of connection (even virtually) and enthusiasm to maintain your energy.
#Academicsky
As the semester intensifies, authors often ask me if it's okay to push back a deadline with a publisher.
Frequently, it's not a problem, but you need to let the acquisitions editor know as soon as possible and work out a (hopefully mutually agreeable) time to submit the materials.
#AcademicSky
Frequently, it's not a problem, but you need to let the acquisitions editor know as soon as possible and work out a (hopefully mutually agreeable) time to submit the materials.
#AcademicSky
November 6, 2025 at 9:57 PM
As the semester intensifies, authors often ask me if it's okay to push back a deadline with a publisher.
Frequently, it's not a problem, but you need to let the acquisitions editor know as soon as possible and work out a (hopefully mutually agreeable) time to submit the materials.
#AcademicSky
Frequently, it's not a problem, but you need to let the acquisitions editor know as soon as possible and work out a (hopefully mutually agreeable) time to submit the materials.
#AcademicSky
It’s not too late to vote!
November 5, 2025 at 12:35 AM
It’s not too late to vote!
Reposted by Katherine Carroll
PSA: When revising authors' descriptions of their books for the website/back cover, the thing I do more than anything is add v. basic, concrete info abt the specific objects/texts/archive/thinkers they analyze/draw on for evidence. This is also often the info I find myself hunting for in proposals.
November 4, 2025 at 8:12 PM
PSA: When revising authors' descriptions of their books for the website/back cover, the thing I do more than anything is add v. basic, concrete info abt the specific objects/texts/archive/thinkers they analyze/draw on for evidence. This is also often the info I find myself hunting for in proposals.
Authors often focus on word count as an indicator that their MS is too long (& thus boring). But the issue might not be word count. I would look at other factors that impact pace, e.g., obscure argument, clarity of topic sentences, long sentences, & passive voice.
#academicsky #amediting #writing
#academicsky #amediting #writing
November 4, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Authors often focus on word count as an indicator that their MS is too long (& thus boring). But the issue might not be word count. I would look at other factors that impact pace, e.g., obscure argument, clarity of topic sentences, long sentences, & passive voice.
#academicsky #amediting #writing
#academicsky #amediting #writing
Conclusions are hard. Many authors find that they get to the conclusion, and they are "out of ideas." (And often out of energy.)
In today's TEA Delivered, I share 3 formats you might consider for a conclusion with examples in published monographs.
#academicsky
open.substack.com/pub/theedito...
In today's TEA Delivered, I share 3 formats you might consider for a conclusion with examples in published monographs.
#academicsky
open.substack.com/pub/theedito...
Structuring the Book's Conclusion
Welcome to TEA Delivered, the newsletter of The Editorial Ally (TEA)!
open.substack.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Conclusions are hard. Many authors find that they get to the conclusion, and they are "out of ideas." (And often out of energy.)
In today's TEA Delivered, I share 3 formats you might consider for a conclusion with examples in published monographs.
#academicsky
open.substack.com/pub/theedito...
In today's TEA Delivered, I share 3 formats you might consider for a conclusion with examples in published monographs.
#academicsky
open.substack.com/pub/theedito...
Authors often ask me when they can deviate from the typical academic monograph structure.
My response? "You can do anything you want as long as you take the reader with you."
In other words, make sure you use clear signposting so the reader can still follow the argument.
#AcademicSky #academia
My response? "You can do anything you want as long as you take the reader with you."
In other words, make sure you use clear signposting so the reader can still follow the argument.
#AcademicSky #academia
October 28, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Authors often ask me when they can deviate from the typical academic monograph structure.
My response? "You can do anything you want as long as you take the reader with you."
In other words, make sure you use clear signposting so the reader can still follow the argument.
#AcademicSky #academia
My response? "You can do anything you want as long as you take the reader with you."
In other words, make sure you use clear signposting so the reader can still follow the argument.
#AcademicSky #academia
Feeling overwhelmed by writing the book's introduction? You aren't alone.
In this week's TEA Delivered, I discuss five elements of book introductions. Keeping these components in mind may make outlining (and writing) the introduction a little easier.
#AcademicSky
open.substack.com/pub/theedito...
In this week's TEA Delivered, I discuss five elements of book introductions. Keeping these components in mind may make outlining (and writing) the introduction a little easier.
#AcademicSky
open.substack.com/pub/theedito...
Outlining the Book Introduction
Welcome to TEA Delivered, the newsletter of The Editorial Ally (TEA)!
open.substack.com
October 24, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Feeling overwhelmed by writing the book's introduction? You aren't alone.
In this week's TEA Delivered, I discuss five elements of book introductions. Keeping these components in mind may make outlining (and writing) the introduction a little easier.
