On Friday, November 3, editor Brandon Proia from Basic Books came to give an informal talk about working with a trade publisher as an academic writer. After describing his background as a shepherd-turned-editor and his lengthy experience in the publishing industry at both academic and trade presses, Proia opened the floor for questions from an audience of mostly professors. The attendees inquired about a variety of topics, ranging from the strengths of trade presses, how to become a public-facing scholar, whether to include a foreword in an upcoming book project, and why certain genres of books sell so well. Additionally, the event’s participants mused over the tendency to purchase bulky books as a symbol of masculinity, and the purchase of books as an expression of political beliefs.
