iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

If you didn't hit the word count you wanted to write this week, maybe you were writing and didn't realize it. Putting words on the page is only a small part of writing. Keep going, friends. The world needs your ideas. #AcademicSky #academia #academicwriting #editing #amediting #revising #writing

Lined notebook paper with the words:
"Writing" time can include:
Outlining
Revising
Thinking
Adding footnotes
Reading source material
Reviewing notes
Reverse outlining
...
Putting words on the page.

The Editorial Ally

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Are you planning to finish drafting a manuscript (or a chapter or a book proposal) by the end of the semester? If so, now is the time to reach out for editorial services in January. I'm booking 2027! #AcademicSky #academia #writing #amediting

Brown background with words: Testimonial: I was absolutely blown away with your attention to detail, your structural analysis, and your editorial letters. I would highly recommend your excellent editorial services to any scholar working on an article, chapter, or manuscript. Thank you so much, Katherine! It's been a joy to work with you on this project!
Assistant Professor
The Editorial Ally

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

As a fan of organized writing & coaching groups, I've shared many here. Sometimes, though, price & scheduling are prohibitive. In today's TEA Delivered I have a model for a quick flexible DIY accountability & affirmation program you can do with a friend. theeditorialally.substack.com/p/a-diy-acco...

theeditorialally.substack.com

A DIY Accountability and Affirmation Program

Welcome to TEA Delivered, the newsletter of The Editorial Ally (TEA)!

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Today I'm going back in the catalog for some oldies but goodies. Just as true now as the day I wrote them. #AcademicSky

White lined notebook paper with the words:
Writers:
My wish for you today is that you open a draft you haven't touched in a while and think, "Wow. This is SO good. I can't believe I wrote it."
The Editorial Ally

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Two years ago I started lifting. I'm not sporty & it was a leap. Now I love it. Initially, I couldn't bench the bar. Today I did 65 lbs. I'm always thrilled when @herberthistory.bsky.social & @drreznicek.bsky.social & others post their stats. Today I'm joining #HistGym! #smallandmighty #AcademicSky

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Notes in academic writing have gotten shorter & typically include very little/no commentary. Need to reduce or eliminate the commentary in the notes? I have a list of steps to evaluate each note & decide whether to move, leave, or cut the commentary. theeditorialally.substack.com/p/streamlini...

theeditorialally.substack.com

Streamlining Footnotes and Endnotes

Welcome to TEA Delivered, the newsletter of The Editorial Ally (TEA)!

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Reposted by Katherine Carroll

UNC Press @uncpress.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Authors, have you ever wondered how to turn a revised dissertation into a proposal? Or when the best time is to submit? Our acquisitions team has answers to these FAQs and more 👇 uncpress.substack.com/p/what-autho...

uncpress.substack.com

What Authors Ask Most

Advice from UNC Press acquisitions staff on proposals, timelines, and more

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Reposted by Katherine Carroll

Amy Sherman @andcleverness.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

hello, edibuddies, an annual publication that I do copyediting for is looking for a new proofreader. Most of the freelance folks I know are copyeditors or developmental editors, so I'd be glad of any recommendations for folks who proofread academic work in the humanities/social sciences. thanks!

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Anyone else having a case of the Mondays? What do you do to re-focus and keep writing or revising? For me, opening the window today was key. A brisk fall breeze (and an afternoon coffee) was the reset I needed. [Live shot from my desk.] #AcademicSky

Desk with plants and window open in the background.

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Hot take: There is no "now," "currently," or "today" in academic monographs, which take years to publish. Instead give a specific date/time period--a practice that also forces you to clarify your thinking. Do you mean "now" in the sense of "2026" or the "early twenty-first century?" #AcademicSky

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Reposted by Katherine Carroll

melanie newport @melanienewport.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

I have had this quote by Lonnie Bunch from the back cover of The 1619 Project on my office door for ages.

Let us use history to inspire us to push a country forward, to help us believe that all things are possible, and to demand a country lives up to its stated ideals.
LONNIE G. BUNCH II
14TH SECRETARY OF THE SMITHSONIAN
Not the original back cover, my image of that is blurry. I dolled this one up in canva- white serif font on blue starry background

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

This video was just what I needed on this "Monday" morning here in the US.

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Authors were busy this summer! & I've had the joy of working on early drafts of some fascinating & important manuscripts. Looking for support for your work? Reach out! I have 2-3 openings left this fall for smaller projects (chapters/articles/book proposals). Full manuscripts Jan '27. #AcademicSky

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Reposted by Katherine Carroll

Macarena de la Vega @macarenadlvdl.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

For a limited time #JSAH Roundtables are available open access to help prepare syllabi for the new academic year. This gives me the opportunity to recommend the one I co-edited with Paul Walker. online.ucpress.edu/jsah/article... You can read more about this initiative here: sah.org/2026/08/14/r...

online.ucpress.edu

Dialogues on the Global within and beyond Australasia

As often happens in academia, our research project originated with an unsuccessful fellowship application. And yet, if our proposal to address Australasian perspectives on architectural history had no...

