This informal conversation took place in September 2020 with recently published ECR’s and established academics. They discussed what to keep in mind when preparing to turn your thesis into a book, how to get started, get a contract, and get it finished. They also talked about the state of academic book publishing generally, and reflect on publishing during and after a pandemic. This conversation was the first in a two part workshop, and you can now listen to the recording of the first part via this link: Publishing a first book on Southeast Asia.