Ideas on Fire Guide to the American Anthropological Association Conference
For anthropologists navigating writing, publishing, and the conference itselfNovember 18–22, 2026 | Saint Louis, MO
AAA heads to St. Louis!
Whether you’re presenting, networking, or refining your next project, this is a key moment in your publishing trajectory.
We're celebrating with you virtually this year, and below we’ve gathered resources to help you make the most of the conference and move your work forward.
Talk with our editorial team
Book a free Zoom consultation with Dr. Cathy Hannabach, founder and CEO of Ideas on Fire, to get focused, practical feedback on your book, article, or proposal.
Learn how our team can support you in the publishing process and make your publishing experience easier.
We offer developmental editing, copyediting, manuscript review, journal editing, and book indexing services.
Whether you’re early in the process or preparing for submission, we’ll meet you where you are.
Ideas on Fire Publishing Series
Learn how ideas move from draft to publication—what happens at each stage, what decisions matter most, and how interdisciplinary scholars can position their work to reach the communities they care about.
New books in anthropology
Recent books by Ideas on Fire authors.
We’re proud to support interdisciplinary scholars publishing work that moves conversations forward across fields.
Working on a book of your own? We’d love to support it. Get in touch to let us know about it.
Publishing resources
Finding the Right Publisher for Your First Book
What to Do When You Get a Scholarly Book Contract
Next steps for authors after receiving a scholarly book contract, including manuscript preparation and marketing.
Budgeting for Editing and Indexing on Books and Articles
How interdisciplinary scholars can best budget for editing and indexing on their books and journal articles.
Getting Started with Image Permissions for Your Book
Image permissions can be overwhelming. Here are some guidelines to get you started as you illustrate your book.
Responding to Reader Reports: The Big Picture
How to approach reviewer comments on your book or article, including reading generously and deciding which advice to follow.
Crafting a Winning First Book Proposal
Acquisitions editors rexplain how they read proposals and how you can articulate your book's audience, contribution, and market in ways that resonate.
Flexible Plans for Journal Article Publishing
Book Promotion for Introverted Scholars
Book promotion strategies, tips, and options that work with—rather than against—an introverted disposition.
Conference resources
Conference Presentation Tips and Techniques
Keep these academic conference presentation tips in mind to share your work with the clarity and confidence you need to connect to your audience.
Managing Conference Presentation Stage Fright
Conference presentation stage fright is very common. Here are some techniques to help you manage your nerves and deliver a great presentation.
Promoting Your New Book at Conferences
Best practices for promoting your book at conferences, with tips on partnering with publishers, using social media, and networking.
Conference Participation When You Can't Attend
Meaningful conference participation from afar is absolutely possible. Here’s how to stay engaged even if you can’t attend.
Your conference playlist
Listen to conversations with anthropologists from the Imagine Otherwise podcast.
These episodes are a great way to engage ideas from across the field—whether you’re traveling to the conference or continuing the conversation afterward.
Bring your project to publication
Ideas on Fire partners with scholars at every stage of the publishing process:
- Developmental editing
- Manuscript reviews
- Copyediting
- Proofreading
- Indexing
- Publisher research
Whether you’re preparing a book proposal, revising after peer review, or finalizing a manuscript for production, we help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