#AcademicSky
open.substack.com/pub/theedito...
In this week's TEA Delivered, I discuss five elements of book introductions. Keeping these components in mind may make outlining (and writing) the introduction a little easier.
#AcademicSky
open.substack.com/pub/theedito...
In a recent conversation, an author & I realized that, while we don't know what "motivation" looks like, we do know the ways we are "disciplined" (e.g., teeth brushed & dog fed twice a day). Why can't making a plan for each writing session also be something you do as a matter of course? #AcademicSky
🧵 Very few people can sit down at their desk, turn on their computer, and start working on their manuscript without preparation. Most people succumb to a place of overwhelm and inaction if they don't have a plan.
I've collected a few effective strategies for creating writing plans. (1/x)
I've collected a few effective strategies for creating writing plans. (1/x)
October 23, 2025 at 7:10 PM
In a recent conversation, an author & I realized that, while we don't know what "motivation" looks like, we do know the ways we are "disciplined" (e.g., teeth brushed & dog fed twice a day). Why can't making a plan for each writing session also be something you do as a matter of course? #AcademicSky
🧵 Very few people can sit down at their desk, turn on their computer, and start working on their manuscript without preparation. Most people succumb to a place of overwhelm and inaction if they don't have a plan.
I've collected a few effective strategies for creating writing plans. (1/x)
I've collected a few effective strategies for creating writing plans. (1/x)
October 23, 2025 at 2:46 PM
🧵 Very few people can sit down at their desk, turn on their computer, and start working on their manuscript without preparation. Most people succumb to a place of overwhelm and inaction if they don't have a plan.
I've collected a few effective strategies for creating writing plans. (1/x)
I've collected a few effective strategies for creating writing plans. (1/x)
When academic authors need a pep talk during the loooong process of writing a monograph, I often encourage them to keep writing for two people: their *brave younger self* who had the courage to start the project and their *proud older self* who will experience the thrill of holding the printed book.
October 16, 2025 at 11:36 PM
When academic authors need a pep talk during the loooong process of writing a monograph, I often encourage them to keep writing for two people: their *brave younger self* who had the courage to start the project and their *proud older self* who will experience the thrill of holding the printed book.
So grateful for the thoughtful review of Building Schools Making Doctors in Journal of Social History. When I revised (& revised) its argument, my sincerest hope was that someone might write: it "shows us the capacity of architecture to give form to, & shape, a rapidly changing medical profession."
October 16, 2025 at 11:35 PM
So grateful for the thoughtful review of Building Schools Making Doctors in Journal of Social History. When I revised (& revised) its argument, my sincerest hope was that someone might write: it "shows us the capacity of architecture to give form to, & shape, a rapidly changing medical profession."
Developmental editors don't just work on books. We edit articles, essays, & chapters, too.
Recently, I worked with authors preparing an essay for an exhibition catalog & an article for a peer-review journal. Timelines were tight, but we managed a quick turnaround & high-yield results. #AcademicSky
Recently, I worked with authors preparing an essay for an exhibition catalog & an article for a peer-review journal. Timelines were tight, but we managed a quick turnaround & high-yield results. #AcademicSky
October 14, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Developmental editors don't just work on books. We edit articles, essays, & chapters, too.
Recently, I worked with authors preparing an essay for an exhibition catalog & an article for a peer-review journal. Timelines were tight, but we managed a quick turnaround & high-yield results. #AcademicSky
Recently, I worked with authors preparing an essay for an exhibition catalog & an article for a peer-review journal. Timelines were tight, but we managed a quick turnaround & high-yield results. #AcademicSky
Revisions can be overwhelming, and I often encourage authors to rank revisions from "critical" to "if-there-is-time."
I also tell authors to write down three parts of the manuscript that make them proud because every manuscript has fantastic parts, too.
#AcademicSky #amediting #academia #writing
I also tell authors to write down three parts of the manuscript that make them proud because every manuscript has fantastic parts, too.
#AcademicSky #amediting #academia #writing
October 9, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Revisions can be overwhelming, and I often encourage authors to rank revisions from "critical" to "if-there-is-time."
I also tell authors to write down three parts of the manuscript that make them proud because every manuscript has fantastic parts, too.
#AcademicSky #amediting #academia #writing
I also tell authors to write down three parts of the manuscript that make them proud because every manuscript has fantastic parts, too.
