JOHN LEE CANDELARIA

It’s funny how hindsight often makes us wish we had documented our journeys sooner. The uncertainty of outcomes can be paralyzing. But now, with my book project greenlit by Routledge, I feel compelled to talk about my experience, with the lofty goal of serving as a guide and inspiration for fellow early-career scholars, and more selfishly, memorialize this milestone in my scholarly career.

My academic journey began with a deep fascination for history, leading me to a BA and MA in History from the University of the Philippines Diliman. My research gravitated towards the Japanese occupation of the Philippines from 1941 to 1945. Inspired by my grandmother’s tales of wartime Catanduanes, I found myself drawn to the cultural dimensions of war. My travels across Southeast Asia then sparked a keen interest in the region’s war memorials. These silent stones, I discovered, are far more than mere monuments; they are powerful instruments of nation-building and political expression.

My doctoral dissertation, “States and Stones: War Memorialization and Nation Building in Twentieth Century Southeast Asia,” was a deep dive into this subject. Through case studies of the Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore, I aimed to uncover how political elites manipulate these sites to shape national identity and further their agendas.

At this point, I must note that I had a different dissertation project when I started my PhD, but the pandemic threw a wrench into my plans. My initial focus on peace processes in Southeast Asia became untenable due to travel restrictions. But as they say, every challenge presents an opportunity. This unexpected turn led me back to my roots in History. I was still fortunate to have published articles from my pre-pandemic research focus (check them out here and here).

Writing my dissertation during the pandemic was particularly challenging. Travel restrictions hindered on-site research, but my network of friends and colleagues provided crucial support by sending photographs and materials. Additionally, fellowships from Chulalongkorn University in 2020 and the National University of Singapore in 2021 were invaluable. Despite the obstacles, the institutional and personal support I received were blessings. Of course, it also goes on without saying that my supervisor, Dr. Mari Katayanagi, was a wellspring of warmth and support, and it was through her guidance that I was able to finish my dissertation project.

The idea of transforming my dissertation into a book was with me during my doctoral student days. I even structured my dissertation with this possibility in mind, aiming to create a work that could be read and enjoyed by a broader audience. I also argued with a professor as they deemed my title too dramatic (in hindsight, yes, it is. Haha). However, adapting the dissertation for a general readership required significant revisions. Traditional dissertation chapters needed to be reworked to appeal to non-academic readers. Fortunately, I had a mentor in my colleague, Dahlia Simangan, whose “Scholars Unbound” podcast and personal journey in publishing her dissertation into a book were immensely helpful. Additionally, William Germano’s “From Dissertation to Book” provided valuable guidance, though I wish I had read it earlier.

Securing a book deal initially felt like a stroke of luck. I spent most of 2023 battling imposter syndrome and hesitating to approach publishers. I focused on editing my dissertation, particularly the case study chapters, but found it challenging to make significant progress amid the demands of a new assistant professor position. In the last quarter of 2023, an email from a Routledge editor changed everything. They saw the abstract of a panel I chaired at the 2023 AAS-in-Asia conference in Daegu, South Korea, and thought that it could make for a great edited book project (that story is for another day). This opportunity made me consider submitting my dissertation, and to my delight, they expressed interest. The proposal process involved submitting my strongest case study chapters while refining the introduction and conclusion. My advice to others pursuing a book deal is to start with your strongest chapters, ensure they are polished, and don’t hesitate to reach out to publishers. Persistence is essential.

The review of my proposal was very thorough, with the reviewers meticulously commenting on my case studies. There were a lot of changes suggested and arguments reworked, but they saw the merit in what I was trying to do. I penned a reply to the review comments, taking almost ten pages of elaborate explanations. Later, I found out that the editor was happy with my response, and recommended to the Editorial Board that I be granted a contract. On May 28, I received news that the contract has been approved. Coincidentally, that same day was my late grandmother’s 101st birthday.

I am currently revising the entire manuscript, with a final submission deadline in three months. I have planned field visits to revisit my study sites, which I will document in separate blog posts. The upcoming months will be hectic, but securing the book contract has bolstered my confidence and underscored the value of my work. As I embark on this new chapter, I hope my experiences offer useful insights and inspire fellow scholars to chase their own publishing dreams.