Allison Van Deventer
@allisonvandev.bsky.social
Developmental editor for academic authors. Author: The Dissertation-to-Book Workbook (UChicago Press). Workshop facilitator. She/her. Comp lit PhD. https://www.allisonvandeventer.com/
Are you the one who cooks dinner every day for your family? Do you find cooking to be a tedious chore? Do you live far, far away from all but one of your extended family?
Well do I have a holiday for you: COOKING DINNER, BUT TRIPLE THE WORK. Happy Thanksgiving!
Well do I have a holiday for you: COOKING DINNER, BUT TRIPLE THE WORK. Happy Thanksgiving!
November 26, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Are you the one who cooks dinner every day for your family? Do you find cooking to be a tedious chore? Do you live far, far away from all but one of your extended family?
Well do I have a holiday for you: COOKING DINNER, BUT TRIPLE THE WORK. Happy Thanksgiving!
Well do I have a holiday for you: COOKING DINNER, BUT TRIPLE THE WORK. Happy Thanksgiving!
We are debating two potential endings for this movie
Another of my sisters just posted a photo of herself at work with a pro football player named Julian Love and now the family group chat is scripting a Hallmark holiday movie
November 25, 2025 at 7:13 PM
We are debating two potential endings for this movie
Another of my sisters just posted a photo of herself at work with a pro football player named Julian Love and now the family group chat is scripting a Hallmark holiday movie
November 25, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Another of my sisters just posted a photo of herself at work with a pro football player named Julian Love and now the family group chat is scripting a Hallmark holiday movie
Reposted by Allison Van Deventer
Hello historians 🗃️! Planning on attending #AHA26 and have book ideas in mind?
Now is a good time to start thinking about contacting editors to meet with in Chicago. It's fun, it's easy, and you'll be chatting with people who love to chat about books! 👇
Now is a good time to start thinking about contacting editors to meet with in Chicago. It's fun, it's easy, and you'll be chatting with people who love to chat about books! 👇
November 25, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Hello historians 🗃️! Planning on attending #AHA26 and have book ideas in mind?
Now is a good time to start thinking about contacting editors to meet with in Chicago. It's fun, it's easy, and you'll be chatting with people who love to chat about books! 👇
Now is a good time to start thinking about contacting editors to meet with in Chicago. It's fun, it's easy, and you'll be chatting with people who love to chat about books! 👇
I just named my sister’s pickleball team The Cukes of Hazzard
November 25, 2025 at 2:17 PM
I just named my sister’s pickleball team The Cukes of Hazzard
Reposted by Allison Van Deventer
if your press asks for names, give 6 to 8--NOT the biggest, most senior stars in your field. None of them will do it. part of the problem is that the ppl best poised are "mid-career"--i.e. have a book, tenure. TWIST: the mid-career folx, IF THEY EXIST, are so fucking overloaded I can't even tell you
November 25, 2025 at 1:49 PM
if your press asks for names, give 6 to 8--NOT the biggest, most senior stars in your field. None of them will do it. part of the problem is that the ppl best poised are "mid-career"--i.e. have a book, tenure. TWIST: the mid-career folx, IF THEY EXIST, are so fucking overloaded I can't even tell you
I've told this story before, but: one year my mom served gravy in one of those cow-shaped pitchers with a hole where the mouth should be, and the gravy was lumpy, and it looked like cow 🤮. The kids' table lost it while my mom gave us stern looks, and pretty soon everyone was crying with laughter
yes, hello, I would like to place an order for everyone’s funniest stories of holiday food-related family grudges / drama / chaotic incidents / lore
I feel like we need this
I feel like we need this
November 25, 2025 at 3:11 AM
I've told this story before, but: one year my mom served gravy in one of those cow-shaped pitchers with a hole where the mouth should be, and the gravy was lumpy, and it looked like cow 🤮. The kids' table lost it while my mom gave us stern looks, and pretty soon everyone was crying with laughter
Reposted by Allison Van Deventer
If you need a whistle in Somerville, stop by Gracie’s. If you need A LOT of whistles that’s probably ok too.