#AcademicSky #amediting #academia #writing
🧵Tuesday's Tip: Quotations
1. Don't overuse quotations. Paraphrase unless the *language* of the quote is significant to your argument. Paraphrasing keeps the narrative in *your* voice, and quoting conservatively ensures that the text doesn't start to feel like a potpourri of writing styles. (1/x)
1. Don't overuse quotations. Paraphrase unless the *language* of the quote is significant to your argument. Paraphrasing keeps the narrative in *your* voice, and quoting conservatively ensures that the text doesn't start to feel like a potpourri of writing styles. (1/x)
October 7, 2025 at 1:29 PM
🧵Tuesday's Tip: Quotations
1. Don't overuse quotations. Paraphrase unless the *language* of the quote is significant to your argument. Paraphrasing keeps the narrative in *your* voice, and quoting conservatively ensures that the text doesn't start to feel like a potpourri of writing styles. (1/x)
1. Don't overuse quotations. Paraphrase unless the *language* of the quote is significant to your argument. Paraphrasing keeps the narrative in *your* voice, and quoting conservatively ensures that the text doesn't start to feel like a potpourri of writing styles. (1/x)
🧵Stuck on revisions? Here's an idea to clarify the argument.
Find the most troublesome section, and go paragraph by paragraph underlining the topic sentence (TS). Then ask:
1. Does the TS express the paragraph's argument (i.e. does the TS relate to the evidence you present in the paragraph)? (1/2)
Find the most troublesome section, and go paragraph by paragraph underlining the topic sentence (TS). Then ask:
1. Does the TS express the paragraph's argument (i.e. does the TS relate to the evidence you present in the paragraph)? (1/2)
October 2, 2025 at 1:14 PM
🧵Stuck on revisions? Here's an idea to clarify the argument.
Find the most troublesome section, and go paragraph by paragraph underlining the topic sentence (TS). Then ask:
1. Does the TS express the paragraph's argument (i.e. does the TS relate to the evidence you present in the paragraph)? (1/2)
Find the most troublesome section, and go paragraph by paragraph underlining the topic sentence (TS). Then ask:
1. Does the TS express the paragraph's argument (i.e. does the TS relate to the evidence you present in the paragraph)? (1/2)
Reposted by Katherine Carroll
ER doc here! This is a lie. Wait times are up because the American healthcare system is an unsustainable business model and a for-profit national healthcare system just doesn’t work. These problems will continue to get worse until we change that system. It literally has nothing to do with immigrants
Vance: "If you're an American citizen & you've been to the hospital in the last few years, you've probably noticed wait times are especially large & very often somebody who's there in the ER is an illegal alien. Why do those people get healthcare benefits at hospitals paid for by American citizens?"
October 1, 2025 at 6:49 PM
ER doc here! This is a lie. Wait times are up because the American healthcare system is an unsustainable business model and a for-profit national healthcare system just doesn’t work. These problems will continue to get worse until we change that system. It literally has nothing to do with immigrants
Crafting titles is hard for a lot of authors, but understanding one of the standard title formats in academic writing can make the process more manageable.
In today's TEA Delivered, I demystify the Concept: Topic format.
#AcademicSky #amediting #writing #academia
open.substack.com/pub/theedito...
In today's TEA Delivered, I demystify the Concept: Topic format.
#AcademicSky #amediting #writing #academia
open.substack.com/pub/theedito...
A Formula for Titles
Welcome to TEA Delivered, the newsletter of The Editorial Ally (TEA)!
open.substack.com
September 30, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Crafting titles is hard for a lot of authors, but understanding one of the standard title formats in academic writing can make the process more manageable.
In today's TEA Delivered, I demystify the Concept: Topic format.
#AcademicSky #amediting #writing #academia
open.substack.com/pub/theedito...
In today's TEA Delivered, I demystify the Concept: Topic format.
#AcademicSky #amediting #writing #academia
open.substack.com/pub/theedito...
I sent a similar email this week. Writing books is hard, working in academia is hard, let's celebrate each other.
I started doing this thing where when I read a book I admire I try to find the author’s email & send a quick message saying I appreciated it. No big deal, not trying to be weird, but like: thank you for helping me think something new. It’s hard writing books. It matters when people read them.
Did you see your friend's book at the store? Email them a pic! See them cited? Email them (esp. as aggregators fail to catch many citations)! Did a scholar mention their work! Email them! Did a student use their work in a paper? Email! Did a professor teach their work? Email! Email! All the time!!!
September 26, 2025 at 2:02 PM
I sent a similar email this week. Writing books is hard, working in academia is hard, let's celebrate each other.
Hey writers and editors--
Let's collectively acknowledge that revising a MS happens in rounds. It's not a one-and-done proposition. No one moves from rough draft to polished manuscript in a single pass. We all know this, so why do we say "I'm going to revise my MS" like it's a one-step process?
Let's collectively acknowledge that revising a MS happens in rounds. It's not a one-and-done proposition. No one moves from rough draft to polished manuscript in a single pass. We all know this, so why do we say "I'm going to revise my MS" like it's a one-step process?
