The Galley Proof is Over

 After a month's work, I wrote over 120 pages of remarks on the galley proof. I am not sure that my editor will be delighted, but I am happy. The changes I have made became possible due to Grammarly, a particular editorship program, which continues to stun me with its remarkable qualities. I especially like entangled issues when the program suggests splitting the text into more palatable sentences or avoiding the monotony of three successive simple sentences. It does not show how, making the task challenging and exciting. 

I am currently collecting data for my new project, with the working title "The Fright and Thrill of Navigation: Seafaring in the Medieval and the Renaissance Mediterranean." 

 I pick up facts and figures about war galleys, their types, and the armament. I found a fascinating book about the Byzantine navy, "The Age of the Dromon," penned by J.H. Pryor and E.M. Jeffreys. This warship was the stepping stone in developing the West European galleys. By comparing the two models, we can understand the changes in construction and performance. 

I have altered my bio on the Academia site. Now, it runs the following: 

 I am an amateur historian and independent researcher. I am keen on ancient, medieval, and early modern histories. I have authored two books, "Dawn and Sunset: A Tale of the Oldest Cities in the Near East" and "The Enchanting Encounter with the East: Breaking the Ice between the Latin West and the Far East." The former introduces a reader to the complex society built by the Sumerians and the Akkadians. In contrast, the latter tracks the expanding horizons of West European scholars in their quest for the Far East. I am currently engaged in a project studying the development of medieval and renaissance shipping in the Mediterranean.

I also decided to continue my quest for a traditional publisher. I will appeal to new agents with a redesigned query, which says:

I found your name on the list of literary agents accepting submissions in nonfiction history. I want you to represent my book, “The Enchanting Encounter with the East: Breaking the Ice between the Latin West and the Far East.” Though Authorhouse UK, a self-published agency, has already accepted this work, I would like you to find a traditional publisher.   

 “The Enchanting Encounter” follows the thorny path of European knowledge about the Far East during the end of the Middle Ages. It conveys the insatiable curiosity and enchantment that engulfed western literati as they were approaching the Orient--the land of silks and spices, facts and fiction, legends and lies. The manuscript shows how a sober global outlook replaced Eurocentric medieval fantasies.

My paper comprises almost 95,000 words and fits into the genre of non-fiction history. It will attract young adults and adult readers interested in cross-cultural relations, taking them on a guided tour of the medieval world. I hope to reach an audience including laypeople (such as college-educated history buffs and high school children) and professionals (students, teachers, and researchers). The title must also attract libraries, educational institutions, and museums. The book is a perfect gift for a friend curious about the Middle Ages and braced for learning new things.

“The Enchanting Encounter” teaches my readers to be independent and objective, to enhance critical thinking and curiosity that will assist them in various everyday situations. It also promotes individual empowerment and self-worth. My thought-provoking story presents things from several points of view without passing hasty judgments and casts an innovative look at medieval history. It is an excellent place to start re-education, launching a rational and mutually respectful debate.

Thorough investigative research set the scene for “The Enchanting Encounter.” I upload the articles, which are open for discussions by experts and the general public, on my website.

https://independent.academia.edu/BaizermanMichael

My audience is about 7000 readers from all over the world. I help promote other writers’ papers on the Academia site, a broad outlet for academic research.

I keep in touch with my readers by writing a blog http://mikebis.blogspot.com/ which has drawn about 6,000 viewers around the globe. I also contact multiple followers on Twitter and Facebook.

   I am an amateur historian captivated by ancient, medieval and early modern civilizations. I have engaged in Internet research for over 18 years and specialize in writing nonfiction history. Having grown up in Moscow, Russia, I live in Israel. I am a retired English high school teacher.

I have authored two books: "Dawn and Sunset: A Tale of the Oldest Cities in the Near East" and "The Enchanting Encounter with the East: Breaking the Ice between the Latin West and the Far East." The former introduces a reader to the complex society built by the Sumerians and the Akkadians. In contrast, the latter tracks the expanding horizons of West European scholars in their quest for the Far East. I am currently engaged in a project studying the development of medieval and renaissance shipping in the Mediterranean.

I am a well-informed autodidact who does his best to keep abreast of modern science and believes that any standpoint needs continuous critical revision. I have participated in sundry FutureLearn historical online courses given by prominent international universities to learn how to present my content to diverse audiences.

Best wishes,

Michael Baizerman 

The Galley Proof of My Second Book

 Since the end of March, I have been making progress with my galley proof for "The Enchanting Encounter with the East." 

Before making corrections, I checked each unit using my new editorial program. I redesigned many paragraphs, and the list of amendments has topped 70 pages after finishing four units out of six. I imagine my editor will be discontented. 

Next week, I will re-edit Unit V, which is the story of Prester John, and if all goes well, I will complete my task by the end of April. 

Listeners liked my lecture  "The Saga about Humankind: the View on the Habitable World during the European Middle Ages and the Renaissance." Some of them asked where they could read the book. I directed them to my Academia page, where they read 18 chapters of my second book (out of 29). The rest I will upload throughout this year. I will continue to collaborate with the Institute of Integration concerning future lectures. 

https://independent.academia.edu/BaizermanMichael

The head of the seminar asked me about the time when the Muslims declared Jerusalem a holy city for Islam. I promised to check. It is a fascinating question for a historian. In the lecture, I explained that the Christians had enhanced the role of Jerusalem since the Age of the Crusades when the Eternal City began to appear on mappae mundi, medieval universal theological maps reserved for illustration and instruction. 

One of my followers offered to be a beta reader. This is my dream to find a partner with whom I can discuss upcoming topics. In the first stage, I sent him a list of contents of my second book. He promised to look through all the chapters and give his opinion. The writer does not exist in a spiritual vacuum. He needs diverse channels to contact his readers. I hope we will work out beneficial cooperation.