November 23, 2025 at 8:20 PM
If you need a whistle in Somerville, stop by Gracie’s. If you need A LOT of whistles that’s probably ok too.
To get updates about our workshops for authors of scholarly books, sign up for our newsletter!
go.dissertationtobook.com
#AcademicSky
go.dissertationtobook.com
#AcademicSky
November 21, 2025 at 1:52 PM
To get updates about our workshops for authors of scholarly books, sign up for our newsletter!
go.dissertationtobook.com
#AcademicSky
go.dissertationtobook.com
#AcademicSky
Reposted by Allison Van Deventer
"@abdourahmanwaberi.bsky.social’s poems, in addition to gesturing toward complex dualities, also counsel against and question capitalism’s dictates of extraction and greed," writes @worldlittoday.bsky.social of WHEN WE ONLY HAVE THE EARTH. bit.ly/3M0wIlo
November 20, 2025 at 4:00 PM
"@abdourahmanwaberi.bsky.social’s poems, in addition to gesturing toward complex dualities, also counsel against and question capitalism’s dictates of extraction and greed," writes @worldlittoday.bsky.social of WHEN WE ONLY HAVE THE EARTH. bit.ly/3M0wIlo
Overheard: “I want to do these candy experiments, but I don’t want to be in the same room as the smell.”
Not to brag, but I have four kids ages 7-13 shouting about the physical properties of Halloween candy in my kitchen, and writing a list of what they’re learning from microwaving it
November 19, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Overheard: “I want to do these candy experiments, but I don’t want to be in the same room as the smell.”
Not to brag, but I have four kids ages 7-13 shouting about the physical properties of Halloween candy in my kitchen, and writing a list of what they’re learning from microwaving it
November 19, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Not to brag, but I have four kids ages 7-13 shouting about the physical properties of Halloween candy in my kitchen, and writing a list of what they’re learning from microwaving it
Reposted by Allison Van Deventer
WE JUST KEEP WINNING. (UC President's Postdoctoral Fellowship Program RESTORED!!!!)
![On official UC letterhead:
UNIVERSITY
OF
CALIFORNIA
James B. Milliken President
Office of the President
1111 Franklin Street Oakland, CA 94607
universityofcalifornia.edu
CAMPUSES Berkeley
Davis
Irvine
UCLA
Merced
Riverside San Diego San Francisco
Santa Barbara Santa Cruz
MEDICAL CENTERS
Davis
Irvine
UCLA
San Diego
San Francisco
NATIONAL LABORATORIES Lawrence Berkeley Lawrence Livermore Los Alamos
DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
November 18, 2025
Dear Chancellors:
I'm writing with regard to the President's Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (PPFP) and the program's associated faculty hiring incentive.
As you know, for more than 40 years, PPFP has provided postdoctoral research fellowships, professional development, and faculty mentoring to scholars in all fields whose research, teaching, and service advance the academic and research missions of the University of California.
Since 2003, UC campuses that hire current and former PPFP fellows into ladder-rank positions have been eligible for a hiring incentive funded by the University that provides support for newly hired fellows for five years. Since the creation of the incentive, more than $162 million has been invested by the University to support PPFP faculty hires. This commitment has enabled our campuses to successfully recruit and retain outstanding faculty across a range of disciplines.
Given the myriad challenges currently facing UC - including disruptions to billions of dollars in annual federal support, as well as uncertainty around the state budget- reasonable questions were raised in recent months about whether the University could maintain the commitment to current levels of incentive funding. After considering a recommendation to sunset the incentive program due to these significant fiscal constraints, I consulted with all of you as well as faculty and campus academic administrators and systemwide Academic Senate leadership.
[continued on next image]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rzn6yramffebefeitqifiqqz/bafkreigiwq5ongzwpj4wqmgjam3yfvhyjnv5e3dbq6cnrrbwblqvs624gq@jpeg)
November 18, 2025 at 10:34 PM
WE JUST KEEP WINNING. (UC President's Postdoctoral Fellowship Program RESTORED!!!!)