September 24, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Hey writers and editors--
Let's collectively acknowledge that revising a MS happens in rounds. It's not a one-and-done proposition. No one moves from rough draft to polished manuscript in a single pass. We all know this, so why do we say "I'm going to revise my MS" like it's a one-step process?
Let's collectively acknowledge that revising a MS happens in rounds. It's not a one-and-done proposition. No one moves from rough draft to polished manuscript in a single pass. We all know this, so why do we say "I'm going to revise my MS" like it's a one-step process?
Revision is a process because it is, by definition, iterative. Manuscripts don't go from "rough" to "polished" in one round of revision.
Don't beat yourself up if your manuscript is on draft 3 or 5 or 8. You are doing the hard work required to make the manuscript strong.
#AcademiaSky #amediting
Don't beat yourself up if your manuscript is on draft 3 or 5 or 8. You are doing the hard work required to make the manuscript strong.
#AcademiaSky #amediting
September 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Revision is a process because it is, by definition, iterative. Manuscripts don't go from "rough" to "polished" in one round of revision.
Don't beat yourself up if your manuscript is on draft 3 or 5 or 8. You are doing the hard work required to make the manuscript strong.
#AcademiaSky #amediting
Don't beat yourself up if your manuscript is on draft 3 or 5 or 8. You are doing the hard work required to make the manuscript strong.
#AcademiaSky #amediting
Booking an edit with me for late in the semester helps authors because
1) a deadline with me keeps them writing when their schedules get full, and
2) they get to pass off the project to me & focus on other tasks for a bit *while* the MS is still moving forward.
Book now for Nov/Dec!
#academicsky
1) a deadline with me keeps them writing when their schedules get full, and
2) they get to pass off the project to me & focus on other tasks for a bit *while* the MS is still moving forward.
Book now for Nov/Dec!
#academicsky
September 16, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Booking an edit with me for late in the semester helps authors because
1) a deadline with me keeps them writing when their schedules get full, and
2) they get to pass off the project to me & focus on other tasks for a bit *while* the MS is still moving forward.
Book now for Nov/Dec!
#academicsky
1) a deadline with me keeps them writing when their schedules get full, and
2) they get to pass off the project to me & focus on other tasks for a bit *while* the MS is still moving forward.
Book now for Nov/Dec!
#academicsky
In today’s TEA Delivered, I discuss the difference between a subject-area expert (someone who helps you think through the impact a project may have on the field) and a developmental editor (someone who helps you express your ideas as clearly as possible).
open.substack.com/pub/theedito...
open.substack.com/pub/theedito...
I Don't Know if the Project is "Good"
Welcome to TEA Delivered, the newsletter of The Editorial Ally (TEA)!
open.substack.com
September 11, 2025 at 1:55 PM
In today’s TEA Delivered, I discuss the difference between a subject-area expert (someone who helps you think through the impact a project may have on the field) and a developmental editor (someone who helps you express your ideas as clearly as possible).
open.substack.com/pub/theedito...
open.substack.com/pub/theedito...
Academic authors--
If everything feels hard right now, you aren't alone. Maybe this week we just all do the best we can and commit to staying in community?
I'm here if anyone wants to reach out.
If everything feels hard right now, you aren't alone. Maybe this week we just all do the best we can and commit to staying in community?
I'm here if anyone wants to reach out.
September 9, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Academic authors--
If everything feels hard right now, you aren't alone. Maybe this week we just all do the best we can and commit to staying in community?
I'm here if anyone wants to reach out.
If everything feels hard right now, you aren't alone. Maybe this week we just all do the best we can and commit to staying in community?
I'm here if anyone wants to reach out.
Reposted by Katherine Carroll
Delighted to share our Call for Papers for the workshop *Object Stories in Health and Medicine 1700-1900*. Taking place online on 5 December. Pls share and consider submitting an object story! @rebeccawhiteley.bsky.social @unibirmingham.bsky.social
www.birmingham.ac.uk/events/objec...
www.birmingham.ac.uk/events/objec...
Object Stories in Health and Medicine, 1700-1900 - University of Birmingham
x9artsandlaw-event,x9history-event,x9historycultures-event,x9clemt-event
www.birmingham.ac.uk
September 9, 2025 at 9:22 AM
Delighted to share our Call for Papers for the workshop *Object Stories in Health and Medicine 1700-1900*. Taking place online on 5 December. Pls share and consider submitting an object story! @rebeccawhiteley.bsky.social @unibirmingham.bsky.social
www.birmingham.ac.uk/events/objec...
www.birmingham.ac.uk/events/objec...