Ink to Impact is a new workshop series hosted by TMU Libraries that gives researchers a behind-the-scenes look at academic publishing. Designed especially for researchers in the Humanities and Social Sciences, the series offers insights and tips on publishing and effectively sharing research. Experts from the publishing world, such as editors, publishers, and literary agents, along with faculty members, share their publishing experiences in peer-to-peer workshops. The goal of the series is to help strengthen the visibility of TMU’s research and boost its scholarly reputation internationally.
“The goal of the series is three-fold,” says Chris Kim, the Libraries’ business librarian and one of the series organizers. “The workshops and panel discussions are designed to help TMU researchers publish and share their academic work more effectively; ensure the research community can easily find and read their work; and ultimately, strengthen TMU’s reputation as a leader in global scholarship.”
Participants will learn from publishing professionals and fellow faculty members in a supportive, and collaborative setting about the challenges and opportunities of publishing.
The first phase of the series is on scholarly monographs—single-authored works that are foundational in the Humanities and Social Sciences. Monographs are vital for advancing original research and play a key role in academic career progression.
Participants will learn how to:
- Develop a strong book proposal for an academic publisher
- Understand the steps involved in publishing a monograph
- Work confidently with editors and publishers
- Explore publishing formats beyond traditional books, such as edited collections, podcasts, or graphic novels
- Discuss fair and accessible publishing, including open-access options
TMU Libraries have long-standing expertise in publishing, sharing information, and promoting research impact. Faculty and researchers rely on the Libraries for help with research visibility, finding open publishing platforms, securing open-access grants, and using scholarly communication resources. This support has always been a main focus of the Libraries.
This series extends those resources and supports, and highlights the Libraries role as a knowledgeable partner in faculty success.
“Because the library sits at the heart of the university, it’s an ideal place for faculty to come together, share expertise, learn more about the world of academic publishing, and increase the impact of their work,” says Kim.
Register for the first workshop on January 21: Demystifying Academic Publishing: Insights from the Publisher’s Perspective