Expanding the Dialogue: A Special TSJ Publication Opportunity
Inviting Contributions from the Tbilisi Conference on Leo Tolstoy and Russian Imperialism
I hope this note finds you in good health and spirits.
Firstly, I want to extend my sincere gratitude for the invaluable contributions each of you made to the June 2023 conference in Tbilisi, "Leo Tolstoy and Russian Imperialism." The discussions and insights provided by all the papers were truly enriching and offered a deeper understanding of the subject. I’m in the midst of writing a “lessons learned” post, but the most important lesson I learned was that the quality of any conference depends greatly on the quality of its participants. Thank you!
As an editor of the Tolstoy Studies Journal (TSJ) and organizer of the conference, I am excited to present this unique opportunity. Given the richness of the content shared at the conference, Tatyana Gershkovich and I propose publishing these papers in a special book edition this winter. This collection would not only serve as a testament to our shared experience but also ensure that our work reaches a wider audience, as the publication will be distributed to libraries and subscribers worldwide.
To address some concerns you might have:
1. Paper Length and Style: While I understand that these are conference papers and tend to be concise, averaging around a thousand words, I'd appreciate it if contributors could refine their texts slightly. This might involve adding references or making clarifications based on the feedback and discussions during the conference. Nevertheless, the essence of these texts should remain true to their origin as conference papers, rather than detailed research articles.
2. Republishing and Expansion: I recognize that some of you may have plans to reshape or expand these papers for future publications. I want to assure you, based on my professional experience, that publishing in the TSJ will only enhance their future publishability. It often serves as a testimony to the paper's credibility and relevance. However, if any author feels differently and chooses to opt out of this opportunity for any reason, I wholeheartedly respect and understand that decision.
3. Deadline and Editing: Please consider November 1 as the deadline for submitting the polished versions of your papers. Rest assured, all submissions to the TSJ undergo a meticulous professional copyediting process, maintaining the highest standards of publication.
Your work adds immense value to the field of Tolstoy Studies, and I genuinely believe this publication will further amplify its impact. I hope you consider this opportunity. Should you have any questions about the conference, the papers, or their publishing process, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly.
In any case, drop me a line and let me know whether or not you're interested in this publication!
Thanks, Michael. I'll send it in by deadline. I appreciate your work for the conference and for this. Best wishes, --Bob