Susan D’Agostino: How to Free Your Inner Mathematician

HOW TO FREE YOUR INNER MATHEMATICIAN:
NOTES ON MATHEMATICS AND LIFE
Susan D'Agostino
Oxford University Press, May 26, 2020 (US), $32.95; Kindle: $18.99
ISBN-10: 0198843593; ISBN-13: 9780198843597
ASIN: B0822XHMQF

D’Agostino reports:

How to Free Your Inner Mathematician, a general-interest mathematics book, draws on my experience as a mathematician. I wrote the book in conversational prose, largely avoided math notation and formulas, and included more than 300 sketches that I drew. My book contains substantial content on advanced math topics as well as advice for persisting in math.

I had walked around with this book in my head for a decade before I approached an Oxford University Press editor at a conference to discuss it. After a lively conversation, he invited me to submit a proposal. I then spent a few months writing the proposal. Once submitted, it underwent review by the editor, peer reviewers, OUP marketing, and OUP delegates. As this process progressed, I got both more excited and more nervous. Approximately three months after I submitted the proposal, I received a contract, which was thrilling.

I had some of the book written and took another nine months to complete it. I relied on family, friends, and mentors to offer constructive criticism on drafts of chapters. Once submitted, the book went into production, which included proofreading and copyediting. My publisher designed the book’s front and back covers, though I was involved in those decisions. I appreciate the 2019 NASW meeting travel grant that allowed me to network with other science writers.

I loved everything about writing this book and have already begun my next book project, which no doubt is benefitting from my having been through the process once. I will not take a decade to think about my second book! Also, I am quicker to believe in my ideas, even the unconventional ones, such as my first book’s premise that I could present advanced math while largely avoiding notation and formulas. Finally, I am spending as much or more time writing the book proposal for this one as I understand the important role it plays in providing direction during the writing process.

My advice to those who are walking around with a book in their head? Take it out of your head, talk with others, and begin drafting a proposal today.

Contact info:

• Susan D’Agostino, sdagost2@jhu.edu, https://www.susandagostino.com/, @susan_dagostino
• Book:https://global.oup.com/academic/product/how-to-free-your-inner-mathematician-9780198843597
• Marketing Manager: Damien Hughes, (+44) 1865 353387, damien.hughes@oup.com

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Hero image credit: Susan D’Agostino, used with permission.