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
Are you struggling with unruly paragraphs that obscure the argument? Today's TEA Delivered is for you. I offer three concrete steps for solving the paragraph puzzle.
#AcademicSky #amediting #academia #academicwriting #developmentalediting #writing #nonfiction
open.substack.com/pub/theedito...
#AcademicSky #amediting #academia #academicwriting #developmentalediting #writing #nonfiction
open.substack.com/pub/theedito...
Revising at the Paragraph Level
Welcome to TEA Delivered, the newsletter of The Editorial Ally (TEA)!
open.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Are you struggling with unruly paragraphs that obscure the argument? Today's TEA Delivered is for you. I offer three concrete steps for solving the paragraph puzzle.
#AcademicSky #amediting #academia #academicwriting #developmentalediting #writing #nonfiction
open.substack.com/pub/theedito...
#AcademicSky #amediting #academia #academicwriting #developmentalediting #writing #nonfiction
open.substack.com/pub/theedito...
Reposted by Katherine Carroll
Are you struggling to identify the chapter's argument? Check the conclusion.
Often we expect to find the argument (or clues to the argument) in the chapter's introduction. But many authors don't get a firm handle on the argument until the end of the chapter.
#amediting #AcademicSky #academia
Often we expect to find the argument (or clues to the argument) in the chapter's introduction. But many authors don't get a firm handle on the argument until the end of the chapter.
#amediting #AcademicSky #academia
November 19, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Are you struggling to identify the chapter's argument? Check the conclusion.
Often we expect to find the argument (or clues to the argument) in the chapter's introduction. But many authors don't get a firm handle on the argument until the end of the chapter.
#amediting #AcademicSky #academia
Often we expect to find the argument (or clues to the argument) in the chapter's introduction. But many authors don't get a firm handle on the argument until the end of the chapter.
#amediting #AcademicSky #academia
Reposted by Katherine Carroll
Nothing but blessings upon the interlibrary loan librarian/student/intern/volunteer who scans a book chapter clearly and squarely and includes the Notes and References in the scan.
Doing the work of angels, they are.
Doing the work of angels, they are.
November 17, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Nothing but blessings upon the interlibrary loan librarian/student/intern/volunteer who scans a book chapter clearly and squarely and includes the Notes and References in the scan.
Doing the work of angels, they are.
Doing the work of angels, they are.
Reposted by Katherine Carroll
This Transgender Awareness Week, we celebrate the resilience, courage, and beauty of the trans community. Your lives matter, your stories matter, and your right to thrive and exist authentically is non-negotiable.
We stand with you today and every day🏳️⚧️
We stand with you today and every day🏳️⚧️
November 17, 2025 at 2:24 PM
This Transgender Awareness Week, we celebrate the resilience, courage, and beauty of the trans community. Your lives matter, your stories matter, and your right to thrive and exist authentically is non-negotiable.
We stand with you today and every day🏳️⚧️
We stand with you today and every day🏳️⚧️
Reposted by Katherine Carroll
If you ask historians of medicine what keeps them up at night, many will not say a new plague or bioterrorism, they will answer, "antibiotic resistance."
November 16, 2025 at 7:02 PM
If you ask historians of medicine what keeps them up at night, many will not say a new plague or bioterrorism, they will answer, "antibiotic resistance."
Reposted by Katherine Carroll
our book club meeting for TONI AT RANDOM is next week!
great reasons to join us:
- you've been meaning to read the book, and need a nudge
- you've already read the book, and want to talk about it
- you haven't read the book, and want to hear what other people think about it
- it'll be a nice time!
great reasons to join us:
- you've been meaning to read the book, and need a nudge
- you've already read the book, and want to talk about it
- you haven't read the book, and want to hear what other people think about it
- it'll be a nice time!
Happy Friday!! Mark your calendars because our next PAGES meeting has been announced! 🤩🎉🥳
We'll be meeting on Thursday, November 20 @ 12pm EST to discuss TONI AT RANDOM by Dana A. Williams. Please register at the link below. We can't wait to see you all soon!
urldefense.com/v3/__https:/...
We'll be meeting on Thursday, November 20 @ 12pm EST to discuss TONI AT RANDOM by Dana A. Williams. Please register at the link below. We can't wait to see you all soon!
urldefense.com/v3/__https:/...
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: PAGES Book Club. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: PAGES Book Club. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
urldefense.com
November 13, 2025 at 5:24 PM
our book club meeting for TONI AT RANDOM is next week!
great reasons to join us:
- you've been meaning to read the book, and need a nudge
- you've already read the book, and want to talk about it
- you haven't read the book, and want to hear what other people think about it
- it'll be a nice time!
great reasons to join us:
- you've been meaning to read the book, and need a nudge
- you've already read the book, and want to talk about it
- you haven't read the book, and want to hear what other people think about it
- it'll be a nice time!
Incorporating feedback while remaining in control of your manuscript is a critical skill for authors, and it requires practice and confidence.
I offer some specific suggestions in today's TEA Delivered.
#AcademicSky #academia #academicwriting #amediting
open.substack.com/pub/theedito...
I offer some specific suggestions in today's TEA Delivered.
#AcademicSky #academia #academicwriting #amediting
open.substack.com/pub/theedito...
Incorporating Feedback without Abdicating Authorship
Welcome to TEA Delivered, the newsletter of The Editorial Ally (TEA)!
open.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Incorporating feedback while remaining in control of your manuscript is a critical skill for authors, and it requires practice and confidence.
I offer some specific suggestions in today's TEA Delivered.
#AcademicSky #academia #academicwriting #amediting
open.substack.com/pub/theedito...
I offer some specific suggestions in today's TEA Delivered.
#AcademicSky #academia #academicwriting #amediting
open.substack.com/pub/theedito...
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