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Let's not fall into the patriarchal trap of celebrating the lone genius myth. Everyone has collaborators/assistants/friends to hype them up/a 4-legged buddy. There is no shame in seeking editorial support/hiring a writing coach. The world needs your ideas. #AcademicSky [📷 with my 4-legged buddy.]

Katherine sitting with her dog on a paddle board floating in the water.

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Stressed about your writing project? Sometimes it's useful to recognize that your writing is going well, but the revision schedule is stressing you. This mental shift allows you to celebrate your progress on the manuscript even as you recognize the real and significant time pressures. #AcademicSky

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Recently, a board game prompt asked, "If you wrote a book, what genre would it be?" My kids disqualified me from the question as the only one in the room who HAD written a book. Sometimes in academia, it's easy to forget that it is rare to put your ideas in writing and share them with the world.

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Conclusions are often overwhelming--especially when you feel like you've already made your argument and you are mentally exhausted. Here's a resource that might help! #AcademicSky

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Academics heading back to campus face the challenge of maintaining their writing practice in the busy months ahead. Today I share my services and a list of editors and coaches who provide group programs to help you keep writing. #AcademicSky theeditorialally.substack.com/p/resources-...

theeditorialally.substack.com

Resources for Academic Year 2026–2027

Welcome to TEA Delivered, the newsletter of The Editorial Ally (TEA)!

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

🧵 I worked with an author this spring on her book proposal and sample chapters. She then submitted them to her top three presses. She received two desk rejections and an enthusiastic response from the third, who immediately sent it out for peer review with no revisions. What's the takeaway? (1/3)

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Reposted by Katherine Carroll

Rebecca Colesworthy @rcolesworthy.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

just spent half an hour replying to email with lots of contract queries. not complaining! it's my job to answer your Qs. yes, we're all strapped for time, but don't forget that. ask Qs. I promise you 99.9% of people know nothing about publishing a book until they publish a book. I didn't!

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

I love the intellectual challenge of working on a manuscript, but the best part of my week is often when I meet one-on-one with clients. If you are stuck on your manuscript, is there someone you can talk to about the roadblock? Saying it out loud & getting feedback can be a really generative tool.

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Reposted by Katherine Carroll

Thomas Lecaque @tlecaque.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

A @cindyermus.bsky.social book at a 4th grade soccer practice. I've had significantly worse Tuesday afternoons.

Cindy Ermus, The Great Plague Scare of 1720, youth soccer practice blurred in the background

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Today I wrote a solidarity newsletter for the authors (who are most of us) who feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities that pull us away from writing. The short: You aren't alone. Keep going. You can do this. #AcademicSky #amediting #academia #writing theeditorialally.substack.com/p/everyone-w...

theeditorialally.substack.com

Everyone Works within Constraints

Welcome to TEA Delivered, the newsletter of The Editorial Ally (TEA)!

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

I keep post-it notes everywhere. When I have an idea I jot it down & stuff it in my pocket. At the end of the day I place the pile of notes on my desk. The next morning when sit down to write (or more recently edit), I have all the ideas in one place. Most I throw out. Usually 1 in 10 is a gem.

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

🧵It's the last day of July, and perhaps your summer writing goals are starting to feel unachievable. What to do? 🌻 Don't panic. Remember that you are not alone. Almost every academic feels this way in the middle of the summer. And guess what? They still publish and get tenure. (1/3)

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

My love of routine makes summer overwhelming. A friend introduced me to "micro-routines"--small stabilizing moments (10-min meditation break, coffee ritual, etc) that can fit into any day. Authors, as you manage the summer tumult, micro-routines might help you find your ballast & focus. #AcademicSky

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

The good news for clients continues! An author emailed to share that she submitted her monograph's page proofs, & another sent me an advance copy of her book. Both faced challenges along the way. Setbacks in writing are inevitable-not signs of failure. Keep writing & revising, friends! #AcademicSky

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

This summer, I've focused TEA Delivered on suggestions for connecting with the best-fit editorial professional for you. Today, I remind readers to share concerns about confidentiality and AI. #AcademicSky open.substack.com/pub/theedito...

open.substack.com

Professional Fit: Confidentiality and AI

Welcome to TEA Delivered, the newsletter of The Editorial Ally (TEA)!

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

🙋Advice please! I'm having an overuse issue with one of my thumbs, and I think it's time to invest in an ergonomic and also possibly an easy press keyboard. Does anyone have a recommendation? I want to do this work for the long haul, and I know I need to protect my hands. Thank you!

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

💡Authors often believe that their outline failed if their first draft is messy. But you can't do all your thinking in the outline stage. Some ideas can only be worked out on the full page. Even with a fantastic outline, the first draft is always messy. Embrace it, & expect to revise. #AcademicSky

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Reposted by Katherine Carroll

Sean Marshall @seanyyz.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Why I’m a fan of the Oxford comma.

TORONTO STAR
BOOK REVIEW
Sylvia Plath, a New York vigilante and Shah of Iran featured in latest historical fiction

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Reposted by Katherine Carroll

Matthew L Reznicek @drreznicek.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

There is not enough summer for my writing.