Reposted by Allison Van Deventer
Can anyone offer (in comments or DM) and estimate on indexing for a MSS around 75K words? Im trying to put a grant proposal together and idk how this works, but also feel bad bothering an indexer when I dont have $ to pay for a formal estimate rn #AcademicSky
November 18, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Can anyone offer (in comments or DM) and estimate on indexing for a MSS around 75K words? Im trying to put a grant proposal together and idk how this works, but also feel bad bothering an indexer when I dont have $ to pay for a formal estimate rn #AcademicSky
Reposted by Allison Van Deventer
Working on your book next term? Need support & accountability? My two super affordable book writer programs are now accepting participants for Winter 2026! The Incubator is home to those in the earlier stages; the Greenhouse is for those who are solidly into writing. Wait list folks help schedule!
November 18, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Working on your book next term? Need support & accountability? My two super affordable book writer programs are now accepting participants for Winter 2026! The Incubator is home to those in the earlier stages; the Greenhouse is for those who are solidly into writing. Wait list folks help schedule!
Rest in peace, Efraín Kristal.
I was never lucky enough to take a course from him, but he was a beloved and wise mentor to some of my grad school colleagues, and a faithful member of our department.
complit.ucla.edu/person/efrai...
I was never lucky enough to take a course from him, but he was a beloved and wise mentor to some of my grad school colleagues, and a faithful member of our department.
complit.ucla.edu/person/efrai...
Efraín Kristal - Comparative Literature - UCLA
complit.ucla.edu
November 17, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Rest in peace, Efraín Kristal.
I was never lucky enough to take a course from him, but he was a beloved and wise mentor to some of my grad school colleagues, and a faithful member of our department.
complit.ucla.edu/person/efrai...
I was never lucky enough to take a course from him, but he was a beloved and wise mentor to some of my grad school colleagues, and a faithful member of our department.
complit.ucla.edu/person/efrai...
And something that's endlessly fascinating to me: the solution isn't always (or even usually) "Make the book do what it says it does."
Often it's the argument, not the evidence, that needs to be changed! And sometimes the book IS doing what it says it does, but in ways that aren't yet clear!
Often it's the argument, not the evidence, that needs to be changed! And sometimes the book IS doing what it says it does, but in ways that aren't yet clear!
When I edit an academic book manuscript, one of the key things I do is ask: "What does this [book, chapter, section] promise to do? And what does it ACTUALLY do?"
These questions may seem simple, but they take a lot of time to answer, and they generate incredibly helpful insights!
#AmEditing
These questions may seem simple, but they take a lot of time to answer, and they generate incredibly helpful insights!
#AmEditing
November 13, 2025 at 6:47 PM
And something that's endlessly fascinating to me: the solution isn't always (or even usually) "Make the book do what it says it does."
Often it's the argument, not the evidence, that needs to be changed! And sometimes the book IS doing what it says it does, but in ways that aren't yet clear!
Often it's the argument, not the evidence, that needs to be changed! And sometimes the book IS doing what it says it does, but in ways that aren't yet clear!
Reposted by Allison Van Deventer
THIS! I actually will create a table with two columns to better visualize the discrepancies. And sometimes, if you're struggling to figure out what the chapter/section promises to do, that's telling in and of itself!
When I edit an academic book manuscript, one of the key things I do is ask: "What does this [book, chapter, section] promise to do? And what does it ACTUALLY do?"
These questions may seem simple, but they take a lot of time to answer, and they generate incredibly helpful insights!
#AmEditing
These questions may seem simple, but they take a lot of time to answer, and they generate incredibly helpful insights!
#AmEditing
November 13, 2025 at 6:10 PM
THIS! I actually will create a table with two columns to better visualize the discrepancies. And sometimes, if you're struggling to figure out what the chapter/section promises to do, that's telling in and of itself!
Reposted by Allison Van Deventer
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!
When I edit an academic book manuscript, one of the key things I do is ask: "What does this [book, chapter, section] promise to do? And what does it ACTUALLY do?"
