Kate Wahl, editor-in-chief and publishing director at Stanford University Press (SUP), will join Northwestern University in Qatar for a public community talk on the future of academic book publishing, as part of the faculty development workshop series. The exclusive session will take place on September 18, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., and is open to faculty, researchers, and students from across Qatar.
The session is part of Northwestern Qatar’s ongoing commitment to advancing contributions to Middle East scholarship and fostering engagement with leading academic voices from around the world. With more than two decades at SUP, Wahl is widely recognized for shaping one of the most influential Middle East Studies publishing series. Since joining Stanford University Press in 2001, she has acquired and developed works that challenge conventional narratives, embrace critical interdisciplinarity, and expand understanding of the region from Morocco to Afghanistan.
Her talk will explore current challenges and opportunities in academic publishing, particularly for scholars from and working in the Global South. Wahl will also address how the field of Middle East Studies has evolved over the past decade, the growing role of digital humanities, and what makes a manuscript stand out to editors.
For scholars developing book projects, the session offers practical insights into the book proposal and peer review process, and speaks to how scholars, especially those based in the Global South, can navigate the path to publication with leading international academic presses.
“I am delighted to welcome Kate Wahl to our campus. Her talk not only affirms Northwestern Qatar’s stature as a center for world-class, peer-reviewed scholarship but also provides our faculty and students with a rare opportunity to engage with one of the most influential figures in academic publishing. This visit reflects our deep commitment to advancing knowledge production that speaks from the region to the world”
Marwan M. Kraidy, dean and CEO of Northwestern Qatar, underscored the significance of Kahl’s visit to Northwestern Qatar’s academic mission. “As a scholar who has worked closely with academic publishers throughout my career, I know firsthand the importance of editors like Kate Wahl in shaping the intellectual landscape of a field,” said Kraidy. “I am delighted to welcome her to our campus. Her talk not only affirms Northwestern Qatar’s stature as a center for world-class, peer-reviewed scholarship but also provides our faculty and students with a rare opportunity to engage with one of the most influential figures in academic publishing. This visit reflects our deep commitment to advancing knowledge production that speaks from the region to the world.”
SUP’s Middle East Studies list is widely recognized for publishing some of the most important recent works in the field, making Wahl’s expertise especially valuable for scholars working in and on the region. In addition to her editorial work, she acquires general interest titles under the Redwood Press imprint and brings a holistic understanding of both academic and public-facing publishing.
Zachary Wright, professor and associate dean for faculty affairs at Northwestern Qatar, emphasized the practical benefit Wahl’s visit brings to faculty. “Kate Wahl’s insights will be incredibly useful to our faculty who are developing book projects. This is an opportunity to engage in conversation with someone who not only understands the regional scholarly landscape but is actively shaping it,” said Wright. “Her insights will help our colleagues refine their work for academic publication and broaden its reach.”
Wahl holds degrees in religious studies and violin performance and continues to perform actively as Assistant Concertmaster of the Peninsula Symphony Orchestra in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The talk will be followed by a Q&A session and an opportunity for faculty and researchers interested in publishing with Stanford University Press or gaining a deeper understanding of the academic publishing process.
