APPLY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 2026 FIRST BOOK BOOTCAMP:

Can you write your first book? Yes, you can!

The annual First Book Bootcamp pairs contingent and tenure-stream faculty with experienced faculty mentors to develop book proposals. Mentoring faculty will read participants’ materials in advance and meet during the Bootcamp in one-on-one sessions for targeted feedback.

In addition to these one-on-one mentoring sessions, the First Book Bootcamp includes workshops on the book proposal process, panels with series and acquisition editors and recent first-time authors, open writing sessions, and peer conversations. After the two-week Bootcamp, participants will attend a virtual reunion to update mentors on their progress, solicit advice, and sustain this supportive community of scholars.

Eligibility

Anyone working on a research monograph in the fields of theatre or performance studies broadly defined is eligible to apply. The First Book Bootcamp is NOT intended for those still completing their PhDs (we hope you will apply in the future!).

Schedule

The Bootcamp will run via Zoom from July 28-August 7, with multiple group gatherings and one-on-one sessions. Participants will be selected and will be assigned to a mentor by June 20. Participants must submit their materials (sample chapter, draft book proposal, etc.) to mentors no later than July 1. Accepted participants are expected to attend all scheduled sessions. 

At the conclusion of the bootcamp, participants will have engaged in a minimum of 10 hours of intensive mentorship, workshopping of their research materials, and conversations with professionals in the field.

Application

To apply, fill out this google form: https://forms.gle/EvXmGN68Zf9HvwKp9

Applications include your project title, 150-word abstract, status of your project, goals for the First Book Bootcamp as well as your CV and contact information and are due June 1. Please email convenors Michael Y. Bennett, Jennifer Buckley, and Heather S. Nathans: atdsfirstbookbootcamp@gmail.com.