These questions may seem simple, but they take a lot of time to answer, and they generate incredibly helpful insights!
#AmEditing
These questions may seem simple, but they take a lot of time to answer, and they generate incredibly helpful insights!
#AmEditing
November 13, 2025 at 5:35 PM
When I edit an academic book manuscript, one of the key things I do is ask: "What does this [book, chapter, section] promise to do? And what does it ACTUALLY do?"
These questions may seem simple, but they take a lot of time to answer, and they generate incredibly helpful insights!
#AmEditing
These questions may seem simple, but they take a lot of time to answer, and they generate incredibly helpful insights!
#AmEditing
Reposted by Allison Van Deventer
“For anyone out there struggling to write because you’re distracted, or tired, or sick, or scared—I’ve been there. Take care of yourself and your communities…. your book will be there when you get back.”
Thx to @nickcav.bsky.social for the wise advice
newsletter.manuscriptworks.com/posts/a-book...
Thx to @nickcav.bsky.social for the wise advice
newsletter.manuscriptworks.com/posts/a-book...
A book 15 years in the making
newsletter.manuscriptworks.com
November 12, 2025 at 5:04 PM
“For anyone out there struggling to write because you’re distracted, or tired, or sick, or scared—I’ve been there. Take care of yourself and your communities…. your book will be there when you get back.”
Thx to @nickcav.bsky.social for the wise advice
newsletter.manuscriptworks.com/posts/a-book...
Thx to @nickcav.bsky.social for the wise advice
newsletter.manuscriptworks.com/posts/a-book...
Reposted by Allison Van Deventer
I love books. They have been my whole thing since I was very small. I have a whole podcast about how great it is that people write books. I'm dreaming up new projects celebrating books and the book ecosystem.
I am all in on books, kids.
I am all in on books, kids.
November 12, 2025 at 12:02 AM
I love books. They have been my whole thing since I was very small. I have a whole podcast about how great it is that people write books. I'm dreaming up new projects celebrating books and the book ecosystem.
I am all in on books, kids.
I am all in on books, kids.
Reposted by Allison Van Deventer
These posts are frequent in my local moms group. Whether midwife or doctor. This is what OB care looks like in Idaho right now.
November 11, 2025 at 7:16 PM
These posts are frequent in my local moms group. Whether midwife or doctor. This is what OB care looks like in Idaho right now.
Reposted by Allison Van Deventer
For #UPWeek I teamed up w/ Alec Loganbill, my co-chair of the @aupresses.bsky.social Fac Outreach Cmte, to write tips on publishing yr 1st book for Higher Ed Jobs. Tip 1: Don't Go It Alone! Pub'ing is more collaborative than it seems & resources abound. #TeamUP www.higheredjobs.com/Articles/art...
Don’t Go It Alone! And Other Tips on How To Get Your First Book Published with a University Press
<p>Publishing a book can be an isolated -- and isolating -- experience, but it doesn't have to be. Two university press editors share
www.higheredjobs.com
November 11, 2025 at 5:28 PM
For #UPWeek I teamed up w/ Alec Loganbill, my co-chair of the @aupresses.bsky.social Fac Outreach Cmte, to write tips on publishing yr 1st book for Higher Ed Jobs. Tip 1: Don't Go It Alone! Pub'ing is more collaborative than it seems & resources abound. #TeamUP www.higheredjobs.com/Articles/art...
Reposted by Allison Van Deventer
The far right is obsessed with Lord of the Rings and Musk keeps posting about "hobbits" because modern scientific racism owes more to fantasy worlds and gaming systems than genetic science, and they see both as effective mediums for right-wing propaganda www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Why Elon Musk Needs Dungeons and Dragons to Be Racist
The fantastical roots of “scientific racism”
www.theatlantic.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:42 PM
The far right is obsessed with Lord of the Rings and Musk keeps posting about "hobbits" because modern scientific racism owes more to fantasy worlds and gaming systems than genetic science, and they see both as effective mediums for right-wing propaganda www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...