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

For 18 months, I've worked with a client on her diss-to-book manuscript & now it's ready for submission for peer review. Few people conceive of a book & far fewer complete one. Sometimes it feels impossible. But it is possible & when you hit "send" on your submission, it feels so good. #AcademicSky

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

One element of choosing an editorial professional is "fit." If confidentiality and AI use are important to you, feel free to ask. Many of us also explain our thinking on these topics on our websites. You can find my statements at www.theeditorialally.com/contact #AcademicSky #NoAI #confidentiality

theeditorialally.com

Contact — THE EDITORIAL ALLY

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Trusting someone enough to invite them into your writing process is not easy. Once you identify the type of writing/editorial service you need, the next step is choosing a specific professional to hire. In today's TEA Delivered, I share some tips. #AcademicSky open.substack.com/pub/theedito...

open.substack.com

Choosing an Editor

Welcome to TEA Delivered, the newsletter of The Editorial Ally (TEA)!

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Does your manuscript need light-touch structural support? Do you want to get a sense if something is working without a deep dive? I'm offering manuscript evaluations that give targeted, verbal feedback in a short amount of time at a lower price point. 👇 www.theeditorialally.com/consultation...

theeditorialally.com

Consultations and Focused Support — THE EDITORIAL ALLY

In a one-on-one consultation, Katherine Carroll helps academics work through their structural hurdles out loud. Working with an experienced editor and academic writer can make seemingly insurmountable...

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Over the summer, some authors will discover they need help, but they won't know who to contact. In today’s TEA Delivered, I share who to call (or email) when you need support. I discuss writing coaches, developmental editors, line editors, copy editors, & indexers. open.substack.com/pub/theedito...

open.substack.com

Who to Call When you Need Writing Help

Welcome to TEA Delivered, the newsletter of The Editorial Ally (TEA)!

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Academic authors-- June is waning, and summer is really, truly here. You have ambitious writing goals, AND you need to carve out some time for yourself. Maybe it feels like too much. Pro tip: Don't add to the list by beating yourself up if the writing feels hard. #AcademicSky #support #writing

Lined notebook paper with the words: "Just because writing is hard, doesn't mean it's going badly. It just means that writing is hard."
The Editorial Ally

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

I meet weekly with three other editors. We run our own businesses & hold each other accountable. Did we meet our posting goals? Did we update the website? How is the new blog format going? At today's meeting we are sharing our mid-year reflections. Imagine what you might be discussing. #AcademicSky

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

There are lots of great accountability programs for writers, & if they fit your schedule & budget, then absolutely enroll. But if you need a different solution, try gathering a group of 3-4 people who are writing books. Set up a weekly Zoom meeting, & see what happens. 📷 Derek Coleman/Unsplash

Four people sitting around a table with a laptop and notebook.

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Academics talk a lot about word count and productivity. But we don’t talk enough about momentum. Don’t underestimate the value of momentum. If you have it, protect it. Learn more in today’s TEA Delivered. #AcademicSky Photo by Baptiste Buisson on Unsplash. open.substack.com/pub/theedito...

open.substack.com

Protect Your Momentum

Welcome to TEA Delivered, the newsletter of The Editorial Ally (TEA)!

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Newbie gardener here...happily watching nature in upstate New York (and shaping it a little, too). The peonies are sighing, bending, dripping petals? Is there a word for this? It feels like the final curtain call on an exuberant theatrical production.

Pale pink peonies dropping petals on the ground.

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

🧵Structuring the argument in your chapter or article? Sometimes authors seem confused when I suggest that introductions (of chapters, articles, & individual sections of chapters/articles) should state the argument of the chapter, article, or section. For many, this approach feels backwards. (1/3)

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Independent scholars-- I see you. I celebrate you. I take your work seriously. I'm always happy to brainstorm targeted services that can fit within smaller budgets. And FWIW, I've been there; I revised my dissertation and published my book as a contingent faculty member. #AcademicSky #contingent

Testimonial: Katherine has been invaluable in offering suggestions that have gotten me thinking about how I could improve the big picture as well as the smaller details. Her invaluable advice addressed everything from the title to the appendix: the organization of chapters, keeping the focus on my intended audience, the articulation of various arguments, the clarity of the text, and when my focus became lopsided. This guidance was given both in writing (which I continually referenced) and in person (which was always so convivial). I am grateful for Katherine's expertise, and will continue to lean on it in the future.
Independent Scholar
The Editorial Ally

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Katherine Carroll @katherinecarroll.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

🧵Are you returning to a project that you haven't looked at in a loooong time? Here's a good first step: use your distance from the project to approach it like a new reader. If the word count is high, set aside a few DAYS to read the project from front to back keeping the following tips in mind.(1/x)

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Reposted by Katherine Carroll

Mikal Lewis @mikal-el.com · 29/05/2026

Never lose the plot that the point of all of this is to live—to experience things, to create, to obsess over the unique details that make the whole of your life

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