About the Embryo Book Project and the Call for Contributions
Co-editors/creators: Kim Sargent-Wishart, Amy Matthews & Rebecca Haseltine
Human embryology is the story of how our bodies form, from conception through the first 8 weeks of development. This is a rich and generative time, during which a cellular community grows, differentiates and coordinates into all of the basic forms and tissues of the body. Embryological processes are complex choreographies, with structures and spaces appearing and disappearing, layering and enfolding to create the embryo as well as its supporting environment. Embodying embryology can help us to understand our anatomy and physiology more deeply through engaging with the story of how we got here. It can also connect us with patterns, movements, internal currents and relationships that underlie this becoming. Personal experiences in the embodiment of embryology can be deep and varied.
We have observed that often, after students are introduced to an embodied approach to embryology, they ask for a book they can have as a companion to their learning. While we can recommend some favorite embryology textbooks, we recognize that it is quite a leap from viewing an atlas of anatomy, or even watching a Youtube tutorial, to any kind of embodied experience. Embryology is complex, and, unlike learning anatomy, we aren’t just locating structures and functions in our current body. We are layering current experience with transient events of formation.
This book is our offering, a way to support people to continue exploring the wonders of embryology through embodied practice.
We envision an experiential resource book, a collection of guided practices and practice-led insights. This will be a collection of perspectives on embryology and invitations into embodied experiential practice, rather than a comprehensive embryology textbook.
We value multiple perspectives, and believe there is no ‘right way’ to approach embryology and that no single story can get to the wholeness of the process. For this reason, we are requesting proposals for contributions to the book, to include more voices and stories than just our own.
Our anticipated audience includes somatics practitioners and therapists; bodyworkers and massage therapists; yogis, martial artists, Pilates and Gyrotonics teachers; dance, theater and other movement artists; researchers and practitioners in fields of visual arts, design, landscape and education; midwives, doulas and perinatal support practitioners; and occupational and physical therapists and other clinicians. It could have a wide range of applications, including to the fields of eco-somatics, meditation, spirituality and contemplative arts, interpersonal dynamics, gender fluidity and queer theories, new materialism and systems theories.
We welcome proposals for contributions on the practice of embodying embryology, and we would love to hear from students as well as practitioners and teachers from various somatic approaches. Your offering can be in the form of guided practice, case study, personal reflections, or illustrations. You could consider a developmental time/phase, the development of a specific structure or system, or a thread of inquiry through multiple phases. We ask you to consider what excites you, what discoveries and perspectives you want to share, as well as how you might invite readers into their own embodied experience.
A note about process:
We see this as a process of curation in which the contributions respond to each other through layering and juxtaposition. We are looking for a variety of voices, views, and presentation modes to weave together multiple perspectives on embryological development. The shaping of the book will emerge in collaboration between the three editors, in conversation with the other authors and illustrators.
We will not be able to accept all proposals, as some ideas may not fit in relation to the whole.
We will offer editorial support and scaffolding for authors, both in refining your voice and contribution, and in relation to the whole that we will be crafting.
Read more about Kim, Amy & Rebecca here.
SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL HERE BY DECEMBER 15TH, 2021.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
Q: What kind of material are you looking for?
A: We want to create a book with which people can practice experiential embryology; one that offers multiple perspectives on how practice can happen. While we’re interested in unique perspectives and further research, we also want to cover ‘the basics’ of embryological development. Maybe you have a favorite exploration or two that you want to share?
Do I need to submit a finished chapter/section/idea for my proposal?
No, we are not looking for complete pieces of writing at this time. Please give us as much information as you can provide on the proposal form.
Will my contribution be a stand-alone chapter in the book?
Possibly, but more likely not. We will be curating the book to bring different perspectives into conversation and suggest multiple approaches to similar material.
How long should my submission be?
It can be anything from a short experiential practice to a longer exploration of a particular embryological phase or principle. As a general guideline you could propose something from a half-page up to 2000 words.
I have several ideas. Can you help me decide what to propose?
We’re happy to talk it through with you. Email us on embryobookproject@gmail.com with your questions and we can schedule a time to chat. You can also submit multiple proposals.
Who is the publisher and what is the timeline?
Proposals are due December 15th. We will respond to proposal submissions by the middle of February. We are currently in conversation with publishers and do not yet have an arrangement in place. We hope to have a publishing agreement and an idea of the publication timeline by early-mid 2022.
Will contributors be paid or compensated in any way?
We will not be able to pay you for your contribution. We do not expect to be paid. Depending on the arrangement with the publisher, it is likely that contributors will all receive significant discounts on the book. We will know more once we have a publishing agreement in place.
If I contribute to the book do I retain the rights to my work?
Contributors retain all rights to their own original work. The editors will own copyright of the book. In other words, contributors may publish similar work elsewhere but may not distribute pdf or photocopies of any part of the book without written permission.
Any other questions? Contact us at embryobookproject@gmail.com!
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