In recent work on grant applications this year, I’ve finally identified a problem that has bothered me for a long time. People who use the Foolproof Grant Template construct an argument for the urgency of their research by deploying what I call the … [Read more...] about Why Are There No Elephants? A Common Grant-Writing Error
Productivity
List Addiction, Cont’d: The Dyad
List addiction is an epidemic among academic writers. I have a blog post about the subject (which I knew nothing about prior to my work in TPII), and I refer at least 50% of clients to that blog post at one point or another. What is it with … [Read more...] about List Addiction, Cont’d: The Dyad
Banish These Words
Do not use the words “unique” or “burgeoning” in any of your job documents. They are painfully overused. The first is just trite. The second is over-dramatic. That is all. … [Read more...] about Banish These Words
Information for Those Who Work With Dr. Karen
Today’s post is meant to clarify some confusion among some of you who are or are thinking of becoming clients related to the time required to complete the editing process. I’ve had a few incidents this past month in which clients sent me 15-page sets … [Read more...] about Information for Those Who Work With Dr. Karen
The Worst Job Letter Ever Written (Not really…)
A few months ago one of my clients, after completing work with me on her job letter, ruefully sent along the original version of the letter that she had been using the previous year. She wrote, "I've attached a copy of the first job letter I ever … [Read more...] about The Worst Job Letter Ever Written (Not really…)
Does the Status of the Press Matter?
Today’s post is in response to a reader who wrote in asking, “does the status of the press matter when seeking to publish your book?” Sometimes I am surprised by what people ask me, and this is one of those times. Does anyone not know the answer to … [Read more...] about Does the Status of the Press Matter?
Should I Do an Edited Collection?
No. Let me say it again: No. Let's put it a different way: You: But, it's just the papers from a conference panel. Is it ok then? Me: No. You: But, I'm co-editing it, so I don't have to do all the work. Is it ok then? Me: No. And, … [Read more...] about Should I Do an Edited Collection?
Is Your Writing Better Than Waffles?
Last week, I was working on a client's materials. We were on something like draft #4 of her dissertation abstract, following on weeks of work on her c.v. and job letter. She'd been working hard, and her materials showed it. It was Sunday morning, … [Read more...] about Is Your Writing Better Than Waffles?
Should I Send Out a Book Proposal Before the Manuscript is Completely Finished?
This is a Q and A that arose on the blog this week, following the blog post, How To Write a Book Proposal. I've been asked this question many times. This is my answer. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Q: Karen, can I ask you to … [Read more...] about Should I Send Out a Book Proposal Before the Manuscript is Completely Finished?
How Do You Make a “Short” CV?
Today’s post is a simple one, responding to many queries: How do you make a “short CV”? A short, or two-page, CV is often required for grant applications and the like. The point here is to sketch the main highlights of your record without … [Read more...] about How Do You Make a “Short” CV?