It’s November! And for academic authors that means it’s time to write. Not that it isn’t always time to write but November, specifically, is Academic Writing Month or AcWriMo for short. In this week’s collection of articles from around the web, we have some advice and resources for rekindling or maintaining your writing practice into this month focused on academic writing.

Included in the list are ways to get back into a writing practice and some step-by-step persuasive writing techniques. Also included is how to handle email distractions and manage your social media efforts. Finally, we share some current issues and trends in the publishing industry.

No matter what you are writing this month, give it your all. Annie Dillard once said, “Do not hoard what seems good for a later place in the book, or for another book; give it, give it all, give it now.” Pour it out in the weeks ahead. Give it all. Happy writing!

It is Academic Writing Month!

Many things are uncertain at this point in our maddening times. But one thing you can count on: if it is November, it is Academic Writing Month. Each year academic writers, whose work is typically solitary, look for community around the #AcWriMo tag. We commiserate and encourage one another. We support each others’ efforts to stay focused and make progress. We try to learn new skills and find tips from those who have succeeded.

Getting into writing – again

I usually don’t have a lot of trouble writing. I’m lucky I know, but my capacity to just get on with writing is also because I’ve got a lifetime writing habit. However, even the most hardy of habits can be disrupted. This year, the various stages of lockdown have combined with the onerous and time/energy consuming task of moving teaching and supervision online. I’m just not as able to settle into my usual morning writing pattern.

Persuasive writing techniques: A step-by-step approach

If you’re a writer, you need to be able to use persuasive writing techniques. After all, you want people to read what you write. And maybe you want them to buy your book or article. There’s more than one way to win an argument.

Email overwhelm as a collective problem

Email is like the laundry or dishes. It can be a good thing to empty the hamper or clear the kitchen counters, but they are never going to stay that way. Do not get attached to your inbox staying empty. Your goal, as with the laundry and dishes, is to keep things at a level where you are not so overwhelmed, you freeze.

Social media – To be, or not to be

Many authors will argue they do not have time to spend on social media—they prefer to spend their time writing. That’s all fine and good, but there’s no denying the power of social media in today’s society, and readers who spend hours a day on social media sites may never learn of your existence if you’re not on it.

What can we learn from how academics and the public view diversity, inclusion, and equity

This year, Emerald Publishing commissioned three surveys on academic and public views of what inequity feels like, the meaning of inclusivity, the barriers to it, and the benefits of an inclusive society. The surveys also explored perceptions of the role of research in overcoming the challenges to inclusivity and possible actions for change. I spoke with Erika Valenti, Emerald EVP and US Regional Director, to piece together a narrative from insights gleaned from the responses from the academic community and the general public.

How to publish an open access book

Scholars who want to see their work added to this free and accessible library now have a toolkit with answers on funding, identifying publishing options, and even contractual terms in a book contract. A global group of stakeholders from academia and scholarly communications prepared the toolkit in collaboration with Springer Nature and The University of Glasgow. It is hosted by OAPEN, which also manages the Directory of Open Access Books.

The publishing industry and the pandemic part 2

In this fifth episode of SSP’s Early Career Development Podcast, Meredith Adinolfi and Sara Grimme engage with Sarah Tegen (Senior Vice President for Journals Publishing Group at the American Chemical Society) and Ann Michael (recently Chief Digital Office at PLOS, currently CEO at Delta Think) about how early career professionals can continue to focus on career development and growth, particularly during the pandemic. Sarah and Ann also discuss some practical tips and advice on what early career professionals can do to advance their careers while working from home during this time of great uncertainty for many in the publishing industry and for the communities that we support.